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AfterThoughts: January 25, 2026

January 25, 2026
The Problem of Pain

John 9:1–12

This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the series from the Gospel of John. In these verses, he explanded on this point: : 

  • Unless we see the light of the Gospel, we remain in a darkness that is far worse than any physical blindness.

GOING DEEPER: 

  • The blind man in John 9 would have been totally destitute in the time that he lived and confined to being forever at the bottom of the social ladder. While many of the Jewish people in Jesus’ day believed that a person with any type of disability suffered because of some specific sin in their life or their family’s life, Jesus refused to blame anyone. Instead, Jesus pointed forward and said God was about to act, and through this man’s life, God’s power and grace would be made visible. Pastor David shared that God is not the source of evil, sin, or sickness, but He is still sovereign over the broken world and is always able to redeem everything for His purposes. When are you tempted to have the same attitude as the Jewish people in Jesus’ day regarding the suffering of others? How is God answering your questions of “why” you are suffering?
     
  • Reflecting on one of C.S. Lewis’ quotes, Pastor David reminded us that God often shouts in our pain. It is in the darkest days that the light of God shines the brightest. How has God’s light shined the brightest in your deepest darkness or deepest hurt? How is God using your pain to get your attention in this season of your life?
     
  • Even in this desperate situation, Jesus used ordinary elements to heal him and make it clear that his blindness was not a result of moral failure or hidden sin. The man was not merely healed; he was also sent out. This miracle becomes a commissioning act as he is sent out to tell others how he received his sight. God heals us so that we will become a living testimony to the work of Jesus. How can you change your schedule this week to make more time to pray for opportunities to share the light of Jesus in the coming week?
     
  • Every miracle of Jesus is a message. Pastor David explained this truth from John 9: Unless we see the light of the Gospel, we remain in a darkness that is far worse than any physical blindness. We cannot turn on the light through our own strength or striving; it is a gift of God to us. How are you striving on your own instead of resting in the Light of the World (Jesus)?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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