Most people, me included, love a happy ending. When we go
to a movie we want to see the story wrapped up in a neat little bow, all the
questions answered, all the problems resolved and the hero/heroine walking off
into the sunset with hope and the potential for a life of happiness. Oh, and we
want the bad guy to be destroyed, imprisoned, or at least taken care of – for a
while. We may not want to admit it, but there is something very attractive to the
phrase “happily ever after”. It allows us to hope. It allows us to dream. It
allows us to put aside the realities of daily life and get lost in the
“what-if”.
I was reminded of 2 stories – 2 miracles actually- from
the gospel of John that seem to follow each other pretty quickly in the
timeline of Jesus’ ministry. The first is the healing of a blind man on the
Sabbath (John 9). And the second is the raising of Lazarus back to life (John
11). Both events are quite significant and both events are used to demonstrate
who Jesus is, but more telling than that, both events do not end up with the
traditional “happy ending”.
The first miracle is set just outside the temple and takes
place on the Sabbath. A beggar, blind since birth, was a staple among those that
surround the temple to seek help from passers by. As Jesus walks by with His
disciples a question is asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that
he should be born blind?” (The disciples are much like us, wanting to know the
reason why things are the way they are, wanting to know the logical explanation
of “why”).
Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor
his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in
him.” Then He spat on the ground and made a mud cake and put it on the eyes of
the beggar and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. The moment he completed
the task his sight was restored and he could see. What a miracle! What an
amazing way to meet the needs of someone who was desperately in need! And he
lived happily every after…right?
This is where the story takes a turn from our traditional
happy ending. As the chapter continues we are introduced to a group of
questioning religious leaders who are having a major issue with this miracle.
After questioning the former blind beggar twice, to get the scoop on how we was
actually healed, they then call upon his parents to verify the validity of his
claim to having been “blind from birth”. Instead of being joyous and
celebrating with this amazing miracle, the religious leaders are instead
questioning whether it was a set-up, hoax or work of some evil power.
The leaders are questioning who Jesus is, “We know that
God has spoken to Moses; but as for this man, we do not know where he is from.”
(John 9: 29). The former blind beggar makes a simple statement, “Whether he is
a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I
see…If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” (John 9:25, 33). After
this statement of fact the beggar is kicked out of the synagogue and
excommunicated from the religious world he had always known.
Not exactly the happy ending that we would expect to
follow a miracle that simply brought sight to a blind man, is it?
Two chapters later we are introduced to another miracle
that carries many of the same details – that of Lazarus being raised from the
dead. (You can read more of his story in
Jen’s blog, “The Story’s Not Over Yet).
Jesus comes to bring Lazarus back to life after his
death. His sisters were amazed! The friends were in awe! There was exceeding joy in what Jesus had
done! What an amazing miracle and what a
happy ending…or was it?
The religious leaders again convene a council. And once
again they begin to examine the person who has received the miracle touch of
Jesus. Where is the rejoicing? Where is the amazement at witnessing such an
incredible act? Instead we see this response from the religious leaders, “The
great multitude of Jews learned that He (Jesus) was there; and they came, not
for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also se Lazarus, whom He raised from
the dead. But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus to
death also because on account of him many of the Jews were going away, and were
believing in Jesus.” (John 12:9-11).
Not the happy ending that we would assume. A man is
brought back to life only to have those who are fearful of how it was done plot
to take that life from him.
In both stories the miracles are performed to demonstrate
who Jesus was, the Son of God. They were the “evidence” to show His power and
authority here on earth. Both events were catalysts to revival and change as
scores of Jews began to believe after hearing about and witnessing these
miraculous events. In both cases the miracles brought about the kingdom of
heaven here on earth.
The only problem is that the stories don’t end the way we
want. A man receives the miracle of restored sight, but is kicked out of the
synagogue. And Lazarus receives his life and health back only to become a
subject of assassination and religious plotting.
The miraculous works that Jesus does always bring the
Kingdom of Heaven to earth. But that may
still cost me something. I know for me,
I have always wanted to be a volunteer for advancing God’s kingdom and to be a
recipient of His miracle touch. However, I have not really thought of it with and
outcome like these men experienced. Does this affect my willingness? Does it
make me reevaluate? Will I be willing to experience a kingdom touch of the miraculous,
allowing God to be glorified and the lost come to know Him - even when the outcome may not be a “happily
ever after”? My prayer is that the answer is yes! Lord continue to work in me
in such a way that my desires are Your desires and that I will trust You for
the outcome. Amen.
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