🔥 Devotional on John 9:1–10 | "So That the Works of God Might Be Displayed"

👁️ From Judgment to Glory — Seeing Suffering Through God’s Eyes

📖 Scripture: John 9:1–10 (NIV)

1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.

2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes.

7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?"

9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."

10 "How then were your eyes opened?" they asked.

🧎 1. Opening Prayer

Lord, open my spiritual eyes through Your Word. Help me not just to understand but to obey. Show me what You are doing, even in suffering. Amen.

🔁 2. Repeated Words or Phrases

• Blind – vv. 1, 2, 6, 8
• Saw / See – vv. 1, 7, 8, 10
• God's work – vv. 3, 4
• People / Neighbors – vv. 8, 10

🎯 3. Theme

The purpose of suffering is not always due to sin—it can be a stage for God's glory.

🕊️ 4. Observing God

• Jesus saw the blind man (v.1)—God notices the unnoticed.
• Jesus shifted focus from blame to purpose: "this happened so that the works of God might be displayed" (v.3).
• He declared, "I am the light of the world" (v.5), bringing meaning and hope in darkness.
• He physically intervened—making mud and healing (vv.6–7)—He gets involved in our mess.
• Jesus commands action—"Go, wash..."—He invites participation in the miracle.

🧍 5. Observing Humanity

• The disciples assumed sin caused the man’s blindness (v.2).
• The man obeyed Jesus’ command without question (v.7).
• Neighbors were confused by the transformation (vv.8–9).
• People debated the reality of the miracle instead of seeking Jesus (v.9).
• The man confidently declared, "I am the man" (v.9).

💡 6. Interpreting God

Jesus reveals that not all suffering stems from wrongdoing. Sometimes, it is the very means by which God's power and glory are revealed. His healing of the blind man illustrates His role as the Light that overcomes darkness. Jesus doesn't avoid human pain—He touches it, transforms it, and brings purpose to it. This miracle is more than physical—it reveals God's character, purpose, and compassion.

🧠 7. Interpreting Humanity

Humans often default to blame and shallow explanations for suffering. The disciples' question reflects that. But real transformation comes not from analyzing the problem but obeying the Savior. The healed man didn’t debate—he acted in faith. Meanwhile, those around him hesitated to believe. This shows how hard it is for people to accept divine change when it disrupts familiar categories.

🪞 8. Application

When I face suffering or witness it in others, am I looking for someone to blame—or am I looking for God at work? Like the man born blind, I want to respond to Jesus’ command in faith. And when others struggle to believe in my transformation, I’ll testify boldly: “I am the one Jesus changed.” I will expect His light to shine in my darkness.

💖 9. Spiritual Touch

"This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." (John 9:3)

🙏 10. Closing Prayer

Father, forgive me for judging others’ pain too quickly. Help me see suffering through Your eyes—not as punishment, but as purpose. Thank You for being the Light of the world. Shine in my life and make me a witness of Your glory.

🌿 11. Live It Today

Meditate on John 9:3 throughout the day. Whatever hardship you or someone close to you is facing, ask: “How might God display His work through this?”