He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
One of my absolute favorite lines in the Gospel of John is John 9:25. The verse is part of the story of the man born blind, whom Jesus healed, and the temple officials questioned. When they had finished questioning his parents, they questioned him for a second time and called Jesus a sinner because he healed the man on the Sabbath. The man replied, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” This man was not concerned with public opinion about Jesus; he was concerned with the fruit of Jesus’ ministry. In today’s context, the man looked at the proof in the pudding of Christ’s action instead of church protocol, theological debates, and scripture quoting.
When I am among my non-Christian colleagues, I often find that one of the hardest things to explain to them is my belief. I can get really technical and start quoting Bible verses. When I am in my nerd space, I can get all theological and try to explain it with big words. But, it is only when I take off the mask and tear down the wall of difference with simple talk that I make any headway. One of the ways that I talk about Christ is by telling people that the reason why I’m alive is because Christ, like an action hero, literally swooped in and saved my life.
Almost 20 years ago, while I was on the edge of life, God said not today; suicide will not claim your life today. There was no one else around but God that lonely night on I-285 in Atlanta. One turn of my wheel and I could have been gone. Yet, God called out from heaven and got my attention. From that moment on, Jesus spoke to my heart and reminded me that He died so I wouldn’t have to that night. Jesus also reminded me that He conquered death so I could live my life to its fullest.
This is the story I tell when Bible quotes and theological treatises make no difference to people who have often been hurt by these things. This is the story that I tell when I can’t get anything else out of my mouth because someone reminds me that church can be messy. This is the story I tell when it is a matter of life and death for the person before me.
However, sometimes, God doesn’t ask me to tell that story. Sometimes, the story is as simple as God made a way when I needed it the most. The point is not to tell a dramatic story but to tell a sincere story of Jesus Christ in action in your life.
Today, as you reflect, what is your simple and sincere story of God’s presence that can help someone see that Christ is indeed the world’s greatest Action Hero?
