My friends,
Have you ever looked at your life and asked, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this pain?” It’s a feeling of being shrouded in darkness, unable to see the way forward.
In John chapter 9, we meet a man who was born blind. When Jesus and His disciples saw him, the disciples asked that very question: “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” This reflects a deep-seated human belief that suffering is always a direct punishment for sin.
But Jesus’s response completely turned that idea on its head. His words not only gave the blind man sight but also illuminated the path for us when we face suffering today. This story is far more than a miracle; it’s a profound lesson about faith, identity, and divine purpose. Let’s learn four invaluable lessons from it.
1. Suffering Isn’t Always a Punishment; It’s a Stage for God’s Glory
Jesus gave a surprising answer to the disciples’ question:
“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, KJV)
This reveals a crucial truth: not all pain is a result of personal sin. Some suffering is permitted by God for the purpose of revealing His glory and power. The man’s lifelong darkness became the very platform God used to perform a miracle and show the world His might.
This offers us immense comfort and hope. It means your struggles and challenges aren’t necessarily punishment from God. Instead, they might be an opportunity for God to work in a marvelous way in your story. This is just like what we learned in every spiritual battle is an opportunity for growth: every challenge is a chance for our faith to be strengthened.
2. Faith Is an Active Obedience, Not Passive Belief
Jesus spit on the ground, made mud, and put it on the man’s eyes, then told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” The man could have chosen to be doubtful, hesitant, or to refuse. But his faith wasn’t just a mental belief; it was an active act of obedience.
“The man went and washed, and came home seeing.” (John 9:7, KJV)
His healing depended on his willingness to act on a seemingly absurd instruction. This lesson reminds us that true faith isn’t about passively waiting for a miracle. It’s about courageously taking the first step in trusting God’s word, even when it seems strange.
3. Healing Is a Process: From Physical to Spiritual Sight
After gaining his sight, the man’s faith grew in stages, like a profound spiritual journey.
- Initially: He called Jesus “the man called Jesus.” (John 9:11) He only saw the physical fact.
- A Shift: When the Pharisees questioned him, he declared Jesus was “a prophet.” (John 9:17) His faith deepened.
- Finally: After being thrown out of the synagogue, he met Jesus again and worshiped Him as “the Son of Man.” (John 9:38)
From a “man” to a “prophet” and finally to the “Son of Man,” his faith moved from an external miracle to a deep personal knowledge of Jesus’s divinity. His physical healing was accompanied by a far greater spiritual illumination. This resonates with all of us, because every time you experience God, it’s a process of growing from physical to spiritual understanding.
4. Following Jesus May Lead to Exclusion, But Also True Belonging
Because of his testimony, the man was questioned, mocked, and eventually cast out of the synagogue—a severe act of social and religious rejection.
“And they threw him out.” (John 9:34, KJV)
This story teaches us a hard but true lesson: standing for the truth can lead to being rejected by the world. But when the world cast him out, Jesus actively sought him out and revealed His true identity. The pain of social rejection was exchanged for a face-to-face encounter with his Savior. This is how he found his true eternal home.
Conclusion and Challenge
The story of the blind man is so much more than a physical healing miracle. It’s a profound lesson about suffering, obedience, revelation, and identity. It reminds us that in darkness, we can still find God’s purpose; in uncertainty, we can find direction through obedience; and in rejection, we can find true belonging.
Have you ever felt, like this man, that you were struggling to find meaning in your suffering? What new insight has this story given you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s walk together from darkness to light. 🙏
