John records a blind beggar whose eyes were healed by Jesus. The disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). Their question is reminiscent of Job’s friends, who kept asking him what sin he committed that caused trouble to find him. Jesus’ answer is clear: “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him” (vs. 3). Jesus said that they must all work the works of God while it is still day because night is coming when the work can’t be done. Then he concluded: “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (vs. 5).
Jesus then anointed his eyes with spit and mud then had him wash in the pool of Siloam. The Pharisees called the man and relentlessly questioned him, insisting that he tell them where Jesus was and how he was able to heal him. The Pharisees argued with each other; some said that a sinner can’t heal others and others thought that he must be from God. Then they questioned the man again, asking what he thought about Jesus. He simply replied, “He is a prophet” (vs. 17). Unsatisfied with his answer, they called his parents to question them.
They called the man back and insisted that he label Jesus a sinner. His response was brilliant: “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see” (vs. 25). After questioning him more they cast him out of their presence in a fit of rage. When Jesus heard he was cast out, he went and found the man and asked him if he believes in the Son of Man. The man asked Jesus to show him who he is so he can believe in him and Jesus said the he was the Son of Man. The man replied, “Lord, I believe,” and worshiped Jesus. Sometimes bad things happen to us so the works of God can be revealed. How many times has this happened in our lives?