v. 2 “rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” The Jews often believed that bad things happened to bad people. That the most reasonable explanation for this man’s blindness was the sin of his parents. Even today, many people feel that if something ever bad happens, God must be punishing them and getting even. Sin does have its consequences, but we can’t go around thinking that God is just out to get us all of the time. This leads us to an incredibly harsh view of God.
v. “3 Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, ” but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” God had a plan to be glorified in this man’s life and through this man’s life. God can take the tough situations of life and display his glory through us. Are you willing for God to be glorified in and through you?
v. 25 Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see! Great statement. This blind man didn’t have all the answers. He couldn’t match theological wits with the Pharisees. He was sure of one thing though: he used to be blind, and now he wasn’t. This man named Jesus had healed him and opened his eyes. Can you say the same? Have you had a life changing encounter with Jesus that was truly eye opening? No one can undermine your experience of Christ.
v. 39 For judgment I have come into the world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind. This whole story is an illustration of spiritual blindness. The Pharisees thought they were walking in the light because of their religious devotion and knowledge. They were deeply committed to the law, but their hearts were far from God. Jesus was a threat to their nice religious system. They were blind and could not see. Jesus took a man who was considered to be spiritually ignorant and sinful and opened his eyes. He could see. The point is this – until you know that you are blind, you can never really see the kingdom of God. Those who think they can already see are often the ones who are blind. Has Jesus opened your eyes?
Interesting… A man born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in his life.
The blind man hears some guys ask a Rabbi, Who’s sin is responsible for his handicap, his or his parents?” Jesus says, “neither!”.
With nothing to lose, he follows Jesus’ instructions. He goes and washes at the pool and the blind man now can see. A blind man, tired of begging, tired of the dark, tired of stumbling around, meets the Creator of the world and Jesus opens his eyes!
Interesting how his neighbors see him begging, but yet some are not sure if he is the same man. Many times I have neglected to help those in need. Have I been so busy that I don’t even recognize them or not even able to identify them?
The Pharisees must get to the bottom of this! After all, this was done on the sabbath, and Jesus was breaking their law! The parents of the blind man tell the Pharisees that their son is “of age”. He can speak for himself. They are in fear of the Jews and are afraid of being kicked out of the synagogue. The place they are afraid of being kicked out of, is the very place that keeps them captive! At times its hard to give up our religious attitudes… but whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
The new man, with eyes to see and ears to hear is face to face with the Son of Man! Now he can do the “works of God” which are: strengthen the weak; preach the good news to the captive; do justice to the afflicted; encourage the brokenhearted; and open the eyes of the blind.
vs.9:25-Blind but now I see.vs.39Blind will see.God,please help the blind see Jesus