Many people welcome Jesus as Protector, Healer, or Provider, but struggle when He stands before them asking to be their Lord. We often approach God for breakthroughs, direction, and opportunities, yet sometimes forget that faith is not built on what He does but on who He is. I am grateful for every kindness shown to me by anyone here on the earth, and I often bring gifts to those who helped me years later, over and over again. But when God is good to us, scripture reveals a deeper response: Worship, not mere thanks. In the passage we’ll look at today, we’ll have a clearer picture of how we should respond when we look back over our lives, reflecting on every kindness God has shown us through His son, Jesus.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and when He found him, He said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?'”
~John 9:35
~Lordship begins with Revelation; Religion alone cannot produce surrender.
Throughout the book of John, it becomes abundantly clear that every miracle Jesus performed served one purpose: to lead people to believe. The core question He would ask was, “Now do you believe?” Or He would comment on the “Faith” of the person who was miraculously healed. We can see this theme and understand its significance when we learn that to believe leads to eternal life. To make Jesus Lord of our lives is the ultimate objective, and it demands more than gratitude. In the passage we look at today, the man was radically changed internally, and it was evident in his worship and submission to Jesus’ Lordship. He moved from outcast to disciple, no longer defined by condition but by Christ.
When you move from being a blind beggar to a recipient of spiritual sight, it’s a significant shift. You now have to choose what you’re going to do with this new life and redefine your identity. The best analogy is the process of becoming a naturalized citizen. In order to do this, you have to pledge allegiance and submit your obedience to a new King or government and its laws. This act changes not only what you’re entitled to, but also your status and responsibilities. When Jesus found this man, he had a choice, and his answer to Jesus’ question was, Where do I sign up? (emphasis mine) He responded like a man ready to enlist in heaven’s service; he’s going all-in.
If this man had not surrendered to Jesus, he would not have been saved. In his confession, he was shifting from recipient to follower. True belief always bends the knee and confesses His lordship. I’m reminded of a few familiar texts: “every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord” (Phil 2:9-11), and “Confession is made unto Salvation” (Rom 10:10). The most powerful act of faith is placing Jesus, the Son of God, in the position of absolute authority in our lives. This man had been excommunicated from the synagogue at this point. While he should have been dejected and disappointed, he found solace and the opportunity of a lifetime through one remarkable act of submission and humility, expressed in a wonderful response: “Lord, I believe.”
We live in a culture obsessed with personal identity, self-definition, and being made in our own image, yet sometimes resistant to God’s authority over our lives. While Jesus can be our life-coach, we can’t stop short of crowning Him Lord over our lives. Allowing Him to rule our lives is making Him Lord of it. That means our belief is not situational; it shapes how we speak, think, forgive, give, serve, and act, both in private and in public. Lordship removes the need for negotiation; we submit wholeheartedly, with gratitude and reverence. We cannot have the benefits of Christ without surrendering our autonomy; we cannot confess, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what He says (Lk 6:46). His voice must outrank culture, emotion, preference, and even our own will.
When we realize admiration is not allegiance, what’s our response? This question must confront our hearts daily. I loved it when I read King David’s statement, “I will not render to the Lord what costs me nothing! (2Sam 24:24). The man who was healed in this passage wanted Jesus to be “Lord of his life”, not just a small part of it. His comfort had been taken away; he couldn’t hang around with the beggars anymore. Now he carried responsibility, not comfort; sight came with a calling to make the most of the life he was given. Yet amidst all this, he realizes the only way to have true life is to submit to the one who allowed him to see a side of life he’d never seen before. It’s time to move past admitting facts about Jesus to fully surrendering.
Time of Reflection:
** It’s a great day to choose to make Jesus Lord over every area of your life. Don’t worry, this surrender is the sweetest ever.
** When we choose to recognize Jesus beyond all the wonderful things He’s done for us, we’ll move past convenient praise.
Heart Probe- Moment:
** Where am I being challenged to surrender deeper?
Reference:
John 9:35-38
Rom 10:9
Phil 2:9-11
Lk 6:46
Matt 16:15-16
Col 1:15-16
The Thomas Nelson Chronological Bible marks this as Question #52
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, reveal Your Son in deeper ways, so that my belief and obedience align in my worship. Teach my heart to bow, follow, and trust You wholeheartedly. Let my confession and my life match, not only in words but also in a life of devotion. Amen
