Day 34
Today’s reading: John 9:1-17
Light of The World
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Light of The World 〰️
Reflections
There are several reasons why one might experience suffering, but none of them originate from God. God is good, only good, and always good. He will never cause us to suffer as punishment for our sins or to teach us a lesson. Let that truth sink in—such a notion is completely contrary to His nature of love and mercy.
However, there are principles that govern the world, one of which is that actions have consequences. Sometimes, our wrongdoings lead to natural consequences. For example, if someone decides to rob a bank and is shot by the police in the process, it is not God who caused their pain. It is the direct result of their own actions.
Additionally, we live in a fallen world where nature itself is broken and awaiting redemption (Romans 8:20-24). As a result, brokenness in the world can bring harm, not necessarily due to anyone’s fault. But God, in His mercy, offers us His power to overcome these challenges. Today, He empowers us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26), and we also see examples from the past, such as Jesus healing the blind man in John 9:3. In all circumstances, God’s mercy and power are available to help us endure and overcome suffering, even when it arises from the brokenness of our world or the consequences of our own choices.
Study Questions
Why was Jesus' response to the reason for the man’s blindness difficult for the disciples to grasp in John 9? Use a study Bible for additional insights into the cultural, theological, or historical context that may help explain their confusion.
What does Jesus being the "light of the world" mean to you personally?
Why did Jesus use mud to heal the blind man, rather than simply healing him directly as He had done in the past?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”” John 9:4-5 ESV
