Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“He said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped Him. Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near Him heard these things and said to Him, ‘Are we also blind?’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, “We see,” your guilt remains.’” — John 9:38–41 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

The closing scene of John 9 reveals one of the most sobering truths about salvation. A man born blind—without status, influence, or religious credentials—receives sight. But the greater miracle is not what happens to his eyes; it is what happens to his heart.

When Jesus speaks of judgment, He is not describing a courtroom verdict so much as a spiritual unveiling. Those who know they are blind are brought into the light. Those who insist they already see are exposed as blind. The healed man responds with faith and worship. The Pharisees respond with anger and accusation.

This is the great divide. Salvation does not begin with knowledge, moral achievement, or spiritual pedigree. It begins with honesty. The blind man had nothing to offer Christ except his need. He made no claims of righteousness. He did not argue his worth. He simply believed—and worshiped.

The Pharisees, by contrast, claimed clarity but possessed none. They insisted they were servants of God, yet refused to acknowledge their sin. They believed their lineage, authority, and religious reputation excused them from repentance. When confronted by the Light of the world, they did not humble themselves—they hardened themselves.

Jesus’ words are piercing: “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.” The issue was not ignorance, but pride. Not blindness, but the refusal to admit it.

This is still the dividing line today. Humanity’s greatest barrier to salvation is not a lack of understanding, but a resistance to humility. God does not ask us to arrive sinless or fully informed. He asks us to come honest. The gospel is not received by those who claim sight, but by those who admit their need for it.

The man who once sat in darkness ends the chapter on his knees in worship. The religious leaders remain standing—confident, respected, and blind.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways can spiritual pride disguise itself as confidence or maturity?
2. Why is admitting spiritual blindness often harder than admitting moral failure?
3. How does this passage reshape the way you understand repentance and faith?
4. Are there areas where claiming “I see” might be preventing deeper dependence on Christ?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the world. Strip away every false claim of sight in my heart. Give me the humility to confess my blindness and the faith to receive Your mercy. Keep me from trusting in knowledge, position, or reputation instead of grace. Open my eyes daily—not only to see truth, but to respond with worship. Amen.