"Some of the Pharisees said, 'This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.' But others said, 'How can a man who is a sinner do such things?' And there was a division among them" (John 9:16). Read John 9:1-16.
Leaving the temple grounds Jesus passes through Jerusalem. Along the way His disciples point out a man born blind. They ask if his blindness is a result of his parents' sin or his own. Jesus rejects both claims, and says this man was born blind so the works of God may be displayed in him. Then Jesus gave the man sight.
When word reaches the Pharisees there is a sharp division among them. Some immediately reject Jesus because He healed on the Sabbath day. Blinded by their tradition they are unable to see God's great purpose for the Sabbath-to let people rest from their labors and let God work in their lives. Others realize the magnitude of the work Jesus has done. Like Nicodemus before (see John 3), they know no sinful man could perform such a mighty miracle. So a division arises among the Pharisees.
Jesus continues to divide people today. Some listen to His words, consider His miracles and are led by the Holy Spirit to the certain faith that He is God's Son, the Savior of the world. Others ignore the plain truth and take issue with the way Jesus taught and the demands they think He makes on their lives. They doubt His relevance and prefer to live their lives their own way.
God grant us His Holy Spirit to know Jesus as God's Son, our only Savior and Lord, and to follow Him through all.
THE PRAYER: Spirit of God, strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ my Lord, and give me firm confidence when others are divided over Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 3-4 Mark 12:28-44
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