WHO DID SIN?
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 9:1-7
Key Verse: “And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 4:11; Psalm 139:13-16; Romans 8:28; John 9:3
INTRODUCTION
In John chapter nine, Jesus encountered a man who had been blind from birth. Seeing the man’s condition, the disciples asked a question that reflected a common belief of their time: “Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” They assumed that suffering must always be the direct result of personal or inherited sin.
However, Jesus corrected their understanding. He responded that the man’s blindness was not caused by his own sin or that of his parents but that the works of God might be revealed in him. This statement shifted the focus from blame to divine purpose.
Many people still ask similar questions when facing hardship or witnessing suffering. They often search for someone to blame rather than seeking God’s purpose in the situation. Jesus teaches that while sin can bring consequences, not every difficulty is the result of personal wrongdoing. Sometimes God allows challenges so that His power and glory can be revealed.
1. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SUFFERING
The disciples’ question reflected a misunderstanding about the causes of suffering.
a. The Assumption That All Suffering Comes from Personal Sin (John 9:2)
The disciples believed the man’s blindness must have been caused by someone’s sin.
b. The Complexity of Human Suffering (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
Life’s circumstances do not always follow predictable patterns of cause and effect.
c. Avoiding Quick Judgements (Matthew 7:1)
Jesus warned against judging others without understanding the full situation.
d. Recognising God’s Sovereignty (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God’s thoughts and ways are higher than human understanding.
Biblical Example:
Job’s friends wrongly assumed his suffering was the result of hidden sin, but God later revealed that their conclusion was incorrect (Job 42:7).
2. GOD CAN USE DIFFICULTIES FOR HIS GLORY
Jesus revealed that the man’s situation would become an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed.
a. God’s Works Revealed in Trials (John 9:3)
Jesus explained that the man’s blindness would allow the works of God to be manifested.
b. God Turns Challenges into Testimonies (Romans 8:28)
God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
c. God’s Power Demonstrated Through Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Divine strength is often revealed in human weakness.
d. Trials Can Lead to Greater Faith (James 1:2-3)
Difficult experiences can strengthen faith and perseverance.
Biblical Example:
Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, yet God used those hardships to position him for a great purpose in saving many lives (Genesis 50:20).
3. JESUS IS THE SOURCE OF HEALING AND RESTORATION
After correcting their misunderstanding, Jesus performed a miracle that restored the man’s sight.
a. Christ the Healer (Exodus 15:26)
God reveals Himself as the one who heals His people.
b. Divine Compassion (Matthew 14:14)
Jesus consistently healed those who came to Him with faith.
c. Healing Through Faith (Mark 10:52)
Jesus often emphasised faith as a key to receiving healing.
d. Restoration Beyond Human Ability (Jeremiah 30:17)
God promises to restore health and heal wounds.
Biblical Example:
Blind Bartimaeus received his sight when he called out to Jesus with faith, demonstrating the power of Christ to restore vision (Mark 10:46-52).
4. GOD’S PURPOSE IS GREATER THAN HUMAN UNDERSTANDING
The story reminds believers that God’s purposes often extend beyond what people can see or understand.
a. God’s Design in Creation (Psalm 139:13-14)
Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
b. Trusting God’s Plan (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Believers must trust in the Lord even when they do not understand their circumstances.
c. God Works Through Every Situation (Isaiah 43:19)
God can bring new things and unexpected blessings out of difficult situations.
d. The Ultimate Goal of God’s Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
All things ultimately serve to glorify God.
Biblical Example:
The Apostle Paul endured a “thorn in the flesh,” yet God used it to teach him humility and reliance on divine grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
CONCLUSION
The question, “Who did sin?” reveals a human tendency to look for blame when faced with suffering. Jesus redirected that perspective by emphasising God’s purpose rather than human fault. While sin can sometimes lead to consequences, not every hardship is caused by personal wrongdoing.
Believers must learn to trust God even in difficult circumstances. Instead of focusing on blame, they should seek God’s purpose and allow Him to work through their situations. When God moves, even long-standing problems can become powerful testimonies of His glory.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to trust Your wisdom even when I do not understand my circumstances, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, reveal Your purpose in every challenge I face, in Jesus name.
3. Father, let every difficult situation in my life become a testimony of Your power, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, deliver me from every wrong assumption about Your work in my life, in Jesus name.
5. Father, grant me faith to believe that You are working all things for my good, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, let Your healing power restore every broken area of my life, in Jesus name.
7. Father, help me to depend on You completely in every season, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, open my spiritual eyes to understand Your plans for my life, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let Your glory be revealed through my life and experiences, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, turn every challenge I face into a testimony of Your goodness, in Jesus name.
