According to the CDC, there are approximately one million people in the United States who are blind. Webster’s dictionary defines blindness as being unable to see because of injury, disease, or a congenital condition. While physical blindness is a serious condition that affects many people, there is another kind of blindness that is even more pervasive and has eternal consequences—spiritual blindness. This type of blindness affects not just a portion of the population, but every single person born into this world.

In Mark 10:46-52 (NIV), we read about a blind man named Bartimaeus who encountered Jesus:

“Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”

Bartimaeus, who was physically blind, received his sight because of his faith in Jesus. This miraculous healing is a powerful illustration of how Jesus can restore not just physical sight but also spiritual sight.

The Bible tells us that we are all born spiritually blind. In Psalm 51:5 (NIV), David acknowledges this truth: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Our spiritual blindness is a result of sin, and it separates us from God. Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV) describes our condition before Christ: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world.”

Spiritual blindness is not just an inability to see; it’s an inability to recognize the truth of God’s Word, the reality of our sin, and our need for a Savior. Like Bartimaeus, we are all sitting by the roadside, unable to see, until Jesus passes by and opens our eyes.

Just as physical blindness can occur due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions, spiritual blindness can occur in different ways:

Born Blind: We are all born in a state of spiritual blindness. This is our natural condition due to the fall of man. Romans 3:23 (NIV) reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Blindness from Sin: Some people, though they have once seen the light, can become spiritually blind due to sin. This is akin to losing one’s sight because of an illness or injury. Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV) warns us, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Blindness from Distance: Others may become spiritually blind over time as they drift away from God. Though they once walked closely with Him, the cares of life, distractions, or complacency have caused them to lose sight of their first love. Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV) speaks to this condition: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

The good news is that spiritual blindness can be healed. Just as Jesus restored Bartimaeus’s physical sight, He can restore our spiritual sight. In John 9:39 (NIV), Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind, both physically and spiritually.

Consider the example of Saul, who later became known as Paul. Saul was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted Christians, fully convinced that he was in the right. But on the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus, and in a dramatic moment, he was struck blind (Acts 9:3-9, NIV). This physical blindness symbolized his spiritual blindness. It wasn’t until he was prayed for that his sight was restored, both physically and spiritually. He went on to become one of the most influential apostles, spreading the gospel far and wide.

Paul later wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV), “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” But in the same passage, he assures us that God can shine His light into our hearts: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6, NIV).

If you find yourself in a state of spiritual blindness—whether you’ve never seen the light or you’ve lost sight due to sin or distance—there is hope for healing. Here are some steps to take:

Cry Out to Jesus: Just as Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” we too must cry out to Jesus for mercy and healing. He is always ready to respond to a sincere heart.

Repent and Return: If sin has caused your blindness, repent and turn back to God. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Stay Close to the Light: To avoid drifting into spiritual blindness, stay close to Jesus, who is the Light of the World. Spend time in prayer, read the Word, and stay connected to a community of believers. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Encourage Others: If you see someone struggling with spiritual blindness, be like Ananias, who prayed for Paul’s sight to be restored. Encourage them, pray for them, and share the truth of God’s Word with them.

Spiritual blindness is a condition that affects us all at some point. But through the grace and mercy of Jesus, our eyes can be opened, and we can see clearly again. Whether you need your eyes opened for the first time, or you need a fresh touch to restore your sight, Jesus is ready to meet you where you are.

Just as Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus along the road, we too must follow Him closely, keeping our eyes fixed on Him. As we do, we will experience the joy of walking in the light, free from the darkness of spiritual blindness. If you’ve lost your way, or if you’ve never seen the light of Christ, take heart—Jesus is calling you today, ready to restore your sight and lead you into the fullness of life in Him.