John 9:1-7 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

Aside from the clear point John is making of Jesus being the Messiah, there is also the challenge of the previously held tradition that blindness was the direct result of sin. It was a widely held belief among Jews and Gentiles alike. Jesus challenges the notion by asserting the man is not blind by the result of his sin or his parents' sin. Rather, his blindness is there to demonstrate the power of God.

As the text continues, it will be seen that the Pharisees held this view of sin being the cause of misfortune in the lives of people. While there is truth to saying suffering is a direct result of sin, there are times wherein suffering is not caused because the individual sinned. This is not exactly how things were thought of in times past. In fact, it is still a widely held belief for us today, but I will answer that point in tomorrow devotion.

The disciples asked a question that was heavily informed by the society they grew up in. They held to cultural norms and understanding that Jesus challenged openly. There is something to be said in the fact that culture is not the one that establishes truth. We may have certain understandings that are influenced first from culture and then pulled from Scripture. We must look to Jesus and His Word first if we are to understand truth. As the disciples learned that day, just because the majority believes something is true does not make it true.

What lesson are you seeing for the original audience?