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Post by Mark on Jun 29, 2008 5:41:28 GMT -8
In John 9, the story begins with Messiah exiting the Temple and finding a blind man. Messiah Yeshua didn't take notice of him until one of his disciples asked, "Who sinned, this man or his parents?", knowing that the man had been blind since birth.
We find later in the text that this man is over 40 years old and had probably sat at the Temple gates for many years, begging alms. Since Messiah could heal the blindness, and often did so without provokation or by request, why did He wait until now to perform this miracle for this man?
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Post by Nashdude on Jul 1, 2008 23:00:42 GMT -8
Not to correct you, but I think the text indicates that Jesus did in fact notice him...
John 9:1-2 -- And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
As to why He didn't heal Him right off, I think the more interesting question is "why did the disciples take notice of the blind man?"
Bear in mind, this is NOT coming from a Messianic Jew, so I'm sure people will see things differently. Anyway, note this passage that directly precedes your verse...
John 8:59 -- Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Jesus saw the blind man as He was exiting the Temple. He'd left the Temple not in a rush, as a man fleeing for his life (which is exactly what the Pharisees within were planning to take!), but instead rather leisurely. I mean, just a few steps behind Him, folks were plotting His demise, and yet He---AND HIS DISCIPLES---stroll out the front door and pause at this blind man. I can easily imagine Jesus keeping His cool with all them angry men, but it's really a testiment to the disciples' faith---even at this early stage---that they weren't headed for the hills and leaving Him to fend for Himself!
So here comes Jesus and the disciples, strolling out of the Temple, and He notices the blind man. Now ask yourself---what is Jesus' modus operandi? Each and every action He takes is a learning lesson for His disciples. Sometimes He initiates action. Sometimes He waits for their question. I think the answer to your question lies in the question asked by the disciples---"who sinned?"
Had Jesus simply gone up and healed the blind man, the disciples would have likely taken it in stride. I mean, Jesus was ALWAYS doing stuff like that. Instead, He waits on their question. Why? Because had He not, had He simply healed the man without the question being asked, they may never have considered the question, and they would have missed out on an amazing teaching---that our suffering is not necessarily a punishment from God, but an opportunity for God to be glorified!
As Jesus pointed out in the Sermon on the Mount, God makes the sun rise on the good and evil alike, and sends rain upon the just and the unjust alike. In other words, stuff happens. It's what we DO with that stuff that determines whether it will end up being a blessing or a curse.
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Post by Mark on Jul 2, 2008 3:41:57 GMT -8
I appreciate your statements; and that is another lesson that we well to keep in mind. My question is in regard to the fact that the Messiah must have passed by this man hundreds of times without healing him. He must have passed him by when He was twelve years old, entering the Temple on His maiden solo, chatting with the elders as a boy and every year since. The question was asked in another thread about if we should always give to beggars theloveofgod.proboards3.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=857This might be seen as another angle of the same question. Did Messiah always meet the needs of everyone whom He recognized to be in need? Why would He have waited until now, since He must have had the opportunity many, many times before? Does Adonai withhold good things from those in need? |
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Post by Nashdude on Jul 3, 2008 23:30:08 GMT -8
Absolutely. It's all a matter of HIS timing, rather than what WE would consider perfect timing.
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Post by Mark on Jul 4, 2008 4:29:04 GMT -8
Messiah repeatedly healed on the Sabbath day, which we don't really have any problem with because of how  defines "not working". But since, in many of these cases, Messiah had already passed by these fellows repeatedly for years; what would have been the harm of waiting one more day? Why did He have to heal them at that moment, causing all the ruckus? Are we not called to live peaceably with all men whenever possible, or does that not apply yo our Messiah whom we are commanded to emulate in every way possible? |
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Post by Nashdude on Jul 4, 2008 4:44:01 GMT -8
But since, in many of these cases, Messiah had already passed by these fellows repeatedly for years; what would have been the harm of waiting one more day? Why did He have to heal them at that moment, causing all the ruckus? Because on that day, at that moment, the timing was perfect for God's purposes. Any sooner, and the disciples might not have been in the place where they could process the miracle, mentally or spiritually. Any later, and the blind man's suffering would have been needless. But at that moment, the disciples were ready, the blind man (of course) was ready, and God would be glorified. And as for ruckus... As I remember, Jesus' earthly life was REPLETE with ruckus! Drawing in the sand, overturning tables, whipping money changers, take your pick. Jesus did say that His coming would not bring us peace, but rather a sword, did He not? While we're suppose to live as peacibly as possible, our primary purpose is to serve the Will of God---whenever, wherever, and however that Will must be satisfied. |
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Post by Mark on Jul 5, 2008 6:18:37 GMT -8
So, when we're passing by someone who has a need, how do we know that the timing is perfect? And, if the little voice in our head is saying, "Not right now," how do we know that little voice is the Spirit of Adonai?
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Post by Nashdude on Jul 5, 2008 7:40:45 GMT -8
Pray for discernment. If your heart is to do the Lord's Will---as HE commands you serve, not as YOU think you will serve Him best---then discernment should come easily. You'll know when to give, and when to withhold. Kinda vague, I know, but that's the best answer I have right now  |
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defines "not working". But since, in many of these cases, Messiah had already passed by these fellows repeatedly for years; what would have been the harm of waiting one more day? Why did He have to heal them at that moment, causing all the ruckus? Are we not called to live peaceably with all men whenever possible, or does that not apply yo our Messiah whom we are commanded to emulate in every way possible?
