Lenten Devotion: Focus on the Bigger Picture (John 9:1-17)
Day 22 – 29 Mar 2025
“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.” John 9:4-5
Have you ever been so focused on details that you lost sight of the bigger picture? When I was planning for my wedding, I was so caught up in the logistics that stress overshadowed my joy. I even argued with Jeanie (my wife) during the communion rehearsal the day before the wedding!
In John 9:1-17, Jesus healed a man born blind—a miracle that should have brought amazement and praise. Instead, people were indignant because Jesus healed on the Sabbath. God had instituted the Sabbath for the Israelites to rest, remembering that God created the universe in six days and then “rested” on the seventh day. The Sabbath was given for the benefit of the people.
Over time, however, perspectives on the Sabbath changed. By Jesus’ time, the religious leaders had added burdensome rules for keeping the Sabbath such that their own traditions were elevated above God’s instructions. Jesus’ act of healing was thus seen as breaking those rules and traditions.
Jesus reminded them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). He also demonstrated that doing good and showing compassion matter more than rigid observance. In another Sabbath healing episode, Jesus said “Who among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out? A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:11-12)
In ministry and life, we often get caught up in processes, standards, and deadlines. Are we so focused on structure that we miss what God is doing? Do we allow His Spirit to lead, even when change feels uncomfortable? As we navigate differences in opinions, values, and expectations, can we respond with humility, grace, and love?
This Lent, let us surrender to Christ’s lordship, keeping our hearts fixed on His greater commandment: to love God and love others.
Ray Leung🙏✝