Speculatory Claims | My Vxw Site 2k701b

Speculatory Claims: Who Sinned?

For depth of narrative, read: John 9:1-12

"And His disciples asked Him, saying, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" John 9:2

Although the disciples were with the living God, they failed to know and trust him. They called him "Rabbi." In the Jewish culture, a "Rabbi" is a teacher of the law. Jesus had proven himself to be the trustworthy teacher of everything in life. However, people had always placed limitations on him. He was 100% more than a teacher of the law. They heard his claims as God's son (John 13:1-19), witnessed his power from above (Matt 28:18), and adored his teachings against the seekers of the law (Matt 7:12, John 7:16), but their minds could not perceive his majesty. The disciples were mere men who Jesus had called to follow and learn from him. They came from various backgrounds and walks of life. Some were poor fishermen; others were tax collectors who were thriving. However, they were flawed human beings, and Jesus specifically noticed them. Jesus also saw this blind man that the disciples had inquired about. They asked, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind (v. 2)? They had ignorantly and prematurely accused this man or his parents of sin.

Lesson: We must be careful never to jump to conclusions. When we walk in ignorance and pride, we cheat others and ourselves of blessings. We also distort God's character when we judge someone else's character. Rather than asking Jesus the right question, why was this man born blind from birth? They assumed the blindness was due to some sinful act of the man or his parents. In other words, God is not just; therefore, someone must pay the penalty for this man's blindness. Either the man sinned, or it had to be his parents. Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him" (v.3). Never fail to ask the right question, and if you don't know what to ask, keep quiet and leave the answer up to the Lord.

Lesson: Sickness does not conclude that God is placing judgment on someone's life. God is gracious and forever merciful to those who trust Him. We must know the width, length, height, and depth of God's love (Eph 3:18). Bottom line, with sin came sickness! The following year, after the COVID outbreak, many were ashamed to mention that they had COVID-19 because people feared the accusations they would face. Be wise! Be humble!

Lesson: Even in sickness, our lives will reflect God's glory. He uses the pain from original sin to bring others into the knowledge of His truth. Remember that everything that happens in our lives is to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Brokenness brings glory to Christ. Rejection brings us closer to Christ. Healing points the finger to Christ. If we are genuinely Christ-centered, we live to bring glory to Christ. Also, it is okay to ask people to pray; however, ask those who will pray and not use your sickness or pain to their advantage.

Keep in mind:

We must always ensure that our theology is correct so we do not defile God's word with worldly thinking and minimize God's thoughts with mere speculatory claims.
We must continue to study to show ourselves approved unto God so that we do not walk according to our own history and project our feelings or personal beliefs upon others.
We must pray, walk in humility, and inquire with the right questions. Jesus' thinking is above our immature speculations.

Lord, help us not to think so highly of ourselves that we accuse others based on our own level of deprived thinking. Help us to walk with humility and sound teaching so that we will please you with our mind, will, and emotions. Thank you, Lord, for the authority of your word. It is reassuring. It is refreshing. It is life-giving! In Jesus' name, amen.

Encourage and Be Encouraged!