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“One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25b

My Bible reading this morning brought me to one of my favorite places: the ninth chapter of John’s gospel. If you’ve read the gospels, the story here is probably familiar to you—it’s when Jesus heals the blind man on the Sabbath by making clay for his eyes and having him wash in one of the temple pools. There is so much to unpack in every word and action. But one reason it’s so special to me is that, after 30 years of churchgoing, this was this passage that finally opened my own eyes to the Truth of Jesus Christ.

This man’s entire life was transformed by Jesus, yet no one celebrates with him. Instead, they were too busy worried about the fact that his healing took place on the Sabbath—and whether or not the One who healed him sinned because of it. But this guy’s responses to the whole thing were awesome. (Some of his retorts to the Pharisees were rather snarky, so maybe that’s why I like him so much.)

First, his neighbors were quarrelling among themselves whether this was actually the blind guy whom they knew to be a lifelong beggar. When they asked him directly, he simply told them what happened, which no one could argue or deny (v11). Probably out of fear, they brought him to the Pharisees—no work (including healing) allowed on the Sabbath, and rules were rules. And when the Pharisees asked and he told them what happened, they didn’t believe that he was once blind. So, they sent for his parents, who did confirm he was their son and that he was born blind. But because they were also fearful of the Pharisees, they left it at that, saying, “He’s an adult, ask him!”

When the Pharisees turned back to the (likely exasperated) healed man, demanding he agree that Jesus was a sinner, he gives the most concise and eloquent response: “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (vs 25).

Sister, if you are a Christian, this is your testimony too. It’s mine. And it belongs to every believer, regardless of where, when, or how we surrendered to Jesus as Lord. We were once blind to the Truth, and now our eyes have been opened. This is an indisputable fact, a powerful evangelism tool we each possess to share the Good News with others. No theology or apologetics degree required. Of course, we must always be maturing in our walk with the Lord. And we need to know God’s Word and be ready to provide an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).

But whether we’re talking to someone who’s never heard the name of Jesus (like the healed man’s neighbors) or to a belligerent, vitriolic hater (like the Pharisees), this simple—and profound, lifechanging—truth is an irrefutable place to start. No fear required. “I once was blind, but now I see.”

“Lord, You rescued me, opening my eyes to Your grace, mercy, and love. May I confidently share my testimony with others, so You may do the same for them.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Psalm 139:14a (NIV)

In Brazil, where I grew up, an orange is a fruit that people peel with a knife going around the fruit with the intent of reaching the end of the peel without breaking it. Though it may sound like a silly act, peeling an orange is like an art and most Brazilians try to master it.

As a child, I remember visiting some impoverished neighborhood homes where people would hang orange peel above their wooden stoves to draw out the orange scent into their homes. I found out then, that to those people, that hanging orange peel was not simply orange peel but rather a natural type of potpourri.

I have learned over the years that people do not always see things from the same perspective. While someone may look at a difficult situation as a lesson well learned, another may take that same lesson as a catastrophe, as the ultimate blow to give up on life and may never recover from such a blow.

I have never seen orange peel hanging from anyone’s kitchen here in America. I have never even seen anyone trying to peel an orange by holding the knife steadily around and around the fruit in order to get a long, seamless string of peel. Yet, I still see it as an art and each orange I peel is a reminder that the peel can be much more than just that.

When Jesus came to earth, He did not have the splendor of potpourri. He was born in a stable among animals. Yet, His presence made all people experience the sweet, unending, unfailing love of God. That tiny baby boy grew up to show the world that when God has a plan, no matter how simple and unimportant someone may seem, to Him, that person is considered special and will be treated like the apple of His eye.

Today, as I peeled an orange for myself, I remembered that I was made in God’s image and that even when others look at me as simple dried up orange peel, to God I will always be potpourri.

 “Dear Lord, thank you for making me who I am in You.”

 For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life