In the Gospel of John, chapter 9, we encounter a powerful story that reveals not only the miraculous works of Christ but also deep theological insights about sin, healing, and the manifestation of God’s works. Let’s delve into this passage to understand its profound implications and how it can impact our faith today.

Understanding the Cultural Context

As Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:1-2). This question arises from a common belief at the time, rooted in the Law, that physical ailments like blindness were a result of sin, either by the individual or their ancestors.

Jesus’ Radical Response

Jesus’ response is groundbreaking: “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). Here, Jesus shifts the focus from blame to purpose. The man’s blindness is not a punishment but an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed through His works.

The Works of God

To understand this concept of the “works of God,” we need to revisit John 6:29, where Jesus says, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” This aligns with Abraham’s faith, where the works attributed to him were his belief and obedience to God. Similarly, in the context of John 9, the works of Jesus are about manifesting God’s power and fostering belief.

The Healing Miracle

Jesus then performs a miracle. He spits on the ground, makes some mud with the saliva, and puts it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing (John 9:6-7). This act is not just about physical healing; it is symbolic of spiritual enlightenment. The man, once blind, now sees both physically and spiritually, recognizing Jesus as the source of his healing.

Addressing Skepticism and Belief

The healing sparks controversy. The Pharisees interrogate the man and his parents, doubting the miracle and criticizing Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. This debate underscores a critical theme: the tension between rigid adherence to religious laws and the living, dynamic power of God’s work through Jesus.

Jesus, the Light of the World

Jesus declares, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). This statement is crucial. Light symbolizes guidance, truth, and the presence of God. As long as Jesus is in the world, His presence brings light, enabling the works of God to be done. However, this raises a question: What happens after Jesus’ physical departure from the world?

The Continuation of God’s Work

To answer this, we turn to Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Here, Jesus extends the responsibility of being light-bearers to His disciples and, by extension, to all believers.

The Church as Light-Bearers

Paul’s letters further reinforce this idea. In 2 Corinthians 4:6, Paul writes, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” The Church, imbued with the Holy Spirit, continues the work of Jesus, bringing light into a dark world through acts of love, compassion, and faith.

Conclusion: Miracles for Today

The story of the blind man in John 9 is not just a historical account but a theological affirmation that God’s works continue through His followers. The light that Jesus brought into the world has not been extinguished but rather distributed among His believers. As long as we live out our faith, demonstrating God’s love and power, it remains day, and the works of God are still being manifested.

This passage challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of miracles and the ongoing presence of God’s power in the world. It urges us to be active participants in God’s work, shining His light in every corner of our lives. Whether through acts of kindness, prayer, or simply living out our faith with integrity, we contribute to the ongoing revelation of God’s glory in the world.

By embracing our role as light-bearers, we affirm that the miraculous works of Christ are not confined to the past but are a present reality, continually unfolding through us. As believers, we are called to keep this light shining, ensuring that the works of God are always visible in our lives and in the world around us.