Day 11, John 11

Guest Blogger: Daniel Hess

How’s your eyesight? This is an age where so much can be done about vision problems. For the majority of us a simple outside source such as contact lenses can correct the problem. In John 11 we encounter many different types of spiritual eyesight. We find many people looking into the situation of Lazarus dying. It’s obvious who saw the entire situation clearly. Jesus, with his 20/20 vision, says in verse 4, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus saw the situation clearly and acted throughout this whole chapter according to God’s plans.

Compare this with the disciples. We could characterize them as far-sighted. They were focused on what they thought Jesus’ mission was, to bring God’s kingdom to fulfillment in Israel. They could not see this mission transpiring if Jesus was killed prematurely. They respond accordingly in verse 8 trying to dissuade Jesus. They see a long-range goal but not the opportunity right in front of them.

Mary, in contrast appears near-sighted. She despairs that Jesus took so long in coming. She can only see the ugliness of the situation in front of her. Both Mary and the disciples only see clearly in hindsight.

Look at Martha. Martha astounds me. Her vision is a little fuzzy but she sees something. In verse 21 & 22 she admits she hoped Jesus would come earlier but she also hints a faith that Jesus can still work the situation to good. Jesus takes this little bit of vision she has and helps her see the rest of the picture. Her vision starts to clear.

Then there are the Pharisees at the end of the chapter. They are blind and looking at the wrong thing all together. They did not even see clearly in hindsight. They spend their time wondering how to stop Jesus rather than wondering about the miracle just witnessed. Jesus brought a dead man to life!

So where are we? Just like John 11, we are surrounded by tragic situations. There are spiritually dead friends around us. There are times in life we take deadly falls. None of us has Jesus’ vision, but what type of vision do we have? Do we have the disciple’s vision that overlooks the present opportunity for a future goal? Or how about Mary’s eyesight that can’t see far enough to find hope? Are we looking at the wrong thing altogether? Or can we claim something like Martha? We may not know the end but we can turn to Jesus’ perfect vision and ask for help. We can have faith in a God who can do amazing things like raise the dead and restore life to the world. Let’s allow him to correct our eyesight and help us see more clearly into the despairing situations in life.

To make a comment, or view the rest of the blog and other comments, click on http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/