People loved to talk. That's how they got their news. News about Jesus' healing words and kind forgiving actions were topics of curiosity and deepening belief. Some thought that Jesus was very bold in expression of His relationship to God. This boldness was what got Him into trouble, they said. The news brought discussions, and some arguments, about whether or not Jesus should call God the Heavenly Father. Also, Jesus' Messiahship was questioned as to His claim to be One with God, and present with God at creation.
What it all boiled down to was 'choice' people said. Each of us can choose to be a son or daughter of God. The Gospel writer put it this way: "To all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God, ..." (John 1:12) We know that we are God's own because Jesus touches us and we are not ever the same again. We're better, surer, as we grow closer and closer to Jesus. For many of us this is also a healing, renewing experience. It was this way for the blind man.
After Jesus left the temple that day He was walking along and saw a man who had been blind from birth. Compelled by love to heal this man, Jesus touched him. He was healed. Jesus' healing touch created a life changing experience for those who were there to witness this miracle. These bystanders had heard the news that day. They had been in on the conversations and the arguments. But now they too had been touched. They were convinced by this experience of Jesus that He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Let us know Him and keep His Word.
Jesus answered, "If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing. It is My Father who glorifies Me. He of whom you say, "He is our God" though you do not know Him. But I do know Him and I keep His Word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day, he saw it and was glad." Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I AM." So they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. John 8:54-59
Rev. Patricia E. Walker, AlphaChurch.org
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