John 9:1

Later on, as Jesus goes for a walk about town, He sees a man who was born blind.  John 9:1 EFP

The text literally says, “As [he] passed by…” which makes me wonder a number of things. Is this immediately after his escape from the angry mob in temple courts? Is this another day? Is he still in Jerusalem? He must have seen any number of people in need of healing and help; what makes this one blind man stand out? Does Jesus know this particular man has been blind since he was born? How does he know? Why does he stop for this particular man?

I am sure there are more questions, but it all goes to the final question—why this specific man? Nothing Jesus does in by chance or coincidence. He is being led by a higher power. Something must have drawn Jesus to this sad specimen. He is most likely begging, since blind people are for the most part outcasts of society, and given his condition is considered God’s punishment for sins committed by his parents or his own sinful nature.

I am glad Jesus “sees a man” on that day. Nothing escapes his attention when there is something to be fixed that need fixing or someone to be touched that need touching. But there is more. Jesus notices this man because he has a future—a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. No one else notices anything special. Most try to pass by without noticing. But Jesus sees this man and knows immediately there is something worth noticing. That is my story. He sees me. I know he sees me and notices something worth noticing. It is obviously hidden from everyone else, but it is not from the One person that matters most!