John 9

John 8:58–9:5 NKJV

58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” 59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. 1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Calm in the storm

We see in this encounter that this took place directly after Jesus was teaching in the temple and was threatened with death by stoning.

“One of the things worthy to be noticed in our Lord’s character is his wonderful quiet of spirit, especially his marvelous calmness in the presence of those who misjudged, and insulted, and slandered him.” C. H. Spurgeon

Jesus passed by

The terminology here is suggesting that Jesus was casually walking, unaffected by the threats that where posed to Him.

Even faced with death, Jesus retained His composure and continued to minister to others.

He was almost dismissive of the hate his enemies presented, like He had no reason to dwell on this confrontation.

His confidence was in His father, knowing that without His permission no one could lay a hand on Him.

When we have our Father looking after us, we have no need to fear the enemy.

Jesus was aware of the danger, moved away from it but did not let it change His behaviour.

When we are confronted with the enemy and/or our flesh, we are to turn aside like Jesus did here, but in that knowing that ultimately, we are covered and under protection of our saviour.

Romans 8:14–15 NLT

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

We are children of God, we are not to fear what we cannot defeat or change on our own.

We are adopted into the kingdom of God, therefore brought under His protection and care.

I will protect my children with my life, that is what our father had done and is doing for us.

He did give His life for us.

We can have peace that we don’t have to worry about the enemy when we are under the protection of our father.

Vs 1

Punished for sin?

The disciples