The disciples, like many today, believed that bad things happen only to bad people. Nothing could be further from the truth. In Matthew 5:45 we learn that God allows the sun to shine on both good and evil men and He also sends rain to both the righteous and the unrighteous. Yet the disciples still asked, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

Granted there are times when events happen in our lives that are direct consequences of choices we have made. However, this was not the case regarding the blind man mentioned in the ninth chapter of John. Jesus clearly states the man's blindness was not due to anything he or his parents did or did not do. "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

This passage can also teach us a lot about relationships. The lives of the man's parents, neighbors, Jesus' disciples, and the religious Pharisees were all somewhat changed as a result of Jesus healing the man born blind. Others will notice when you have had an encounter with the true and living God. We are to be cautious not to become like the neighbors and the Pharisees; who showed signs of being judgmental and tried to figure things out on their own. Like the blind man, we should be willing to share our testimonies describing what God has done and is doing in our lives. The man born blind replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know, I was blind but now I see!" He did not try and argue or debate things he had no knowledge of.

His parents replied in John 9:21, "Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." Of all people, wouldn't you think that mom and dad would have backed him up? This passage clearly shows the man's parents were interested in saving their own necks and did not want to be ostracized or excommunicated from the synagogue, however their response was a valid one. "Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." Likewise, there comes a point in all of our lives that we must answer for ourselves. We are the only ones who can explain who Christ is and what part He plays in our lives. We all must have a personal encounter and relationship with our Lord and Savior.

The blind man had to have enough faith to obey Jesus and do as he was instructed. He had to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. Without this act of obedience, I believe, the man would have remained blind with mud in his eyes. Likewise accepting Christ, as our personal Lord and Savior, requires some action or response on our parts. I am not implying that we must work for our salvation, however, I do believe there is a natural growth process and there will be fruitful evidence of God at work in our lives.

The blind man's realization of who healed him came about in at least four steps. First in verse 11, he states, "The man they call Jesus." This is not really significant for many religions recognize that there was a man who lived on Earth named Jesus. The second revelation is found in verse 17, "He is a prophet." Likewise, many religions recognize Jesus to be a prophet comparing Him to great men such as Moses. Next in verses 30-33, the man concludes that Jesus is a godly man or a man sent from God. The man, who was physically blind since birth, finally recognizes and embraces Jesus as the Son of Man and as his God in verse 38. "Then the man said, 'Lord, I believe,' and he worshipped Him."

As we reflect on Calvary's cross may we be reminded of the words of John the Baptist, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" May we remember we are nothing without Christ and live only as a result of His sacrificial death. He paid the ultimate price, however, as the man born blind had to go and wash the mud out of his eyes, we must also reach out and accept what Christ has done for us. I pray that we are able to grow daily, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in our relationship with our God, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and may our eyes be opened to God working in and through our lives.