Scriptural Reflection: Displaying the Work of God in Our Work (John 9)
Today, let us look at John 9.
This story of Jesus’ healing of a blind man in John 9 is one of such stories for me which I assume to know because I have read it, I have heard it many times from teachers and preachers. It appears familiar but I realized that it is not as familiar as I assumed. This story is not just about Jesus being our healer, but it also has to do with our work and the very purpose of our existence.
Unlike many stories that reaches its climax towards the end, this begins with its climax at the very beginning. Verse 3-5 sums up the entire story. As the disciples asked Jesus about the man born blind, Jesus answers in verse 3 that it was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but the works of God might be displayed in him. A display of who God is. The same applies to us. We all were blind once; we were in darkness until Jesus brought us to light. We now see and therefore we are to display who God is in our lives, especially in our work.
As we read this story, the moment the blind man was able to see he was ready to witness. Nothing could stop him, not even the Pharisees and leaders of the synagogue. He was clear with his message and there was readiness to witness. His lips were quick to testify. He knew exactly how he was healed and the moment his eyes were opened he became an ambassador of Christ. Starting from verse 9 and 11, the man is now transformed by Jesus. He starts testifying that it was Jesus who made some mud and put it in my eyes and told him to go to Siloam and wash. He exactly did what he was told, now he can see.
Even after he was taken for interrogation he continued to testify and his message did not deviate. Here is the testimony of the man Verse 25 “Whether he is a sinner or not I do not know, but one thing I do know, I was blind but now I see.” His boldness is admirable. Be it private or public, be it with the religious leaders at the synagogue, he stood for what he just experienced. It was a life transforming encounter that nothing else matters. How often do we get fearful to testify Jesus for fear of rejection, inconvenience, offending others, lack of faith in the power of the Gospel and so on. Sometimes, we do not even have a clear message and conviction of what we believe and why we believe. What a beautiful reminder this is for us.
The Pharisees were so religious that they could not see and know who Jesus is. First problem is that this incident happened on the Sabbath (v16). Jesus is not keeping the Sabbath. Second problem is, they were not convinced by what Jesus did and what the man testified concerning Jesus in spite of the man’s eyes being opened. Thirdly they claim to be followers of Moses, their religious heritage clouds them from seeing who Jesus is and there was no openness to know. Two attitudes of the scribes, Pharisees and other leaders that we often read in other passages are the hardening of hearts and unbelief. On other occasion, we hear Jesus addressing this issue- repent and believe and do not harden your hearts. The reason is because the consequences are costly, ‘they will see and not see, they will hear and not hear.’
Let us not be caught up in our religiosity, worldly culture, patterns of how the world operates which is contrary to Kingdom culture that we miss out on who Jesus is and what He does becomes irrelevant and insignificant. Following Jesus may appear foolishness in the eyes of the world because often times it is beyond human rationality. Though initially the blind man does not fully know who Jesus is, he was open to knowing him. After the interrogation at the synagogue, Jesus found him again in verse 35, and asked him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” I love how this man’s attitude. “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” the man answered. Even though he is not aware of who Jesus is, he was open to knowing and believing. Jesus then answered “you have seen him and it is he who is speaking to you.” From calling him sir, in an instant, it switches to Lord (kurios) I believe and he worshipped Jesus. There was a rapid recognition – a clear distinction of past and present that will now change the course of his future destiny. I pray the same for us.
May we quickly recognize who Jesus is. May our lips be quick to testify. May we be clear of whose we are and what we believe. May we be bold and courageous to display the work of God in our work. May we always be aware that Christ dwells in us and that his presence is ever abiding so that we are not just working for Christ but we are working with Christ. Amen!
