John 9  It is interesting that John gives us a whole chapter about this amazing miracle.. and none of the other gospels cover it at all.   "And as He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth." 

We learn from this passage that this was not an ordinary blind beggar.  He was able to converse with the Pharisees clearly and boldly as they questioned him. He was kicked out of the synagogue without concern and worshipped Jesus joyfully.  The Words of Jesus had changed everything in his life. 

It was the disciples that thought the blind man was being punished for either his own sin or his parent's sins and that was why he was blind.  Jesus said, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him." 

Imagine being that young man. Perhaps all of his life he had felt the shame of his blindness. Perhaps he had known anger that this was his lot in life.. maybe even blaming his parents or himself.  The lies of Satan often cause us to blame sickness and disability on God.. it is not so!  No matter what situation we find ourselves in.. Jesus is ready to display the "works of God" in us.  It does not always mean we will be completely healed.. but it does mean that God can be glorified in every one of us when we open ourselves to His work. Father, do Your work in us today!

 Jesus took some dust from the ground, spit on it, and made it into clay.  Just as Adam was formed by the Lord's Hand in Eden, Jesus formed this clay and applied it to the eyes that had never seen. "Go wash in the pool of Siloam." He told the man.  He went, washed, and "came back seeing." !   Ever wonder how he knew where to go and how to get back?  This was an unusual man in many ways. 

We are never told his name, but his testimony is so powerful.. 

"The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed by eyes.. so I went away and washed, and I received sight." (v11)  he tells his neighbors. 

".. one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see." (v25)  he tells the Pharisees. 

" Lord, I believe." (v38)  he tells Jesus. 

He understood the Truth.  He believed the Truth. He chose to abide in that Truth.. a life changed by the Light of the world. 

The Pharisees wondered.. for a minute.. if they were blind. "We are not blind too, are we?" they asked Jesus.  If only they could have confessed the truth.  If only they would have received Him.  They would be able to see.. they would have no longer remained in their sin. 

Jesus said, " We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming when no man can work. While I am in the world I am the light of the world. " (v5)  His work is to open blind eyes. To bring light.. to give life.  His Words are life changing, light bringing, earth shaking.  We have those words to share with others.. Lord, help us to be faithful to share this with those still lost in the darkness. 

Father, we willing choose to abide in the Word.. in Jesus Christ.. Whom You sent to bring us Life.  Be glorified in us.. we are the work of Your hands. Amen.