As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 9:1-5, New International Version

In John 9, Jesus continues His declaration of being the light of the world with an unusual story. It is the story of a man who has been blind from birth. He has never seen the light and yet he becomes the only one in the crowd to see the Light of the World for who He really is.

The episode begins with a question, "Teacher, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" The disciples had equated this man's challenge of blindness with a punishment from God. We have all probably had that thought at some time. Our reaction to painful experiences must be God punishing us for some sin. Jesus spends a moment to straighten out their theology.

Jesus states that "neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." Every challenging issue that comes into our lives is an opportunity for God to be glorified. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, God is always working out His plans for good in our lives (Romans 8:28). God doesn't tie us to our sins, He sets us free from them.

Then Jesus tells us that we are God's solution to relieve the suffering in the world. "As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming when no man can work." There will always be pain in this world, but that is an opportunity for us, like Jesus, to touch the lives of others with our lives and ministries.

He finishes with this thought: "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." The disciples would now understand their role. We are to do the work of God while we are here, in the name of Jesus. This is our mission and purpose. As Jesus was the light of the world, now we are the light of the world.

Let's look for an opportunity to alleviate the pain of others and serve this world with the grace God has given us. We can always begin with a prayer to see what the Lord is asking of us. From there we simply can join Him in His work.

Have a wonderful day.

Love, Pastor Stuart