As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. [John 9.1-4]
I have had many people use this scripture to refute the fact that sickness and disease is part of the curse (and therefore resultant to sin). But is that really what Jesus is saying here? I think not.
There is a deeper meaning to what Jesus said above and it is not a scriptural anomaly but rather consistent with the rest of Jesus' life and ministry.
If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.23]
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. [Matthew 7.1]
Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.” But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” [Matthew 9.2-6]
Based on the three passages just quoted here, the point Jesus was driving home in John 9 was simply this: Don't focus on people's sin (don't judge). Instead, do the work of the Kingdom, forgive, heal, and allow the Holy Spirit of God to cause them to repent and become believers.
Father, help me to have eyes to see Your power (forgiveness) instead of people's sin.
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