Jesus warned, “If the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is” (Matthew 6:23). Spiritual blindness is, indeed, a deceptive condition. It causes many learned, “enlightened” people to believe they see the truth clearly when, in fact, they are incapable of it. Nevertheless, there is hope—and His name is Jesus. In this five-day devotional, we’ll discover what Scripture teaches about spiritual blindness, why it happens, and how Jesus alone can open our eyes.
Mike Paalz
Day 1
Scriptures: Isaiah 6:9-10, Matthew 13:13-15, John 9:39-41, 2 Corinthians 4:4
Defining the Condition
In Scripture, spiritual blindness refers to a lack of understanding or perception of God’s truth. It is a spiritual condition that affects the heart and mind, preventing a person from seeing or responding to God’s message. This blindness is not physical but reflects a deeper spiritual reality: being closed off to the light of God.
In Isaiah’s time, spiritual blindness was rampant among the people of Israel. Isaiah lived in a period of rebellion and idolatry, where God’s chosen people had turned away from Him. Despite years of warnings from prophets, they continued to worship false gods and ignore God’s laws. When God called Isaiah as a prophet, He challenged him to preach to a people whose hearts had grown hard. God told Isaiah that many would hear his message but refuse to respond, their hearts had grown dull and their eyes blinded to the truth (Isaiah 6:9-10).
Jesus later referred to Isaiah’s prophecy when explaining why some people in His day rejected His teaching. In Matthew 13, Jesus described how many who saw His miracles and heard His words still could not grasp the truth because their hearts were closed off. They were unwilling to repent or acknowledge their need for God (Matthew 13:13-15).
Spiritual blindness can stem from pride. The Pharisees, a group of religious leaders in Jesus’ time known for their strict observance of the law, often viewed themselves as morally superior. They believed they saw the truth clearly but were blind to their own need for salvation. After healing a blind man, Jesus said, “I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind” (John 9:39). This statement revealed that the Pharisees’ confidence in their self-righteousness kept them from seeing their need for Him (John 9:40-41). In 2 Corinthians, Paul expands upon this, explaining how spiritual blindness is not merely a human issue but also a spiritual battle. Satan works to blind the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the light of the Gospel and the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Suffice it to say, that understanding spiritual blindness requires humility. It calls us to examine our hearts and acknowledge that, without God, we are all blind to the truth. As you begin this devotional, reflect on whether there are areas in your life where you might be resistant to God’s light. Ask Him to open your eyes so that you can see clearly and follow Him wholeheartedly.
Day 2
Scriptures: Isaiah 29:13, Ezekiel 12:2, Matthew 23:27-28, 2 Corinthians 3:14-16, Hebrews 3:12-13
Root Causes
Spiritual blindness does not occur without cause. The Bible reveals that it often stems from hardened hearts, pride, misplaced trust, and the influence of sin. These root causes prevent people from seeing God’s truth and keep them from seeking the cure: Jesus.
One cause of spiritual blindness is a heart that has grown hard. Isaiah warned about this when he wrote of people who honored God with their words but whose hearts were far from Him. Their worship was hollow, driven by rules rather than genuine devotion (Isaiah 29:13). Ezekiel also spoke of people who saw and heard God’s works yet refused to understand because their hearts were stubborn and rebellious (Ezekiel 12:2).
Pride is another significant factor. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, who were outwardly religious but spiritually blind. He called them whitewashed tombs—clean on the outside but full of deadness inside. Their self-righteousness and pride blinded them to their sin and their need for a Savior (Matthew 23:27-28).
A third cause of spiritual blindness is reliance on human understanding rather than God’s truth. Paul explains that this happened to the Israelites in the Old Testament. Their minds were veiled when they read the law, unable to see its fulfillment in Christ. However, Paul adds that when someone turns to the Lord, this veil is removed and their spiritual eyes are opened (2 Corinthians 3:14-16).
Sin, of course, plays the most dastardly role in spiritual blindness. Hebrews warns against the deceitfulness of sin, which hardens hearts and leads people away from God (Hebrews 3:12-13). The longer sin is allowed to fester, the harder it becomes to recognize the truth.
Understanding the root causes of spiritual blindness helps us confront them. Whether it’s pride, hardened hearts, misplaced trust, or unremitted sin, we must turn to Jesus for His mercy and truth. Reflect today on any such barriers in your life, and ask God to remove them so you can see Him.
