Christian Reflection and Prayer

Lenten Devotion

"Some of the Pharisees said, 'This man is not from God,
for He does not keep the Sabbath.' But others said, 'How
can a man who is a sinner do such things?' And there was
a division among them" (John 9:16).

Read John 9:1-16.

Leaving the temple grounds Jesus passes through
Jerusalem. Along the way His disciples point out a man
born blind. They ask if his blindness is a result of his
parents' sin or his own. Jesus rejects both claims, and says
this man was born blind so the works of God may be
displayed in him. Then Jesus gave the man sight.

When word reaches the Pharisees there is a sharp division
among them. Some immediately reject Jesus because He
healed on the Sabbath day. Blinded by their tradition they are
unable to see God's great purpose for the Sabbath-to let
people rest from their labors and let God work in their lives.
Others realize the magnitude of the work Jesus has done.
Like Nicodemus before (see John 3), they know no sinful man
could perform such a mighty miracle. So a division arises
among the Pharisees.

Jesus continues to divide people today. Some listen to His
words, consider His miracles and are led by the Holy Spirit
to the certain faith that He is God's Son, the Savior of the
world. Others ignore the plain truth and take issue with the way
Jesus taught and the demands they think He makes on their
lives. They doubt His relevance and prefer to live their lives their
own way.

God grant us His Holy Spirit to know Jesus as God's Son, our
only Savior and Lord, and to follow Him through all.

THE PRAYER:

Spirit of God, strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ my Lord, and
give me firm confidence when others are divided over Him. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.

Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer