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The Gospel of John
Northwest London Christian Church
Sunday Series

Background to John’s Gospel

John Chapter 9
Any day we listen to the radio we find our hearts sinking as we hear a report of another earthquake or
other disaster. Many die every day in such tragedies. We wonder why such things happen. This is not a
new question. The disciples wanted to know the theological background to suffering. They asked
Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (9.2).
Cause-and-Effect?
It was the prevailing assumption of the day that suffering was the result of sin. It is illustrated in the Old
Testament book of Job where Eliphaz said, “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever
perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plough evil and
those who sow trouble reap it.” (Job 4.7-8). The implication is that Job’s suffering is the result of some
hidden sin. The Pharisees say to the man born blind, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you
lecture us!” (9.34). They clearly see a link between his blindness and sin. We may balk at this now,
but before we become too self-righteous, it may be well to reflect on how we react to hearing of the
suffering of others. Is it with unreserved compassion, or with a desire to gossip over the possible
hidden root cause of their affliction?

The View of Jesus

Jesus is careful not to imply that all suffering is due to sin. In Luke’s gospel he says, “Now there were
some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their
sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other
Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all
perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were
more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all
perish.” (Luke 13.1-5). In our present chapter he says, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” (9.3)
and then goes on to give the reason for this man’s blindness, “but this happened so that the work of
God might be displayed in his life.” (9.3). Clearly, Jesus is saying that there is a higher purpose to the
blind man’s suffering. We must be humble and modest in our assessments of the reasons for suffering
– whether it is our own or that of other people.

Faith Sees the Reason

The heroes and heroines of faith all suffered. Joseph, Peter and Paul in jail, Daniel in the Lion’s den,
Jeremiah in the cistern etc. God brought good out of all these situations. I especially love Paul’s
perspective while in prison in Philippians 1.15-18, “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and
rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of
the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir
up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every
way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”. His
suffering resulted in the Gospel being preached. In John chapter 9 Jesus saw the man’s blindness as
an opportunity for God to be glorified. What a typically biblical paradox!

The question for us is, “What suffering is there in your life right now that can lead to God’s glory?”.
Remember that “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1
Peter 2.21). Our suffering leads us to greater Christ-likeness. For these two reasons we can rejoice in
our sufferings – we become more like Jesus and God is glorified!

Malcolm Cox