John 9: 1-34

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Jesus’ disciples asked him if the man was blind because of some sin he had committed, or was he blind because of some sin committed by his parents.

When sin entered the world God’s grand design was fractured. The perfection of God’s creation was altered. God is working to bring about a New Creation where His perfection will be restored. Until the New Creation fully comes we are living in a broken world where cancer, birth defects, and physical disabilities, which did not exist in God’s first creation, are now prevalent in our world. When Christ comes again in final victory the world will again flourish in the glory which God first intended for his creation.

That explanation is not sufficient for many people. Some of Jesus’ disciples envisioned a world where God punished the sins of people by putting deformity or blindness on their children. That vision of the world is also embraced by some religions that believe in reincarnation. Through their belief in cause and effect, if you live a bad life you will be punished by being born into ‘bad’ circumstances in your next life.

Jesus’ response to his disciples affirms the promise of God to the Prophet Ezekiel where God said he does not does punish a person for the sins of their parents. Then Jesus said to his disciples, let me give you another sign that God is at work establishing His New Creation. Jesus then touches the man and his blindness is banished. He had been blind but now he sees.

The response of the formerly blind man’s neighbors, family and many of the Pharisees proves that often, it is as hard to not believe, as it is to believe. Some of the Pharisees said that only through the power of God working through a righteous person could such miracles be performed. Most of the others looked for any excuse they could find for not believing in Jesus.

Underlying all the responses to Jesus’ healing of the blind man is the issue of expectations. The people did not have an expectation that faith in God would change lives.  Accordingly, they were astonished when confronted with such a significant change in the man’s life. They looked for a way to explain the change away, or at least to minimalize it.

Every time I read this story I hear the Holy Spirit whisper in my ear, “So Alex, what are you expecting God to do in your life; what do you expect to happen at Sunday Worship this week?”

God forgive me, but too many times I am stuck for an answer.

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

21-Mar-12     John 9:35-10:18