The Great Reversal: God's Cosmic Plan to Displace Darkness With Light: (John 9:1-41)

In the Bible, we find a series of ironic reversals that move the story of salvation from the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane to the Garden City of Zion.

For instance, when Haman was hung on his own gallows, on the very day when that enemy of God sought to destroy the Jews, there entered the story, a great and ironic reversal (see the Book of Esther). And this is but one instance of a last second, game-winning touchdown. Come from behind wins and victories over giants becomes a common feature of God’s salvation. Accordingly, God’s people begin to trust that God will bring light in moments of darkness. And more, God delights to make the dark darker before bringing such moments of light-giving salvation.

So great is this pattern of salvation, that Mary could praise God for his promise to raise up the humble and knock down the proud, even as she faced a life of hardship (see Luke 1:46–56). Steeped in the Old Testament, the mother of Jesus prayed to God like Hannah (1 Samuel 2), and David (Psalm 18), and prophets (see e.g., Isaiah 60). And not surprisingly, this pattern of ironic reversals culminates in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Killed at the hands of wicked men, it appeared as though all hope was lost. Holy Saturday was a dark day. But on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, proving that the dark is not dark to God (Ps. 139:1–6).

Indeed, the promise of light shining in the dark is a theme that runs through John’s Gospel and it is one that comes to a high point in John 9. Following the pattern of ironic reversals, we will see how the man born in darkness (i.e., born blind) is brought to the light. Meanwhile, those who lit the torches in the temple and proclaimed to have the light, would be consigned to darkness. And why the difference? Well, that is what John 9 will reveal.

As we continue our study of John this Sunday, we will see again that Jesus is the light of the world. And more, we will see that his light is what resets the world. To those who think they have power and authority to rule by their own wisdom, he withdraws his light. But to those who walk in darkness crying out for light, he delights to come and save. This is the great reversal that stands at the center of the world. And this Sunday, we will see what Christ’s light has to say to us, in a world seeking salvation by a Great Reset.

To prepare for Sunday, take time to read John 9. To get a sense of the chapter, you may find this outline helpful. Pray that God would shine his light in our hearts and that we would hear his voice and follow him. As the Lord allows, I will look forward to seeing you Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy in Jesus,
Pastor David
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Discussion & Response Questions: John 9
How does this passage fit in the flow of John 7–9? Notice the repetition of John 8:12, “I am the light of the world,” in John 9:5.
Does it matter that John 9 appears to be continuing from the last day of the Feast of Booths? Why or why not?
What is the disciples' understanding of sin and suffering? How does Jesus correct his disciples’ misunderstanding of suffering?
What explanation does this narrative provide for the purpose of this man’s suffering?
How does this passage address the prosperity gospel claims of illness always being a result of sin, and healing as a result of faith?
How do the responses to the man’s healing reflect Jesus as the Light of the World?
What do we learn about the man, as he is questioned? What does this teach about being a true disciple?
How do the leaders of Jerusalem respond to this healing? In what ways are we tempted to respond like them?
In John 9:34, the man is cast out of the temple. How does this relate to his previous condition? To his likeness to Christ? To the suffering followers of Christ will face? Cf. John 6:37.
How does Jesus minister to the man cast out from the temple? How might Jesus’s identity as the True Temple comfort this man, and us when we are “cancelled”?
How does the chapter end? Why does this final note of judgment matter for the book of John?
What else does John 9 say about God? Christ? Salvation? The World? The Church?