Reflecting on John 9:1-12“Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” (John 9:7)
The pool of Siloam was a large pool within the old city of Jerusalem.
Pilgrims went there for ritual cleansing before going up to the temple.
There is something symbolic in this man washing in this pool.
It signifies that as far as God is concerned, He sees this man as clean!
The disciples had thought he was a dirty sinner, and blind as a result.
The religious leaders thought the same (see John 9:34).
They also thought that Jesus was a sinner (see John 9:24).
The religious leaders are all about reminding people how dirty they are.
God, through Jesus, reveals how God’s mission is to cleanse and forgive.
This is how God sees us, and welcomes us despite our dirt.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)
Jesus is inviting me to be cleansed and restored to God’s presence.
Jesus, on behalf of God, sees us all as washed, cleaned, restored and welcome!
He is sending me to the Pool too, so that I can know that I am forgiven.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, wash me and I will be whiter than snow. You know the dirt in my life, but You do not see me that way. I admit the dirt, and welcome Your cleansing, healing mercy.
We all need Jesus. He knows me better than I know myself. I am cleansed by the blood of the Lamb – washed and made whole. It is only through that washing that I am able to serve Him in His Kingdom.
2 Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?