Breaking the Myth of Suffering – A Tragedy in Your Eyes, or a Stage for God's Glory?

Dear friends, brothers and sisters, peace be with you. 

When we see others facing misfortune, or when we find ourselves trapped in inexplicable difficulties, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Do we often catch ourselves asking, "What did someone do wrong to deserve this?" It is a very instinctive human reaction; we are used to looking for a "cause" for tragedy. Today, we are going to look at John 9:1-12 together.

At that time, as Jesus and His disciples were walking, they saw a man blind from birth. The disciples' immediate reaction was to treat this man as a theological puzzle, asking, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" They were eager to find someone to blame, desperate to give suffering a logical explanation. But Jesus' answer completely overturned this judgmental perspective. So today, following Jesus' gaze, let us reflect together on three aspects of how He views a life in distress and how He miraculously intervenes.

First, we see the disciples' "Condemnation" versus Jesus' "Grace" – Suffering is meant to display the works of God. 

The disciples, like most people, saw karma and the consequences of sin; but Jesus saw an opportunity for grace to intervene. Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." This is a profound reminder for us when we minister to others. When we face those who are traumatized or weak, we should not act like judges analyzing and criticizing their past, but rather act like shepherds, seeking opportunities for God's presence and healing. Only by shifting our perspective and putting down our inner measuring stick can we truly enter into someone else's life.

Second, we see Jesus' "Sense of Urgency" – As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. 

Jesus then mentioned day and night: "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." Jesus used "day" to symbolize His time on earth and the moments we have opportunities to serve, while "night" refers to the time when those opportunities fade. Jesus knew His time was limited, and He reminds us that love and service have a time limit; the opportunities we have to work for the Lord should not be taken for granted. This sense of urgency encourages us to actively share warmth and the Gospel while we still have the chance and strength, instead of putting off our spiritual promptings until tomorrow.

Third, we see the blind man's "Obedience" – A seemingly roundabout healing is actually an exercise of faith. 

The way Jesus healed this blind man was very unusual: He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, put it on the man’s eyes, and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. Jesus could have easily healed him with just a word, so why go through all this trouble? In fact, this seemingly illogical and perhaps embarrassing process was a test of faith. The blind man couldn't see what Jesus was doing; he only felt the thick mud on his eyes and heard a command to walk to the pool. But he didn't refuse; he chose to obey. "So the man went and washed, and came home seeing." God's methods may not always fit our logic, but true miracles often happen at the moment we are willing to let go of our own cleverness and take a step of obedience.

Dear friends, perhaps you are also facing a "why me" dilemma right now, or you are in a confusing transition period, much like having mud smeared on your eyes. Please remember Jesus' perspective: your life is not a condemned tragedy, but a stage prepared for God to display His works.

May the Lord Jesus, who personally rubbed mud to open the blind man's eyes, also gently open the blind spots and fears in our lives today. May His true light shine into our seemingly dark situations, so that in our acts of obedience, we may personally experience His wonderful healing and renewal. Wishing you all a day full of hope and grace!