We know!

In John 9.24, this morning where the Pharisees encounter the man who had been blind from birth, but whose eyes Christ had opened. The whole encounter has a side element of comedy to it as the blue collar guy—without education and intellect—schools the guys who have all of the education and intelligence.

What struck me is that the Pharisees used the language of devotion. They call for the unnamed ex-blind guy to give glory to God. Sounds good! What could possibly be wrong with that. Then they say, we know that this man is a sinner. In the Greek the we is emphasized as if they were saying, "we and not you," or "of this we are sure." The language of devotion masked a spirit of pride that could not or would not see what was plainly in front of them, as the ex-blind guy points out for them: Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. Ouch! How that must have hurt.

The learning point is two-fold: First, I had better make sure that my heart does not hide unbelief and pride behind a mask of devotion. Second, it is possible that I can be so convinced that what I believe is correct—even when it is absolutely wrong—that I miss the truth, even when it smacks me squarely in the eyes. Be careful, O wandering heart!