Note: Devotion taken from last Sunday's sermon on John 9:1-7.
Jesus answered, Neither
hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made
manifest in him (John 9:3).
It has been noted by interpreters of John that the evangelist
records seven miracles or “signs” in the first half of this Gospel:
Water into
wine (ch. 2);
The healing
of the nobleman’s son (ch. 4);
The healing
of the lame man (ch. 5);
The feeding
of the 5,000 (ch. 6);
The walking
on water (ch. 6);
The healing
of the blind man (ch. 9);
The raising
of Lazarus (ch. 11).
Some have even called the first half of John “The book of
signs.”
We can look back at John 2:11 as the key to understanding
these events: “This beginning of miracles (signs) did Jesus in Cana of Galilee,
and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
The goal of a miracle: manifestation of Christ’s glory (which
leads men to worship and honor him) and belief (fundamental trust in him above
all else).
Christ here unveils the mystery of the man born blind’s
condition. He exercises sovereign knowledge over all things. This man was born
blind so that Christ might heal him and manifest his glory. This man’s
condition becomes a theater for the display of Christ’s glory.
Have you seen those “shadow boxes” that you can buy to
display fine jewelry, precious coins, or medals? This man’s condition is a
shadow box to highlight and call attention to Christ’s glory through his
healing.
To this we might add that unregenerate men might be able to
see with the physical eye, but they are spiritually blind, and they have been
so from birth. Salvation is like the opening of blinded eyes, so that the lives
of the redeemed might also manifest Christ’s glory. We become shadow boxes to
display his glory.
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
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