If you were blind, you would have not sin; but now you say, "We see". Therefore your sin remains.
John 9:41
Self-deception is the worst deception of all. It doesn't start off with big lies that are blatantly glaring. Self-deception comes when we want something so bad that we close our eyes to the truth. And that is when we can become so mixed up that we can hurt ourselves or others because we have deceived ourselves.
This is exactly what had happened with the religious leaders in Jesus's day. These people didn't start off as enemies of Christ. These people had started off in the wonder of being leaders of others--of helping people to be righteous. But when they had closed their eyes to God's glory and had instead focused on what they wanted--their own glory and righteousness, they stepped into self-deception. They became leaders who were so focused on what they wanted that they missed out when their very King stepped into their midst to share His love.
In the passage that we have been dealing with Jesus makes this perfectly clear. He had healed a man who had been born blind--something never heard of before. Instead of rejoicing and seeking out Jesus, the religious leaders had actually excommunicated the man who received this miracle. That is the power of self-deception. As He often did, Jesus told them in word pictures that they were living the lie of self-deception. ... but now you say, "We see". Therefore your sin remains.
Throughout the Bible, those who are truly God's children have been aware of our propensity towards self-deception. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me ... (Psalm 139). David said again, Who can understand His errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. (Psalm 19:12-13). We must continually go to Him who sees all things and ask Him to lead us in His way and in His truth that we may be those people who continually cry out and sing Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found; was blind but now I see.
Blessings to you!
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