The Blinding Power of the Law

The Law has a power that blinds people, as evident in Paul’s statement: But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart (2 Cor 3:15, NKJV). No one is exempt, not even great men of God.

John the Baptist, son of Zechariah, lived in exciting time. More so for him than for anyone else because he was the man tasked to usher in a new era – the era of Grace. The era started with Jesus, for the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17, NKJV)

But the fact is that although John helped to usher in the era of Grace, he was very much steeped in the Law. All he knew was the Old Testament.

The pinnacle of John’s career was his pointing out Jesus. Afterwards it wasn’t up and up for him. At his low point he wavered as to whether Jesus was the right one. He was in jail, and about to be executed by Herod. So he sent his disciples to verify with Jesus. He wanted to die knowing that he’s done his job.

Why did John doubt at the last moment? I think his vision was blurred as a result of trying to see through the Law. “Hey,” John was thinking, “the behavior of this Jesus sure doesn’t fit someone who upholds the Law.” Jesus loved to mingle among sinners and break rules of the Sabbath. John was fervent in upholding the Law and seeing through the Law. There was nothing wrong with that, except he couldn’t see God clearly.

Perhaps some might think it harsh to judge John like that, for it was none other than him who pointed out Jesus. If he could have seen clearly then, why could not he later?

The reason is that Law has an expiry date. Just like the milk in your fridge, you shouldn’t drink it once it expires its fit-for-use date. Paul defined in Galatians Law’s expiry date as followed:

Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. (Gal 3:24-25, NKJV)

So after the Son of God was revealed, John should have no business dealing with the Law. Have you ever wondered why John did not become a follower of Jesus like his own disciples did? If he had, he would have understood and experienced grace: And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace (John 1:16, NKJV). Also, his vision would not have been impaired.

Likewise for us, if we don’t want our vision to be blurred that we can’t see God clearly, don’t meddle with the Law after we have come into God’s Grace.

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