The young man answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
John 9:25
NOW
The Callings of Youth
The whole of John 9 is taken up with the account of the healing of a young man who was born blind. Read the full story—it’s the longest encounter with Jesus we have in the gospels. This single line from the story helps us focus on a calling that is important to the development of those who are young—to speak the truth boldly and plainly in the face of adult opposition.
While the adults are arguing over whether or not Jesus is a sinner, the young man focuses on the important issue—“Though I was blind, now I see”—and in doing so, he unmasks the blindness of the adults.
Reality contradicts many of the negative stereotypes of youth—that they are selfish, un-engaged in reality, not interested in politics or religion. In truth, youth have never been the future of the church, they have always been the present. And this encounter with Jesus underscores that truth. The example of youth opens our eyes to the reality around us and challenges us to respond in faith to that reality—at school, among friends, with family, and in church.
- What did the story of this young person remind you about being young?
- What were your most meaningful experiences as a young person, and how did they shape who you are today?
- What aspects of your youth have been lost and need to be found? Explain.
- Pause to ask Jesus: “When you consider my youth, what caused you to delight in me?” Listen. Respond. Then worship.