What are some parallels between a blind person and an unsaved person (Matthew 9:27)?
Context: Jesus Heals the Blind 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
Matthew 9:27
KJV - 27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
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Asked February 16 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
If the word "parallels" in the question is intended to indicate "similarities", I would say, first, that both types of blindness (the physical blindness of an unsighted person, and the spiritual blindness of an unsaved person) are associated (in different senses) with darkness. Both cause stumbling (with Jesus, in fact, being called (in 1 Peter 2:7-8) a "stone of stumbling" (in fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 8:14) with regard to spiritual blindness. Both types of blindness have causes -- with physical blindness an organic cause, with spiritual blindness intangible causes such as pride, ignorance (including willful ignorance), tradition, prejudice, superstition, and idolatry, which are the result of the estrangement of humanity from God as a result of sin. Both types of blindness require intervention to be addressed or remedied -- for physical blindness by means of sighted guides (Luke 6:39) or medical measures; for spiritual blindness by those who convey the word of God, as well as by the work of the Holy Spirit in individuals recognizing their lost condition, and believing the gospel.
Jack Gutknecht
1 parallel or comparison between a blind person and an unsaved person is as Mr. Maas mentioned darkness. The world and those who live in it are in darkness (John 12:46; Romans 2:19). The one who distorts or misrepresents his profession of faith by hating his brother walks in darkness and is blinded by it (1 John 2:11). What has “the god of this world” (Satan) done to “the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”? He has blinded them! A 2nd parallel between a blind person and an unsaved person is that both experience danger. Spiritual blindness affects the intellect and lifestyle sometimes even to the point of involvement in the most degrading practices (Ephesians 4:18-19). If the gospel’s light is refused, then that person’s eternal destiny is outer darkness forever (Matthew 25:30). A 3rd parallel between the blind one and the unbeliever is that both experience dependence. Mr. Maas mentioned this one last, too. But let me just add a reference. Just as the blind need different kinds of help (guide dogs, people, special canes, etc.), so the unsaved, the spiritually blind, need to depend on others to give them the message that will “open their eyes, and … turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified …” (Acts 26:18 NKJV). Let those of us who are saved not fail them.
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