Day 3
Scriptures: Jeremiah 2:13, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Colossians 2:8, 1 Timothy 2:5
Failed Remedies
When faced with spiritual blindness, the world offers countless solutions—philosophies, religious practices, self-help methods, or moral frameworks—none of which can open the eyes of the spiritually blind. Scripture makes it clear that only Jesus Christ can bring true spiritual sight.
In Jeremiah’s day, God lamented that His people had abandoned Him, the fountain of living water, and instead dug broken cisterns that could hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). This imagery describes humanity’s tendency to seek life and truth in things that cannot sustain or satisfy. False religions, human wisdom, and worldly philosophies may promise enlightenment, but they are powerless to cure spiritual blindness.
Jesus boldly declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He is not one of many ways; He is the only way. Peter echoed this in Acts 4:12, saying, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
The world often attempts to offer alternatives to Jesus. Paul warns against being deceived by hollow philosophies or human traditions disconnected from Christ (Colossians 2:8). Such ideas might sound appealing, but they lack the power to address humanity’s deepest needs. Only Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity. “There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). His death and resurrection opened the way for the spiritually blind to see and for the lost to be reconciled to God.
Today, reflect on where you place your hope. Are you looking to human solutions for answers that only Jesus can provide? Trust in Him alone, the One who opens blind eyes and leads us into truth.
Day 4
Scriptures: Psalms 119:18, Isaiah 42:6-7, Luke 24:30-31, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Ephesians 1:17-18
What It Takes
Spiritual blindness can only be cured through God’s direct intervention. Scripture shows us how opening spiritual eyes requires God’s grace, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the truth of His Word. This transformation begins with humility, faith, and God’s power at work in our lives. As the psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (Psalm 119:18). This prayer reminds us that we cannot understand God’s truth on our own—He must reveal it to us. A posture of humility and dependence is essential for receiving spiritual sight.
When Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah, he noted how He would open the eyes of the blind and free those trapped in darkness (Isaiah 42:6-7). This promise points to Jesus, who not only physically healed the blind but also brought spiritual sight to those who trusted in Him. After His resurrection, Jesus revealed Himself to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Their spiritual eyes were opened when He broke bread with them, and they recognized Him for who He truly was (Luke 24:30-31).
Paul emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in removing the “veil” that blinds us. He explains that when we turn to the Lord, the Spirit opens our eyes, transforming us and allowing us to reflect God’s glory (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). He similarly prays, in his letter to the Ephesians, that God would give believers spiritual wisdom and insight so that their hearts may be flooded with light, enabling them to truly see the hope found in Christ (Ephesians 1:17-18).
Having our spiritual eyes opened requires surrender. When we acknowledge our need for Jesus, trust His Word, and invite His Spirit to work in us, He brings us out of the darkness and into the glorious light of Truth. Take time today to ask God to reveal Himself more fully to you.
Day 5
Scriptures: Matthew 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15, James 5:19-20
Out of Darkness
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be light in a dark world. Those who are spiritually blind need believers who will lovingly guide them toward Christ, the only one who can open their eyes. Scripture gives us practical ways to fulfill this mission with wisdom, compassion, and boldness.
Jesus told His disciples, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Our actions and words should shine God’s truth so that others may see and glorify Him. Leading the spiritually blind to Christ begins by living a life that reflects His love, humility, and grace.
Paul describes believers as ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation. He reminds us that God is making His appeal through us as we call others to return to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). This role requires intentionality—being mindful of how we interact with others and always pointing them to Jesus.
Colossians 4:5-6 encourages us to “live wisely among those who are not believers” and to make the most of every opportunity. Paul adds that our conversations should be gracious and seasoned with salt, full of kindness and truth. When we engage with spiritually blind individuals, we must avoid judgment and instead speak with gentleness and respect. Peter echoes this, urging believers always to be prepared to give an answer for the hope they have, doing so with humility (1 Peter 3:15).
Finally, James reminds us of the eternal significance of this work. When we lead someone back to the truth, we help save them from spiritual death and bring them into God’s kingdom (James 5:19-20).
Pray for those who are spiritually blind and seek opportunities to share the light of Christ through your actions and words. God uses willing hearts to bring His truth to a world in need.