Translation
Jesus passed by a man who was
blind his entire life. The disciples asked Jesus about this man’s blindness,
and whether it was his sin or his parents’ sin that caused his situation. Jesus
directly says it is neither his parents nor this man who sinned. This man’s
blindness is so that God’s power can be displayed in and through him. We must
do God’s work while there is time, because our time is short.
Exegetical Issues
The Greek translations of
particular words give this passage a more defined explanation. Verse 2 asks who
“sinned” (hamartano – to miss the mark, and so not share in the prize).
Jesus explained the man’s
blindness was so that God’s works might be “displayed” (phaneroo – to make
apparent, manifest, or show forth) in him.
Verse 4 holds two words that
need defining.
Looking at the various English
translations of the New International Version, New American Standard Bible, the
King James Version, Today’s New International Version, and the Holman Christian
Standard, there is a distinctly close alignment between the translations. There
is, however, one unique translation difference found in the King James Version.
Verse 4 states in the KJV that “I (Jesus) must do the works of Him that sent
me.” The other translations use the word “we” instead of “I” in this passage.
The difference is in the idea of who does the work. In the King James Version
the work can only be done by Jesus. The word “work” is the Greek word
“ergazomai,” meaning to toil or be engaged in would not mean a spiritual work,
but the work of the people of God. In this context, “we” would make the best
translation.
Historical Context
John, the son of Zebedee, was
held by the early church fathers to be the author of this text. Though as of
recent some scholars feel that there is no way that John could have been the
author, their evidence is speculative and inconsistent at best. There are no
substantial reasons to stray from the thoughts of the original church fathers
that John the beloved was the author of this scripture.
A unique part of this scripture
is the generational sin idea given by none other than the disciples. Could it
be that the sins of the man’s parents were enough to permeate the life of the
son? This generational sin or curse idea comes from the scripture found in
Exodus 34:7 and Numbers 14:18. In essence, this teaching is more of a crutch
for the person sinning rather than a real excuse that can be blamed on the
parents. Within this particular situation, Jesus personally dispelled the
rumors of generational sins. Still, it is an old thought that has carried on
through time and can be somewhat evident even today.
Literary Analysis
The concept John is portraying
is one of positive attitude and the power and glory of God. It is about the
divinity of God and the pre-existence of Jesus. More specifically within this
text, John is showing how God will be glorified in everything, even our
personal tragedies. The scriptures states that no matter the situation, God
created all things for the glory of Himself.
The point of the passage is to
simply portray God as the ultimate deliverer and in any situation, whether
humanity sees it as good or not. This particular healing made a statement to
the Israelites and all who read these passages.
Application
For the reader today, there is
a definite message. First we are not bound to the lives of our parents or
previous generations. With the power of Christ, we can overcome any
generational issues. The other part is that God is going to be glorified
through all of life. Looking at modern life such as alcoholism, addictions,
etc. can all be beat through Christ.
This passage also draws readers
to the urgency of the message of Christ. It is essential to spread the gospel message
while there is time. The time is now because there is no promise of a tomorrow.
The idea of night coming where “no one can work” is a call to the urgency. The
lax in the modern society is one that overlooks such messages from the mouth of
the Messiah. It is Christ who is calling all mankind out to step up and share
the news while there is time.
The greatest theological
problem addressed is the generational sins ideology presented in the second
verse.
Bibliography
Elwell, W. A., &
Yarbrough, R. W. (2005). Encountering the New Testament. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic.
Enns, P. (1989). the Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago: Moody
Press.
Zodhiates, S. (Ed.). (1990). Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NASB.
Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
