Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 Today we’re diving into chapter 9, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

This chapter opens with Jesus noticing a man who had been blind from birth, and immediately the disciples asked a question many of us still ask today:

“Teacher, whose sin caused this guy’s blindness—his own, or his parents’?” (John 9:1–2 TPT)

As I read this, I found myself wondering why the disciples’ first assumption was sin. Why did they automatically link his condition to guilt or punishment? And then it hit me—this is exactly how we often think. When we face challenges, delays, sickness, or hardship, we instinctively assume, “Maybe it’s because of something I did wrong” or “Maybe it’s a generational issue.” Rarely do we pause to consider that perhaps this situation is simply an opportunity for God to show His greatness in our lives.

Jesus’ response is powerful:
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins… This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:3 NLT)

I absolutely love the Life Application Study Bible’s commentary on this verse. It says:

“A common belief in Jewish culture was that calamity or suffering was the result of some great sin. But Jesus used this man’s suffering to teach about faith and to glorify God. We live in a fallen world where good behaviour is not always rewarded and bad behavior is not always punished. Therefore, innocent people sometimes suffer. If God took suffering away whenever we asked, we would follow him for comfort and convenience, not out of love and devotion. Regardless of the reasons for our suffering, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it. When you suffer from a disease, tragedy, or disability, try not to ask, Why did this happen to me? or What did I do wrong? Instead, ask God to give you strength for the trial and a clearer perspective on what is happening”. (Life Application Study Bible NLT, John 9:2-3)

So next time a challenge arises, resist the temptation to jump straight into guilt or self-blame. Instead, turn to God and ask for His wisdom, guidance, and strength to walk through it. Remember His promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” God is for you, not against you, and He is always ready to reveal His mighty works through your life when you trust Him.

As the story continues, Jesus heals the blind man. But instead of celebrating the miracle, the Pharisees questioned it, doubted it, dissected it, and tried to discredit it, especially because the healing took place on the Sabbath. The man kept repeating his testimony, yet they refused to accept it. I can’t help but wonder if they hoped to make him doubt what had happened. But he stood firm. He knew he had been blind, and he knew he could now see. His encounter with Jesus was personal, undeniable, and unshakeable.

This is such an important lesson for us: there will always be people who doubt Jesus, who question your faith, or who don’t believe your testimony. But our confidence shouldn’t depend on their approval. Like the healed man, our conviction must come from a personal encounter with Jesus, one so real that no argument or opinion can move us.

Later in the chapter, Jesus hears that the healed man was thrown out of the synagogue, so He goes to find him. Jesus asks, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” When the man expresses his desire to believe, Jesus reveals Himself as the One standing before him. And the man responds with belief and worship.

‘When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man? ” The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!” “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. ‘(John 9:35-38 TPT)

The miracle opened his physical eyes, but Jesus’ revelation opened his spiritual eyes. This is the heart of the story: the miracle is not the end goal. The true purpose is for us to believe and have a relationship with Jesus, the giver of eternal life. And if you haven’t already taken that step, Jesus’ invitation is open to you today. His arms are wide open to receive you, all you need to do is believe in him

Prayer for Salvation:
Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for me. Forgive me for all my wrongs. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord and that You raised Him from the dead. Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit. I believe it, I receive it, and I confess it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Welcome to the family of God 😊

Thank you so much for joining me in our study of John 9. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you the most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments so we can continue growing together.