After declaring himself to be the very light of the world, Jesus demonstrated that claim with the dramatic healing of the man who had been born blind. He testified that he came into this world in order that those who do not see may come to see, and that those claiming to see might be made blind. Only the Lord Jesus can enable those who once were spiritually blind and in darkness come to receive the true light, to regain spiritual sight in him.

In concluding the episode with the healing of the man born blind, Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Jesus came to help the blind to see, and to show those claiming to see that they are blind.

Lord, help us to see. Without your assistance and support, we wander in darkness and shadows blindly. We beg of you, for it is only in your light that we can see the light. Amen.

On the hymn, Amazing Grace: “Is there a poetic explanation for the fact that this has become the signature hymn of the English-speaking world? No; a benediction has fallen on it that cannot be fully explained. We can say, however, that the poem promises what we long for at the deepest level of our being: grace, salvation, going home, being safe within a heavenly veil, eternity in God’s presence. Although this poem does not keep its focus strictly on the grace named in the famous opening, that line is so captivating that we assimilate the whole poem as celebrating the triumphs of God’s grace in our lives. Titus 2:11–13 is a good parallel passage, which unfolds as the poem does from past to future: ‘For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.’”

~ Leland Ryken, 40 Favorite Hymns on the Christian Life: A Closer Look at Their Spiritual and Poetic Meaning. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2019. pp. 23-24.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Jesus, the Light of the World, John 9.1-41

Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God