“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9.1-5
As you know, Jesus is about to do an incredible miracle of healing of the man who was blind since birth. The question was posed to Jesus which has been asked the world over — “Who sinned that this man was born blind?”
The question is essentially this — “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned.” It wasn’t a sin that caused this man to be born with this disability. Human nature almost always sees things in a negative light. We also tend to think we have more control over the situation than we actually do.
What Jesus was saying is that it wasn’t anyone’s fault this man was blind but God’s intention to bring something good out of it. “This happened,” Jesus said, “so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” What humanity thought was bad, God turned for the good in order to show his glory.
Jesus follows up this statement by saying “as long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Now certainly Jesus was speaking metaphorically. He wasn’t saying we only do work in the day time when the sun is up — the day he is referring to is his life in this world and beyond as God enables his people who are alive on earth. The night that Jesus refers to could be periods of evil, darkness and oppression when Jesus followers are persecuted for their faith. Night could also imply his suffering and death upon the cross.
Finally, Jesus says he is the light of the world while he is in the world. This light will soon be revealed to the blind man (literally) as he regains his sight through the miracle of Jesus. Others will experience the light as they come to know, trust and believe Jesus as Lord.
“O Lord God, you are the light of the world. When Satan, sin and selfish desires bring darkness, you bring release. When the world runs from your Word and mocks your name, you are preparing for the final victory — the once-and-for-all defeat of sin and reign of God’s Kingdom. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and might. Help me know the truth of your word and live according to your ways. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen
