LABOURERS FOR CHRIST

John 9:1-4

1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

INTRODUCTION

Praise God that though we were sinners and Jesus Christ has set us free! But many do not know the foundational truth and are still dwelling in their sins and sufferings. These people need God! How then can they know the truth?

THE TRUTH OF GOD

1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"John 9: 1-2

Is our sufferings brought upon us by our own sins or our parents’ sins? That was the question asked by the disciples in John 9:2. In fact in the Jewish culture, it was often believed that great suffering was caused by a major sin. This is a common misconception that God only allow bad people to suffer. However, good and ordinary folks do go through time of afflictions as well.

"The consequences of sin affect all people and not just those born with disability."

We need to understand since the fall of creation, everyone was born into this world as sinners and suffering is now part of this world. The foundational truth is that only Jesus Christ can take away our sins and sufferings (Rom 3:23-25).

People will constantly be plagued with problems and physical sufferings. Ultimately, people need God. It’s only through our sharing will the unbelievers know the truth of God. Then will the truth set them free (John 8:32).

THE WORK OF GOD

4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

In John 9:4 (KJV), Jesus was telling his disciples to do the work of God. The word “work” in Greek, “ergazomai”, means to labour, thus we are labourers of Christ. However, “there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end” (NLT). I believe that Jesus was saying this to his disciples with a sense of urgency to labour the work.

"Do the work of God with urgency".

What is the work of God? The disciples were curious about why the man was blind but Jesus saw beyond that, instead he was looking at what could be done to help the man. God’s work is not just to heal people but to save them. Our job as labourers of Christ is to help people turn to God and to tell them only God can meet their needs.

CONCLUSION

Let us be labourers for Christ and look far beyond what we can see and do physically for others. See through the eyes of the Holy Spirit! Seize that opportunity to share the gospel because everyone needs God! With just one touch from God and lives can be transformed!

Questions to Ponder.

What other misconceptions do people have about God?

How can you help meet the needs of others?

Written by Joan Cher