I Am The Light of the World
Copyright: Nathaniel Olaer
About a year ago, I painted this piece digitally from one of my favorite stories from the New Testament. It was the healing of the man who was born blind in John 9. The story teaches us how we can see “. . . the light” despite all the adversities that we face, and weaknesses that we are given.
When the Savior saw the blind man, His disciples asked Him on whether the man was blind because He sinned or because His parents sinned (John 9:1-2). Jesus responded by saying that the man is blind, not because he or his parents have sinned, but that in healing him may show everyone what wonders can Heavenly Father give to His children (verses 3-5).
This scene is from the moment that the Savior spat on the ground and made mud, and put it in his eyes. The Savior then commanded him to wash in the pool of Siloam. When he obeyed, his eyes were opened and he glorified God. Everyone was amazed when they saw the man being happy because he can now see (John 9:6-11).
Some however did not believe. They said that Jesus Christ was a bad person because He healed on the Sabbath, and such miracles cannot be because they say Jesus was a sinner. The blind man however said:
When the Savior saw the blind man, His disciples asked Him on whether the man was blind because He sinned or because His parents sinned (John 9:1-2). Jesus responded by saying that the man is blind, not because he or his parents have sinned, but that in healing him may show everyone what wonders can Heavenly Father give to His children (verses 3-5).
This scene is from the moment that the Savior spat on the ground and made mud, and put it in his eyes. The Savior then commanded him to wash in the pool of Siloam. When he obeyed, his eyes were opened and he glorified God. Everyone was amazed when they saw the man being happy because he can now see (John 9:6-11).
Some however did not believe. They said that Jesus Christ was a bad person because He healed on the Sabbath, and such miracles cannot be because they say Jesus was a sinner. The blind man however said:
“Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:26)
It is not the blind man's fault that he was born blind. It was not given either as a punishment for his sins or his parent's sins. He was allowed to be in his situation that he might “see” brighter the marvelous works of God. The blind man not only saw physically but spiritually. Because of the blind man's faith, he received a testimony of Jesus Christ. He stayed firm despite all what other people say about Jesus. One thing that he knew is that once he was blind, and now he see.
We all go through the blindness of sin. We are all of need of the Gospel and the light of the truth that is contained therein. Jesus Christ was the “true light” that gives life to every men (John 1:1-5), and we all receive spiritual sight “. . . grace by grace” through the Savior (John 1:16-17). The Lord opens our eyes to see the path clearly, back to our Heavenly Father's presence (John 8:12; 1Jn. 1:5; Mosiah 16:9; Alma 38:9; 3Ne. 9:18; 11:11; 18:16; D&C 10:70). Truly, the Savior said:
“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5)
