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Commentaries
English
John
  
2. Healing the man born blind
(John 9:1-41)

a) Healing on the Sabbath
(John 9:1-12)
1As he passed by, he saw a blind man from his birth.2And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"3Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him.4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night comes when no man can work.5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."


Jesus did not hurriedly flee from his enemies who were going to stone him, rather he noticed at this critical juncture a brother man in affliction. He is the pardoning love that is sincere in blessing. The disciples also saw the blind man but were not unduly troubled. Instead they speculated about the guilt that caused this calamity, as most people in the past thought that diseases were due to some sin or other, and fell as punishment from God. Jesus did not define the cause of the handicap; he did not formally declare the parents or the young man innocent, but saw in this man’s affliction an opportunity for God to work. He would not let his disciples judge the wretch, or philosophies on the causes of blindness. He impelled them to move forward and showed them the aim of God’s will; salvation and healing.
"I must work", said Jesus. Love impelled him, he had no wish to judge or destroy, but longed to heal in compassion. He shows thereby his redeeming love, his convictions and aims. He is the savior of the world, wishing to build up people into the divine life.
We also hear Jesus’ words, "I do not work in my name nor through my own strength; rather I accomplish my Father’s works in His name, in accord with Him." His works he called God’s.
Jesus knew that time was short, and death was near. Despite this, he gave time to cure the blind man. He is the light of the world, desiring to illumine the blind man with the light of life. There was a time coming, when neither he nor any saint could do something. While it is day and there are occasions to preach, let us witness to him. Darkness increases, our world has no hope other than the return of Christ. Who will prepare his way?