April 6, 2025

THE WAYMAKER: WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN

John 9:1-3a, “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?’ 3‘It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,’ Jesus answered.” (NLT)

Jesus recognized that sickness isn’t always connected to a person’s good-ness, or level of right living. People can get diseases regardless of how Godly they live their lives.

John 9:3b, “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (NLT)

This doesn’t mean that God caused the man to be born blind, but it does mean that God could still reveal His glory even in the tragedy of his blindness.

John 9:4, “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.” (NLT)

Jesus goes from talking about the demonstration of God’s glory to saying “WE must do the works of God.”

One of the ways that God reveals His glory and power in difficult situations is through the obedience of His people… my obedience and your obedience.

John 9:5, “But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” (NLT)

In the midst of all of the bad things that happen around us, it’s normal to wonder why. But instead of spending SO much time thinking about WHY, I need to spend MORE time thinking about WHO.

Who is Jesus? He isn’t just a great teacher. He is the world’s light. In the darkness, He is YOUR light. Light provides direction and it provides protection in dark places.

John 9:6-7a, “Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. 7 He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”).

Jesus is powerful and can do anything. He is literally proving that He is the world’s light by bringing light to the life of this blind man.

John 9:7b, “So the man went and washed and came back seeing!” (NLT)

John 9:35-39, “When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” 37 “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!” 38 “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.” (NLT)