“He replied, ‘The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.’”
John 9:11
The story of the man born blind teaches that the hard situations which mark our lives cannot necessarily be attributed to our sins or the sins of our parents. Jesus says that the man’s blindness was divinely ordained to bring glory to God.
Also, this story shows how the Lord’s kindness and power surpass any pious law-keeping like that of the Pharisees. After Jesus restored the man’s sight, his neighbors brought him to the religious leaders where now this lowly beggar gave account for himself. “He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and now I see” (v. 11). The Pharisees were divided as to whether Jesus was from God or a sinner, so they questioned the man again about who healed him. “Whether He is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see” (v. 25).
These words enraged them, probably because they knew the lowly man’s final statement to be true: “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing” (v. 32). His blindness was indeed used “so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (v. 3).
Also, this story shows how the Lord’s kindness and power surpass any pious law-keeping like that of the Pharisees. After Jesus restored the man’s sight, his neighbors brought him to the religious leaders where now this lowly beggar gave account for himself. “He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and now I see” (v. 11). The Pharisees were divided as to whether Jesus was from God or a sinner, so they questioned the man again about who healed him. “Whether He is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see” (v. 25).
These words enraged them, probably because they knew the lowly man’s final statement to be true: “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing” (v. 32). His blindness was indeed used “so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (v. 3).
Scripture Focus
John 9:1-34
Insight
A spiritual encounter with Jesus might not result in your physical healing. But He still heals souls and mends broken hearts. Present your requests to God.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 35-36
- Psalm 18
- Matthew 26
