The expression “putting the cart before the horse” represents an age-old human problem: We want results without having to do the hard (and often slow) work of “getting there.” But for the Christian, there are no shortcuts. Fulfilling God’s plan for your life is possible only if you’re willing to prioritize knowing and loving Jesus above all else. That’ll get you where you’re supposed to go—even if it’s not where you expected.
READ
John 9:1-38
BACKGROUND
Many Pharisees wouldn’t accept Jesus as the Son of God. At times they even punished those who did, by expelling them from the synagogue—a terrible fate in that community. It took great conviction for such a person to stand up for the Lord.
REFLECT
- Think about what you do in service to the Lord. This is a miracle story. Yet Jesus indicates it’s also a story about work and, specifically, what it means to do the “works of God.” These are what He says will be shown in the life of the man born blind (John 9:3). What would you say they are in this passage? How about in your own life? Try writing down some of God’s qualities based on the things His works indicate about Him.
- In the next verse, Jesus says we must “carry out” the works of God. Our Father’s sovereign acts in this universe are infinite, from the turning of history to the creation of stars. He certainly doesn’t need our help, but He graciously allows us a role. Jesus gladly accepted His role (see John 4:34); do you think being part of God’s work includes you, too? Not all Jesus’ followers will perform miraculous healings, but His word choice in John 9:4 indicates we’re all called to be involved in God’s activity on earth. Can you name something you believe He has asked you to participate in on His behalf?
Our father’s sovereign acts in this universe are infinite. But he graciously allows us a role at times.
- Our Lord carries out His Father’s desires perfectly. We, on the other hand, sometimes struggle to determine God’s will or instructions. Though it may be uncomfortable to admit, we do make some mistakes. Is there an activity you want to believe is “God’s work” but perhaps isn’t? Ask Him to remove any “blindness” so you can clearly see the tasks He has for you. (See Eph. 2:10.)
OUR PART IN THE STORY
Faith might lead to work, but it’s labor of a different kind.
- In John 6:28-29, the disciples had asked what they should do to accomplish God’s work, and Jesus replied, “Believe in Him whom He has sent.” How can this statement be reconciled with His words in John 9:4, which indicate activity? Describe the relationship between faith and action—and how the quality of your belief affects your ability to serve God, even long after being reborn.
- The blind beggar in this story may not have been capable of much that we think of as “work.” He probably remained unskilled because of his condition. Read John 9:11. Why might Jesus have sent him to Siloam? Consider the man’s actions in this verse. In what way could they qualify as “God’s work?”
- The Pharisees want the man to “give glory to God” by agreeing that Jesus is a sinner (John 9:24). Explore how the man does give God glory, though he refuses to make such a statement (John 9:30-38).
REFLECT
Choosing Christ means moving beyond worldly ideas of achievement into something far more powerful.
- When Jesus sought the man later and asked if he believed in the Son of Man, Scripture records his perfect response: “‘I believe, Lord.’ And he worshiped Him” (John 9:38). In opting for God’s works, we gain a purpose much greater—and will accomplish much more—than we ever could without Him.
GOING FURTHER
Consider how this study applies to your life.
What a sweet picture of faith this (formerly) blind man provides us! Jesus was at pains throughout His earthly ministry to teach us the difference between works-based faith, which is no faith at all, and faith-based works, which are God’s delight and our joy. The Pharisees were too attached to rules—and the pride they felt in keeping them—to embrace the otherworldly idea Jesus represented: Love for God and belief in Christ leads to true accomplishment. But the blind man in John’s gospel had “eyes to see”: He received not just physical sight but also salvation, truth, and a satisfied heart.
Jesus represents an otherworldly idea: love for God and belief in Christ lead to true accomplishment.
- Have you become confused about the place of faith in your activities? When we lose sight of the right motivations, it helps to come back to basics. Read the words of John 9:38 again. They were spoken by a man with few skills, who had lost privileges of religious life and was likely shunned by others who feared the same. Yet according to what’s recorded, he asked for nothing from Jesus but to know and worship Him. Take a few moments to do exactly that—and only that. How does this change your heart?
- In one of His best-known statements about faith and works, Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Consider this passage deeply. Ask Jesus to show you what abiding in Him means for you. Let Him change your life today.
Illustration by Adam Cruft
