23. John 9:1-23 Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind

March 24th, 2025
by Jongseung Park

1. SCRIPTURE

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS:

1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”

16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

What does this passage reveal about God?

God’s purpose is greater than our suffering (v. 3). The man’s blindness was not a punishment for sin but an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed.
Jesus is the light of the world and came to bring light into a world of spiritual darkness (v. 5).
God’s work is not limited by human rules (v. 14).
** Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. For more understanding, read the previous SOAP for John 5:17 from Day 13 and John 7:21-23 from Day 19.

What does this passage reveal about human nature?

People often assume suffering is a result of sin (v. 2). Like the disciples who assumed the man's blindness was a punishment, people often try to explain suffering by looking for someone to blame. However, God's purposes go beyond human understanding, and He can use even difficult situations for His glory.
Our pride and legalism can blind us to God’s work (v. 16).

What did this passage mean to its original audience?

Is our suffering the result of sin?
While the Bible does show that sin can have consequences—including physical suffering (e.g., Psalm 38:3-4, 1 Corinthians 11:30)—it does not teach that all sickness is a direct result of personal sin. Job, for example, suffered greatly despite being righteous (Job 1:8-12). Jesus' response in John 9:3 reminds us that suffering is not always about punishment but can be part of God’s greater plan.

Ultimately, sickness is part of the fallen world we live in (Romans 8:20-22). However, God can use suffering to draw people closer to Him, build faith, or display His power and mercy. Instead of assuming suffering is always a result of sin, we should seek God’s purpose in every situation, trusting in His wisdom and goodness.

3. APPLICATION:

How does this passage impact my attitude?

It’s natural to question why suffering happens, but this passage reminds me that God’s purpose is greater than my struggles. Instead of seeing hardships as punishment, I want to trust that God can use every situation for His glory. So when I face difficulties, I will remind myself that God is at work and ask, "How can God be glorified through this?" rather than "Why is this happening to me?"

How does this passage challenge my actions?
Jesus is the light of the world (v. 5), bringing sight to both the physically and spiritually blind. This challenges me to rely on Him in moments of confusion or hardship. Instead of feeling lost, I want to turn to Jesus for guidance, comfort, and truth. I will seek Jesus in prayer and the Word when I feel lost.

4. PRAYER:

Dear God,
Thank You for reminding me that my struggles are not without purpose. Help me to trust that You are working for Your glory and my good during these difficult times.

Oh God, I feel lost, discouraged, and overwhelmed.
Please guide me back to You.
Open my eyes to see Your purpose beyond my understanding.
Give me the faith to trust in Your plan and the courage to stand firm in my beliefs, even when others doubt or oppose me.

May my life reflect Your glory in every situation.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Posted in The Gospel of John Part 2 (21-40)