Good morning. The ninth chapter of John’s gospel begins with Jesus’ healing of a man who was born blind. It isn’t unusual as we read the gospels to read about Jesus’ compassion and His healing mercies. But I have always been especially intrigued by the question of Jesus’ disciples before that healing takes place.
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?” John 9:1-2
The disciples don’t seem to be particularly interested in seeing another unfortunate person begging for help. They are familiar enough with his story to know that he is not only blind, but that he “was born blind.” What they are interested in, is to find out who was at fault. Who was to blame for this man’s blindness? Is it because of a sin of his parents, or is it possible that he had some natural condition of sin (remember, he was blind from birth)? Their question was “who was to blame” without concern for the blind man himself. Never mind that he is a beggar, relying on the kindness of strangers to survive. Never mind that he has never seen a sunset, or the beauty of a newborn, or even the faces of those from whom he begs. What they see is someone whose situation tells them that there must have been a sin, some failure, to cause the problem. How could the disciples have been so…blind?
The answer is one that we need to know, although this truth is uncomfortable. It is easier to talk about a person than it is to help a person. It is easier to criticize a person than it is to have compassion for a person. It is easier to discuss the brokenness of current politics and double digit inflation than it is to help those who can’t make ends meet. It is easier to debate the Biblical teaching about homosexuality than it is to have a dialogue with a homosexual person. It is easier to rage about abortion than it is to support an unwed mother, or an orphanage, or to offer to babysit.
It is always easier to talk, and to criticize, than it is to love.
Jesus’ answer to the disciple’s question is this: “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 9:3-5
Jesus tells them it wasn’t about who was at fault, it wasn’t a question of sin. What it was about was working to reveal the love and the glory of God. It was, and is, about letting the light of Christ shine through loving actions into the darkness of this world. It isn’t about what is easy, it is about what is Godly and loving and right.
Vern