The Pharisees' Eyes
Scripture Reading — Luke 5:17-26
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this ... ?
The eyes of everyone in the house go wide with wonder as pieces of roofing material come falling from the ceiling. Then those eyes crinkle with smiles as they see a pallet lowered through a hole in the roof to bring a man right in front of Jesus. The eyes of those who know this man begin to weep as they hope with him for the healing touch of Jesus.
The Pharisees, though, are rolling their eyes. This is just the kind of craziness that follows Jesus wherever he goes! And as Jesus speaks of forgiveness for the paralyzed man, their rolling eyes narrow into slits. Their sharp, religious minds are busy putting two-and-two together: Only God can forgive sins! Is Jesus claiming to be God?! Soon their eyes dart back and forth to catch knowing looks from their cronies.
Jesus knows what they are thinking. And as if to confirm their thoughts, he shows that he has the authority to forgive sins by accomplishing yet another miracle: he restores strength to this man's limbs so that he can pick up his mat and walk home! The man goes away praising God, and all eyes in the house again go wide with amazement.
What do your eyes do when you think of Jesus? Do they roll with scorn and narrow with suspicion, or do they open with wonder and moisten with joy?
Open our eyes, Lord; we want to see Jesus. Open our hearts and minds; we want to believe. Open our hands so that, like Him, we can help others. In Jesus name, Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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