And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? (Jn 9:2).
The disciples figured the beggar was born blind because of a sin he or his parents did. There was a belief in Jesus’ day that a baby in the womb could sin. Some even believed in the pre-existence of souls and that these souls could sin before being born. In verse 3, Jesus told His disciples that neither the man nor his parents did any sin to bring about his blindness.
Many today are quick to decide that God is punishing a sin if sickness or problems occur in a person’s life. Now this can be true because Scripture teaches such. But it can also be not true. We live in a fallen world, and sickness and tribulations will happen.
In any case, God will use affliction to bring people to salvation or restoration. Jesus said this man
–George Sheffield
was born blind so that the works of God should be made manifest in him; that God would be glorified in his life. His blindness was for his good and God’s glory. The man’s good--he got saved (v38) plus he received his sight (v7). God’s glory--the people praised God for this miracle, and God is still being praised today whenever John 9 is read. And in any case, we need to do like Jesus and minister to people in need, not condemn them.
