Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
Have you ever asked someone a question but they don’t give you a direct answer? Sometimes a question gets answered with another question, which seems like no answer at all.
We can see this with politicians in response to the questions of reporters and when talk show hosts pepper their celebrity guests with questions. We’re used to that.
But we wouldn’t expect this of Jesus. And yet, Jesus often responded to questions from the Jewish leaders with another question or with an answer that seemed evasive. Jesus did the same with His disciples. This would result in frustration or confusion or both.
Why would Jesus do this, especially with His own followers?
We like direct answers to our direct questions. But we also want direct and specific answers to our open-ended questions, such as the question the disciples asked of Jesus about the reason for a man born blind.
Is it possible the disciples were asking the wrong question or expecting an incorrect answer?
Scripture
As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been born blind. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, why was this man born blind? Did he or his parents sin?” [vss 1-2]
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned. Instead, he was born blind so that God could show what he can do for him. We must do what the one who sent me wants us to do while it is day. The night when no one can do anything is coming. As long as I’m in the world, I’m light for the world.” [vss 3-5]
After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground and mixed the spit with dirt. Then he smeared it on the man’s eyes and told him, “Wash it off in the pool of Siloam.” (Siloam means “sent.”) The blind man washed it off and returned. He was able to see. [vss 6-7]
(John 9:1-7 GW)
Key phrase—
“As long as I’m in the world, I’m light for the world.”
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
At the beginning of this story, what are we told Jesus does and who He sees?
What do the disciples of Jesus ask Him about the man they see?
How does Jesus answer the disciples’ question and what does Jesus say about Himself?
What does Jesus do for this man and tell him to do?
Reflection...
As with other miraculous signs in the Gospel of John, the healing of this man bon blind illustrates and reveals another aspect of who Jesus is and why He came to earth. At the beginning of John, we’re told—
He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity. (John 1:4 GW)
John also tells us this Light was the Creator of all, but the world didn’t recognize Him for who He is (John 1:9-11).
This story is packed with several important observations. First, the question the disciples asked about “who sinned” as a cause for the man’s blindness. This questions continues to be asked even now. But Jesus didn’t give them the answer the disciples expected, and probably not the one we might expect.
Jesus declares He is the “Light for the world” and He must do the work the Father sent Him to do while it is “day.” Jesus indicates His time with the disciples and on earth is limited. This “day” will also be followed by a time of darkness.
The process for healing the blind man is also interesting. Jesus spits on the ground, makes a paste of mud, then applies it to the man’s eyes. After this, Jesus sends the man off to wash the mud from his eyes at the pool of Siloam, which we’re told mean’s “sent.”
When the man does what Jesus tells him to do, he gains his sight. Imagine how amazing it would be to see for the first time after years of living without sight!
This is what Jesus wants to do for all of us—take away our blindness from birth. This is just the beginning of the story, but for now—
What is the blindness you need Jesus to remove from your life?
Taking it to heart...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
Does Jesus give the disciples the answer they expected or wanted?
What do you think Jesus meant when He said the night was coming when “no one could work?”
Have you ever asked the Lord questions that seem to go unanswered?
In what ways can you see you have been or are now blind in a personal or spiritual sense?
Personalize it...
Meditate On This— Jesus is the Light of all humanity who gives life to all. This includes eternal life and spiritual sight. But to receive this life and sight from Jesus, we need to acknowledge and admit to our need for both.
Prayer Focus— When the questions of your heart seem to go unanswered, ask the Lord for the reason why or to help you see how to ask a better question. When the Lord reveals your need to receive insight or spiritual sight, be willing to acknowledge your need and ask for this in faith.
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