John 9:28

The man’s answer does not please them at all. They insult him by saying, “You are a follower of this nobody. We, on the other hand, are disciples of Moses!” John 9:28 EFP 

In the face of the-once-blind-man’s somewhat insolent response, the religious leaders there assembled reply with what is nothing less than an insult to the man and to Jesus, for good measure. It is interesting to note how familiar their response is compared to that of people who are unwilling to learn anything from others who do not line up with their preconceived notion of the truth.

When threatened by irrefutable truth, attack! Question intelligence. Mock pedigree. Anything is fair game when you are overmatched. Yet, their response to the man, who in their eyes, is obviously inferior to them in formal education and social status, is unnecessary and uncalled for. If they feel their position is correct, then they should discuss it cordially instead of resorting to petty schoolyard banter.

I am going through a serious spiritual battle these days. I sense my future hangs in the balance. I am in search of a deeper experience with God, but my search is leading me to a place where it seems I am unwilling to go. The uncertainty is wreaking havoc with my pursuit. I can relate to the Jewish leaders. They are afraid of where the events they are witnessing will lead them. They do not want to go there.

I also have a choice to make. I cannot risk that my decision become aligned with that of some of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day—one that would ultimately cause them to seek to bring the witness of the Galilean to a sudden end. God, lead me and teach me to follow.