Definition: Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from John 9:3 together. It’s a really rich and complex idea, so we'll go through it step by step. Here’s what it means: Essentially, Jesus is saying that this person hasn’t done anything wrong in his life. He’s highlighting that God’s work – His plan, purpose, and actions – is being revealed or shown through this individual. Let's unpack the parts: “Neither hath this man sinned…” This means Jesus isn’t saying they have done something bad. It's a gentle way of saying "They haven't committed any major offenses." “…nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” This is the crucial part. “Works of God” refers to God’s actions and influence . It means that God’s purpose, His will, and His love are being shown through this person. So, what does it mean ? Jesus is suggesting that by living a good, righteous life – by loving others, showing kindness, helping those in need, and striving to do what's right – this person is already demonstrating God’s greatness. It's like saying, "Even though they haven't done anything wrong , their actions are showing the best of God." Think of it like this: Imagine a tree growing. It doesn’t get any punishment for being a tree – it simply grows and flourishes naturally. But the tree’s growth is a result of its own efforts, driven by sunlight, water, and soil. Jesus is saying that this person's life is a reflection of God's plan, and their good deeds are evidence of His love and purpose. Important Context: This verse was important when Jesus was teaching about the concept of grace – God’s favor or unearned goodness towards us. It's a powerful way to say that salvation is not earned through our own efforts but through God's love and mercy. In short, this verse emphasizes that God's work is being revealed in someone’s life through their good deeds and choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with a specific example? Discuss the theological significance of this verse?