Jesus Gives Sight: God Uses Evil for Good

Throughout Scripture readings from Isaiah, Ephesians, and John, the narrative centers on the God who opens eyes—both physical and spiritual—and who rules over the presence of evil to bring about his purposes. Isaiah’s promise of guiding the blind and turning darkness into light frames the theme: God leads along unfamiliar paths and will not abandon those he sustains. Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians calls believers to live as children of light, exposing deeds of darkness so that Christ’s illumination shapes behavior and community. John 9 recounts a man born blind whose healing by Jesus provokes controversy: the miracle reveals divine authority, triggers religious opposition, and culminates in the healed man’s confession of faith. Jesus reframes the problem of suffering and misfortune by rejecting simple cause-and-effect guilt and by declaring that some afflictions serve to display the works of God. The narrative shows how Jesus both rules over evil and uses it for redemption—most dramatically in his own passion, where the worst evil becomes the means of the greatest good. Practical application urges a posture of humility and trust: when trials arrive, the first response should not be self-centered demand for relief but a sober question about how God might work through the difficulty for believers, others, or future generations. The account also warns against spiritual arrogance; those convinced they already “see” can become blind to truth, while those who admit need find true sight in Christ. The conclusion presses for a daily recognition that God governs every circumstance, that suffering can become a stage for divine mercy, and that worship and faithfulness flow from acknowledging Christ as light and judge. The faithful are called to witness, to live in the light, and to look for God’s works even amid hardship, trusting that God’s governance over evil serves his righteous ends and the restoration of his people.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God rules over and uses evil [33:31] God does not lose control when pain or injustice arrives; instead God governs those realities and directs them toward his purposes. That governance does not sanctify evil but repurposes its effects so God’s redemptive work can be revealed. Remembering divine rule helps resist fatalism and despair while refusing simplistic blame for suffering. Trusting this truth frees a believer to seek God’s glory amid trial. [33:31]
• 2. Suffering can reveal God's works [34:30] Certain hardships exist so that God’s power and mercy become visible in human lives. When suffering leads to repentance, proclamation, or deeper faith, it functions as a means by which God displays himself. That does not make suffering good in itself, but it locates suffering within a providential frame that aims at restoration. Expect God to bring fruit from pain, even if the timing and shape remain hidden. [34:30]
• 3. True sight exposes false security [43:28] Spiritual sight confronts those who assume they are righteous by works and reveals their need for grace. The proud often harden into blindness when challenged; humility opens to Christ’s light. Authentic conversion reverses judgmental certainties and leads to worship rather than self-justification. Seek discernment that breaks self-deception and cultivates dependence on Christ. [43:28]
• 4. Trials serve more than one person [47:10] Personal affliction may bear blessings beyond the immediate sufferer—teaching, warning, or drawing others to Christ. God’s purposes can include communal testimony, future generations’ faith, or the church’s awakening. Framing trials solely as personal misfortune narrows God’s scope and misses potential kingdom fruit. Consider how endurance and witness during hardship can benefit many. [47:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [13:31] - Opening confession and assurance
• [15:21] - Collect: Turn our eyes to Christ
• [16:14] - Isaiah: Promise to the blind
• [20:38] - Ephesians: Living as children of light
• [22:10] - Gospel reading: John 9 begins
• [22:39] - Jesus heals the man born blind
• [23:27] - Pharisees question the miracle
• [27:40] - Catechism question: Why evil?
• [33:31] - Jesus rules over evil for good
• [38:32] - The man gains sight and faith
• [42:09] - Judgment, belief, and worship
• [46:45] - Caution: It’s not always about you
• [49:48] - Closing prayer and blessing

Bible reading: John 9:1-7, 35-38 (ESV)
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing... Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

Observation questions

1. What question did the disciples ask Jesus when they saw the man born blind, and what assumption was behind their question?
2. What was Jesus's stated reason for the man's blindness, and what specific action did he take to heal him?
3. After being healed and cast out by the religious leaders, what two things did the man do when Jesus found him and revealed himself?
4. According to the sermon, what is the solution Jesus gives to the problem of evil? [33:31]

Interpretation questions

1. Jesus reframed the disciples' assumption about the cause of suffering. Why is the belief that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin both inaccurate and unhelpful?
2. The religious leaders were more upset about a Sabbath rule being broken than a miraculous healing. What does this reveal about how spiritual blindness can develop, even in religious people?
3. The man's healing led to him being cast out of his community but into a relationship with Jesus. How can God use a difficult outcome for a greater spiritual good?
4. The sermon states that God's governance over evil does not sanctify it but repurposes its effects. What is the difference between God causing evil and God using evil for his purposes?

Application questions

1. When a trial arrives, the first response should not be a self-centered demand for relief but a question about how God might work through the difficulty. [48:26] What is a current hardship where you could shift your focus from "Why is this happening to me?" to "What work of God might be displayed here?"
2. Personal affliction may bear blessings beyond the immediate sufferer. [47:10] Can you recall a time when you witnessed someone else's faithful endurance through suffering, and how did it impact your own faith or the faith of others?
3. Spiritual sight confronts those who assume they are righteous by works. In what areas of your life are you most tempted toward spiritual pride or a "check-the-box" mentality, and how can you cultivate a posture of humility instead?
4. Jesus used the worst evil imaginable—his death—to accomplish the greatest good. [45:40] How does the truth of the cross provide a solid foundation for trusting God's goodness and power when you face evil you cannot understand?
5. It is better to lose your health, job, or even your life and stay close to Jesus than to keep all those things but wander away from him. [40:59] What is one thing you cling to so tightly that the fear of losing it could potentially drive a wedge between you and God?
6. God may be working through your trial for the benefit of someone else or future generations. How does this perspective change the way you might choose to talk about or respond to a ongoing difficulty in your life?