He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (Jn. 9:25 ESV)

Most agree that the all-time most popular hymn is Amazing Grace. There are many phrases in John Newton’s lyrics that come from the Old and New Testaments. Perhaps one that sticks in mind most is “I was blind, but now I see.”

That, of course, was what the young blind man said when questioned by the Pharisees about Jesus’ activity that day. But Newton’s use of the phrase sets a fine example of how we should read the Gospels.

It is no mistake that the Gospels come to us as stories rather than dry-as-soda-crackers theology. The stories—all true—are meant to engage us personally. We are invited to inject ourselves into the narrative and say, “I am that man!” “That’s me!” “I was blind, but now I see.”

I invite you to read the Gospels anew. Put yourself in the scene. Let your imagination loose! Ask yourself what it would have been like to not only hear and see Jesus but to be the object of his miraculous love.

Because you are!