Pharisee - is this you?

 In reading John 9 about the blind man, this writer is struck again by the proud Pharisee.  Webster's defines the Pharisees as "One of a sect among the Jews, whose religion consisted in a strict observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretended holiness led them to separate themselves as a sect, considering themselves as more righteous than other Jews."  The Greek interpretation of "Pharisees" from  Strong's Concordance reads a bit more lengthy:

"A sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to OT books the Pharisees                recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life.  They sought praise by outward observance    of external rites and forms of piety, such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers...They prided        themselves on their fancied good works.  The believed in a coming Messiah and that there was life        after death in heaven or Hades based on ones works. They fiercly defended their thocracy to the            Roman's and their sect possessed great influence with the common people.  They, of course were            bitter enemies of the Lord Jesus because He preached forgiveness, mercy, love and grace in addition        to good works."

Much could be said about walking by "sight rather than faith," (I Cor 5.7).  However, the arrogant, blindness of religion and traditions weighs on this writers heart the most today.

It is interesting that the Miracle workers chose a blind man to make His point.  He said in verse 5 of chapter 9, "I am the light of the world."  Bear in mind, the Lord Jesus NEVER does anything without purpose, plan or meaning. His method of healing this man was also unusual; "spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle."  Huge meaning here. Healing a mortal man made from the dust of the earth with the same dust he came from.  Yet, the Lord added "spittle."  I think a type of the Holy Ghost as He is described using the form of water.  Sorry, I digress.  

The Pharisee's standing by, watching it all.  Obviously, even though they were eager to catch the Lord in some error of words or the law, curiosity lay hold and they couldn't walk away.  They asked the question, "How did He make this man see," three times (v10, 15, 26)!  They WOULD not see the plain Truth in front of them! Why?  What blinded their eyes?

In an aggressive manner they began firing questions that pricked their conscience. 

• Isn't this the beggar? (v8)
• Where is this Man, Jesus? (v12)
• How did He do this? (v15)
• How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? (v16)
• What did you say to Him that He would open your eyes? (v17)
• Talking to the blind mans parents, "Is this your son?" (v19)
• Give God the praise, this Jesus is a sinner! (v24)
• Again, they asked, "What did He do to you to make you see?" (v26)
• We are Moses' disciples, don't accuse us of following this man! (v28)
• Who do you think you are (said to the former blind man), that you would teach us?! (v34)
• The Pharisees said to the Lord Jesus, "Are we blind also?" (v40)

So, religion in its finest form is proud, arrogant, self-willed.  Just like Satan said to Eve from the beginning, "Yea hath God said?" (Gen 3.1) He will continue to question EVERYTHING about the Lord Jesus and who He is.  Same song, second, third, fourth....verse.  It never ends while mortal man exists.

It is agreed that one should judge between "good and evil" (Rom 12.21, Isa 5.20, I Cor 15.33, Prov 3.7, Psa 37.27...).  However, when studied out, this blogger believes one would find 'more' on belief than judging.  

Dear reader, check yourself.  Do you simple "believe" He is who He says or would you, like Thomas continue question what you cannot see? (Jn 10.28)

Faith is the "evidence of things not seen." (Heb 11.1)