In the Gospel of John, chapter 9, we are introduced to a remarkable encounter between Jesus and a man born blind. As Jesus and His disciples are walking, they come across this man, and the disciples, in their typical human way, quickly jump to conclusions. They ask Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). Their assumption is rooted in the common belief of that time: suffering and hardship were often seen as the result of sin, either personal or ancestral. If someone was experiencing misfortune or illness, the logical explanation—at least in the eyes of many—was that they had done something wrong, and God was punishing them.
However, Jesus challenges this view. With a simple yet profound response, He tells them: “it was not that this man or his parents sinned, But he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be made manifest (Displayed and illustrated) in him” (John 9:3). Jesus reveals a deeper truth: sometimes, suffering is not the result of sin, but rather an opportunity for God’s glory to be made manifest. This man’s blindness wasn’t a punishment—it was part of God’s plan to display His power and bring about healing, both physically and spiritually.
The Stigma of Sin and Suffering
We can only imagine the hardship this blind man and his family endured. In ancient Jewish society, there was a strong association between suffering and sin. People in this man’s condition were often stigmatized, excluded, and looked down upon as being under God’s judgment. His blindness would have likely been seen as a sign that either he or his parents had sinned grievously.
This belief not only lacked compassion but also created a cycle of shame and isolation for those who were suffering. The blind man and his family would have faced rejection, ridicule, and perhaps even hopelessness. In many ways, their suffering wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, psychological, and social. There was no room for mercy or compassion, only judgment.
But Jesus disrupts this narrative. He doesn’t condemn or blame anyone. Instead, He reframes the situation. The man’s condition, according to Jesus, was not a result of sin but a divine opportunity for God’s glory to be displayed. Jesus opens our eyes to a radically different perspective: suffering can be an occasion for God to reveal His power and grace in ways that go far beyond human understanding.
Our Role as Agents of Restoration
As Christians, we are called to do the same. We live in a world filled with brokenness, pain, and suffering. We encounter people who, like the blind man, are struggling with various forms of affliction—whether physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual. It’s easy to assume that these situations are the result of personal failure or sin. But Jesus calls us to look beyond the surface, to see these moments not as hopeless, but as opportunities for God’s glory to be revealed.
In our own lives, we may face personal struggles that seem insurmountable. Whether it’s a health issue, financial difficulties, family problems, or deep emotional wounds, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we are being punished or abandoned by God. But just as with the blind man, our circumstances may be the very place where God wants to work. Through our trials, He can display His power and bring healing, restoration, and hope—not only to us but also to those around us.
In John 9:4-5, Jesus tells His disciples, “We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” This statement carries profound significance for us today. Jesus speaks of the urgency of the work He was sent to do. The time to do God’s work is now—while it is still day, while there is still an opportunity to act. When night comes, it will be too late.
Jesus then declares, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” But He doesn’t stop there. In Matthew 5:14, He tells His followers, “You are the light of the world.” As believers, we are called to carry His light into the world, to be agents of healing, restoration, and hope. We are to continue the work of Christ, showing compassion, offering mercy, and pointing others to the glory of God. Our work, like Jesus’, is not just about addressing physical needs but also about bringing spiritual transformation.
The Power of Works that Glorify God
The story of the blind man is more than just a physical healing—it is a testimony of the power of God to transform lives. After Jesus heals the man, He doesn’t just leave him in his physical restored state. The healing sets in motion a deeper transformation. The blind man, once an outcast, is now able to see and becomes a witness to the miraculous work of Jesus. He testifies boldly, even in the face of opposition. The Pharisees question him, reject him, and cast him out of the synagogue. But rather than returning to his old life, the man chooses Jesus. He embraces the healer, not just for the physical restoration but for the spiritual salvation He offers.
This moment reveals something powerful: works that glorify God do more than change external circumstances—they transform the individual. When we act in faith, when we allow God to work through us, we do more than heal a situation or make things right. We bring about a spiritual change that strengthens the identity and purpose of the person involved. The blind man didn’t just regain his sight—he received new life in Christ. He moved from being a mere recipient of a miracle to becoming a bold witness to the truth of who Jesus is.
When we engage in works that glorify God, we are not simply making a visible difference in the world—we are participating in the kingdom of God, bringing people into deeper relationship with Christ. Our actions, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can lead others to encounter God in ways that change not just their circumstances but their eternal destiny.
Where Will You Make the Glory of God Manifest?
As followers of Christ, we are called to ask ourselves: Where will I make the glory of God manifest? Where can I be an agent of restoration, healing, and transformation in my world? The blind man’s story invites us to reflect on how we can bring God’s light into the darkness around us.
It may start in our own homes—by showing compassion, offering forgiveness, or helping someone in need. It may extend to our workplaces, schools, or communities, where we have the opportunity to speak truth, share the Gospel, and show Christ’s love to those who are hurting. Perhaps there’s someone in your life who is struggling, someone who feels marginalized or abandoned. Can you be the one to bring healing, both physical and spiritual, to their situation?
The glory of God is not just a concept; it is something that can be made real through our actions. As Jesus worked through the blind man’s healing to display God’s glory, He calls us to continue His work in our world today. Let’s be bold in our faith and compassionate in our actions, so that the works of God might be made manifest in us—and others might be drawn to His light.