The whole ninth chapter of John’s gospel narrates the miracle of Jesus healing the man born blind. It contains a lot of truth applicable to our modern lives. Jesus, while he was walking along, sees the blind man who had been blind from his birth. His disciples put forth the fundamental question of life, “Master, was he born blind because of a sin of his, or of his parents?” Jesus answers them with one of the greatest truths of life, “Neither was it for his own sin nor for parents. He was born blind so that God’s power might be shown in him.” (John 9: 1-3)
This miracle brings out the greater tragedy than physical blindness. It is an illustration of the whole Gospel. Jesus is the light and when that light shines, some can see; others who think that they can see turn away blinded by their own stubbornness.
Sufferings for greater glory of God
This miracle gives a clear idea about the cause of sufferings. It clears the wrong notion that it is sin that causes sufferings and sickness. Jesus clearly states that divine work must be accomplished so that divine glory is revealed. The disciples looked at the blind man as a product of sin; but Jesus looks at him as a part of God’s divine purpose.
Go and wash
John’s report about this miracle is crisp and concise. Jesus says, “Go and wash in the pool of Siloam” (John 9: 7) Siloam means the one who was sent. The blind man went and washed. The symbolism of these two verses gives a very deep meaning applicable to our lives. We are the clay of fault humanity and Jesus is the light of the world. We have to go to him and wash ourselves in him and get enlightened, freeing ourselves from our spiritual blindness.
Four kinds of people who witnessed the miracle
The attitude of the people present at the miracle sight makes me think a lot. There were many who witnessed this miracle. The blind man himself asserts his cure and explains them that it was a miracle. But what was their attitude? Even the blind man’s parents were afraid of accepting it publicly, since they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.
1) The neighbors who were standing there and used to see the blind man begging were astonished at the miracle. But their reactions were different.
2) Some said that it was a different man who looked like him. They were not ready to accept real facts.
3) The Pharisees though were convinced that it was a miracle, were not ready to accept it. They said that they everything and could see things clearly. But they were blinded by their stubborn pride. They did not believe he was the blind man who was healed.
4) The worst of these was their blindness not to accept the fact but turning against truth. The Pharisees were more concerned with how he was healed than with the fact that he could see. Look at this paradox of going blind!
Let us go to Siloam and walk in Light
This healing incident reminds us to ponder over the words of John in chapter 12. The light is among us. Let us go on our way while we have the light, so that darkness may not overtake us. Let us be warned that he who journeys in the dark does not know where he is going. While have the light, let us trust to the light, so that we may become men of light.
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