This encounter takes place as Jesus and his disciples come across a man blind from birth. The disciples, reflecting a common belief of their time, inquire about the cause of the man's blindness—whether it resulted from his own sins or those of his parents. Jesus' response unfolds layers of meaning and unveils a transformative perspective on suffering.
- Misconceptions About Suffering:
The disciples' question reflects a prevalent belief in the ancient world that physical ailments were directly linked to personal sin. Jesus addresses this misconception, redirecting the focus from assigning blame to revealing the redemptive purpose in suffering.
- A Paradigm Shift in Understanding:
Jesus challenges the cause-and-effect understanding of suffering. Instead of attributing the man's blindness to sin, Jesus introduces a paradigm shift—a perspective that transcends human logic and unveils the mysterious workings of God.
- Divine Purpose in Suffering:
In proclaiming, "but, that the works of God might be revealed in him," Jesus unveils a profound truth. The man's blindness becomes a canvas upon which the transformative works of God are to be displayed. Suffering, in this context, becomes a stage for divine revelation.
- Jesus as the Divine Worker:
The statement, "I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day," underscores Jesus' divine mission. He sees the opportunity in the midst of suffering to manifest the redemptive power of God. The urgency in "while it is day" emphasizes the limited time for this specific mission.
Cross References:
Isaiah 42:6-7: "I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand and will keep you and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations, to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison."
Jesus, by healing the blind man, fulfills the messianic prophecy in Isaiah, revealing his identity as the light for the nations who opens blind eyes.
2 Corinthians 6:2: "For he says, 'I heard you in an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation, I helped you.' Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation."
Jesus' reference to working while it is day resonates with the concept of the "day of salvation." It emphasizes the urgency of responding to God's redemptive work in the present moment.
- Theological Reflection:
In John 9:2-4, Jesus challenges deterministic views of suffering and redirects attention to the redemptive purpose woven into the fabric of human experience. The man's blindness becomes a canvas for the divine artist, and Jesus, as the divine worker, seizes the opportunity to manifest the transformative works of God.
This passage invites us to reassess our understanding of suffering. It prompts us to view challenges not merely as consequences of sin but as potential avenues for God's glory to be revealed. It calls for a shift from a cause-and-effect mentality to a posture of openness to the mysterious and redemptive workings of God in the midst of adversity.
As we navigate the complexities of human suffering, may we, like Jesus, perceive the opportunities for divine revelation. May we embrace the urgency of working the works of Him who sends us in the day of salvation, recognizing that even in the darkest moments, the light of God's redemptive power can shine through.
See also: vs 5
John 9:2-4. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him.”