“But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?”
“Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you want to become his disciples, too?” (John 19:26-27)

Read: Psalm 105 – 106

Relate: The only thing worse than being wrong is insisting that you are right while everyone else around you knows you are wrong. Have you ever been there? Did you ever get into a debate where, when it first got going, you were sure you were right but as more information is presented and when the other side starts making their case, you start to realize you were wrong? What do you do? How do you react? It has been quite a long time since I’ve been in that place because, quite frankly, I’m always right. Even when I’m not,  I am right and there’s no point in trying to prove otherwise.

That said, I do remember waaaaay back in the day when I did happen to be wrong once or twice (like yesterday). I would like to think that I would admit my error with grace and then move on, but those rare, very rare (daily) times when I have found myself in that position have been far too proud to admit fault. As a general rule, the more vehemently I have insisted I was right, the harder it was for me to back down. My best case scenario is to try and divert the conversation in another direction before everybody else can dig in and gloat in my demise.

React: I can really empathize with the Pharisees here. They have tried so desperately hard to demonstrate that they are in the right and Jesus is wrong. They’ve tried to look at this from any and every angle and now they’re backed into a corner. They need something, anything, that they can work with. Just… what exactly did He do?

Maybe he realizes it, maybe he doesn’t, but metaphorically speaking the man born blind is standing with one foot on the neck of their fallen pride with arms raised high as he asks, “I’ve already told you. Why do you keep bringing it up? Do you want to be his disciples too?” Oh the pain. The agony. They are desperate to hide how they have been oh so wrong. They are desperate to hide how their opposition to Jesus has made them look like fools.

We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. This man’s testimony was not eloquent… but it was irrefutable. Intellectual arguments can never stand against the simple change God has made in your life. That is, if there has been a change.

So… what’s your testimony?

Respond: 

God, I see You. All so often I am so desperate to be seen right. I am so concerned with my own reputation and how others view me. Like the Pharisees I am desperate to never be caught or proven wrong. Help me to lay down my pride. Yes, I do want to be Your disciple. Bring about a greater change in my life and give me courage to talk about it wherever I go. Help me be less concerned with my own eloquence and far more concerned that others see You. Let me always give You the honor and glory You alone deserve.