Read John 9:1–41
According to retribution theology, bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people. The classic Old Testament example of this is Job, when his friends tried to find out what sin he committed that God must have been punishing him for. We see in this passage that despite 42 chapters of disproving this in Job, it’s still a pernicious idea in the New Testament world. Jesus’ disciples assumed that this man’s blindness must be a consequence of sin. But Jesus’ response is transformative: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned… This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him” (9:3). Jesus shifts the focus from human blame to divine purpose. The man’s blindness was not a punishment for wrongdoing, but an opportunity for God to reveal His glory. Sometimes, our hardships are the very platforms God uses to display His power, mercy, and love.
When the blind man obeys what Jesus told him, his sight is restored. And not only was his sight restored,
but he also came to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. His blindness had prepared the stage for God’s works to be displayed—both physically and spiritually.
Our trials and struggles serve a higher purpose. It is tempting to ask, “Why me?” when faced with hardship.
But through this passage, Jesus invites us to trust in God’s sovereignty. Our pain, confusion, or suffering are
often the very circumstances in which God chooses to reveal His power and grace. Let this story be a reminder: God is always at work, even in our darkest moments. Our struggles can be the canvas on which God paints His glory for all to see. Trust in His purpose, even when the reason for the pain isn’t clear.
Begin praying with Psalm 34:19:
“One who is righteous has many adversities,
but the LORD rescues him from them all.”