Jehu

In Capernaum, by the sea, dwelt an old man named Jehu. He had lived there all of his days and was a fisherman as was his father before him. Jehu was a loving husband and father, a wise and holy man with a great respect for the Law and the Prophets. He lived a simple life, providing for his family, helping his friends and neighbors, and waiting for the fulfillment of God’s Word.

It came to pass that The Word was made flesh and Jesus the Christ came to Capernaum. It was not long before his words and deeds were known to everyone. “You’ve got to come see him!” urged Elias, Jehu’s grandson.

“I suppose if I can see him, then he must truly be the Holy One of God!”

“Forgive me, grandfather. I meant in the way that you see; without seeing.”

“I know.” Jehu smiled, placing his hand on Elias’ shoulder. Jehu had lost his sight when he was no older than his grandson. Since then, he had made use of his keen mind and other senses and was known to see things more clearly than many who still had use of their eyes. “Come, Elias. Let us go and see him.”

Jehu led them in the direction of Simon’s house, for he heard a great many people gathered there. They came upon the crowd and saw those that were diseased, and those possessed with devils. “There,” said Jehu, pointing toward the very center of all the commotion. “There is Jesus.” Elias looked, with his eyes, and saw a man laying his hands on the sick and speaking with them.

“Grandfather! Do you think he could give you back your sight?”

“I believe he can,” answered Jehu solemnly. “He is God.”

Many years later, as the story would come to be told, Jehu was not among the number of those healed by Jesus that day. Elias had been shocked to hear his grandfather utter blasphemy, but it surprised him more still that Jehu had not asked Jesus to restore his sight. Jehu died never having seen, with his eyes, the beauty and the power of the Son of the Living God. His grandson lived on, forgetting.


Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” –John 20:29