Our Scripture reading is John 9:1-7.
Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
May God bless this reading.
Out of the many lessons in this text, here are three for today.
Number 1. Don’t Judge everything by appearances. Verses 1 -3.
We’ve all been there. You see someone struggling and maybe make an assumption: they must be unlucky, unhealthy, or have done something wrong. John 9 throws a bucket of cold water on that way of thinking!
When Jesus encounters a man blind since birth, the disciples blurt out, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, to deserve this?” Wow! Instant judgment based on appearance. But Jesus says, “No! This is about God’s work being revealed.”
This is a wake-up call for us all.
We can’t know someone’s story by just looking. Maybe that grumpy guy at work is dealing with a tough situation at home. Maybe the classmate who seems carefree is battling anxiety. Let’s stop assuming and give others another chance.
Number 2. Time is Limited to Do Good (John 9:4)
Jesus reminds us, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.”
It’s a call not to waste the time we’re given. Our time here is finite, a precious commodity we often take for granted. It is a series of fleeting moments and opportunities, each with an expiration date we can’t always see. It’s like catching a train; if you hesitate too long, you’ll miss it, and there’s no guarantee another one will come along. Take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, because they won’t always be available. Whether pursuing a dream, reconciling with a loved one, or stepping out in faith, now is the time. Don’t let fear or procrastination hold you back. Remember, the doors of opportunity don’t knock; they silently swing open, waiting for us to walk through. Don’t look back and wonder, What if?” Move forward with “What’s next?”
Number 3. Faith Requires Action (John 9:7):
“Then He told him, ‘Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
Imagine being told your blindness could be healed and your sight could be restored if you just washed in a pool. Sounds simple, right? The man, blind from birth, is healed after he acts on Jesus’ instructions. It should remind us that faith isn’t just about believing; it’s about doing. Taking that step, even when it feels uncertain or odd, is what faith in action looks like. It’s about trust, about moving your feet even when you can’t see the path ahead. Let’s not just believe; let’s act on our faith and watch as wonders unfold.
Lonnie Davis