Mercy Over Judgment: Conversations with Shannon Popkin
Episode 6 – The Blind Man: When Religion Can’t See
We all know the story of the man born blind. But what if the miracle isn’t the only thing we should be looking at?
In this episode of The Sublime Soiree Podcast, Sue Lindsey and Linda Maynard continue their conversation with author Shannon Popkin about her book Kinda Judgy—and discover that while one blind man receives physical sight, the people who believe they can see clearly become increasingly spiritually blind. The Pharisees had drawn their own lines around God’s law. They had added rules and requirements and then judged other people according to those standards. And when Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, they couldn’t see the miracle because they were too focused on the rules they had created.
Shannon helps us recognize how easily we can do the same thing. We may know what God’s Word says, but then add our own convictions, preferences, and applications—and begin treating those things as though they carry the same authority as Scripture. This episode moves us to ask tough questions of ourselves: Who is holding the gavel in my life? Am I allowing Jesus to be the authority and judge? Have I picked up the gavel myself and begun deciding who is right, who is wrong, who belongs, and who doesn’t?
The story also challenges the way we respond to suffering, by pointing out that the blind man’s suffering wasn’t a simple transaction of sin and punishment. Instead, Jesus revealed that it was so God could display His glory even in the midst of a broken world.
And perhaps the most beautiful part of the story comes at the end. When the Pharisees cast the newly sighted man out of the temple for breaking the rules, Jesus went looking for him. When everyone else pushed him away, Jesus welcomed him in. This episode led us to ask, “Am I willing to let Jesus show me where I am blind?”
In This Episode:
- Why the story of the man born blind is really a story about spiritual sight as well as physical sight.
- How the Pharisees’ additional Sabbath rules caused them to completely miss the miracle Jesus performed.
- Why denominational and secondary differences can become barriers between followers of Jesus.
- How suffering can tempt us to look for someone to blame.
- Why Jesus rejected the assumption that the man’s blindness was caused by his sin or his parents’ sin.
- What the man’s healing teaches us about God’s glory in the middle of a broken world.
- Why humility, curiosity, compassion, and listening can help heal divisions within the body of Christ.
- The beautiful contrast between the Pharisees casting the man out and Jesus seeking him out and welcoming him.
Reflection Questions
As you finish this episode, consider these questions:
- Do I sometimes treat a personal conviction as though it were a biblical absolute?
- Who is holding the gavel in my life—Jesus or me?
- Is there someone I have pushed away whom Jesus might be inviting me to welcome?
If this episode encouraged you:
- Follow The Sublime Soiree Podcast so you don’t miss the rest of this eight-part series.
- Share this episode with a friend who desires to grow in both truth and grace.
- Leave a rating and review to help more women discover biblical encouragement and authentic conversations.
- Visit You’re Invited Ministries here for information on Shannon Popkin. You also can download some of her free tools here. And visit our full website to learn about our book, speaking events, blog articles, and additional resources to help you grow in your walk with Christ.
