John 9:1-12
Thursday, 27 July 2022
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” -John 9:3
A man blind from birth receiving his sight is the focus of our reading today. After seeing the blind man, the disciples asked Jesus –“Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?”(Vs 2)—their question was based on their understanding of the Old Testament Scripture that children suffered for the iniquity of their fathers (Exodus 20:5; 34:7). It was good that they asked Jesus- the right person- as He was at the beginning, even when the Law was given and would be able to answer them correctly. The disciples received the right and perfect answer from their Master stated in the key verse.
It was a mindset among the Jews that tragedy of all kinds were the effects of sin. But here in the key verse Jesus’ reason of this poor man’s blindness was quick and corrected His disciples’ statement. The question the disciples asked, sometimes pops up in our minds also. “Why has this happened to me?” “Why are they going through many sufferings?” Similar questions arise or we hear them from others. But remember: these tests are for the glorification of HIS name. Sometimes God does test our faith, just as He tested the faith of the ancient Israelites by allowing them to go through hard times in the wilderness, “in order to know what was in your heart” (Deuteronomy 8:2) and so that, “I will get glory” (Exodus 14:17).
Throughout the Word of God, we can see-
Abraham went through a test of sacrifice.
Moses was under the test of humility (Numbers 12:1-3)
Job’s life was a test of patience (James 5:11)
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were tested and showed their faith.
Jesus went through the test of obedience (the prime example).
Many of the apostles and servants of God went through several trials.
In our reading, we observe that this man could not see Christ, but Christ saw him and light entered his eyes. If we know anything of Christ, it is because we were first known by Him. “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10) After his eyes were opened/ received the healing, people came and asked how he received the sight (Vs 8-10). He explained everything within his knowledge (Vs 11). They then enquired the whereabouts of the person who healed him but he didn’t know. In the later part of the chapter, we see Jesus approaching him and revealing Himself to the man. Without any point of doubt, he accepted Jesus’ lordship (Vs 35-39). When Jesus met him, the man born blind from birth, received spiritual and physical healing. His inner eyes were also opened to perceive who Jesus is! How marvelous!
We too experience/go through many tests in our lives. If we want to “Taste” the LORD we need to go through all the “Tests” God has kept in our way by putting our “Trust” in the LORD! “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28). As Apostle Paul prayed can we also pray that God will open the eyes of our heart to understand HIS plans and purpose for our lives? (Ephesians 1:18). When we come to that understanding, we will begin to start glorifying God in every situation of our life. May the Holy Spirit help and strengthen us to do so!
Thought for the Day: For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1Peter 2:21)