Good questions that offer perspective

David Bowman April 13, 2024

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As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. "Rabbi," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?" "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:1-5).

I was driving through downtown Fort Worth one morning about 10 years ago, listening to a podcast by Michael Hyatt. He said one of his favorite questions is, "What does this make possible?" This question is ambidextrous. It works both ways.

When something succeeds, ask, "What does this make possible?" What is the best next step? What is next-level success? Who benefits from this success, and who should benefit from this success? Who could benefit from this success?

When something fails, ask, "What does this make possible?" What did we learn? How do we begin again more intelligently? If we were starting over again today, what would we do differently? If we were to try again and fail, what would cause the failure?

A good question not only makes you think, but how it's asked and answered alters trajectories and shapes destinies. Good questions help us see what we were blind to before.

This is all the instruction necessary for reading and pondering John 9. The chapter begins with Jesus walking along the way. Pause for a moment to contemplate how so many Bible stories record events that happened while walking with God. Walking with Jesus changes our pace, direction, and perception. It also changes lives.

Two simple questions come to the disciples' minds when they encounter a man born blind (verse 2). Jesus gave a compound answer (verses 3-5).

The Light of the World makes it possible for never-working eyes to see all the way to heaven.

Why is this man blind?

1. To display the power of God (verse 3)

2. To keep us focused on what matters most (verse 4)

3. To display the Light of the World (verse 5)

Then there was spit, mud, and a slow march to a particular pool. The blind man received his sight. With everything that happened next, I wonder if he ever thought maybe things would have been better for him and his family if he had remained blind, dependent, and begging on the side of the road?

Never lose track of verse 25.

"I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!"

When people tell you what Jesus did for you is impossible, trust your sight more than their blindness.

When Jesus finds the formerly blind man later (verses 35 and following), the man who never saw who opened his eyes, Jesus asks him, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man asks, "Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him."

"You have seen him," Jesus said, "and he is speaking to you!"

Jesus not only gave the gift of sight to a man born blind, but he also declared unseeing those who chose to look away from who he really is (verses 39 and following).

How sad it is to have eyes that choose to look away from God's own truth.

How joyful it is to have eyes opened to what Jesus makes possible.

Our Father, open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth you have for me. Empower me to see forever. Give me the gift of perception. Lead me in my best next steps. Amen.

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David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More »

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