When the Light Breaks In

In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind—not only restoring physical sight but revealing a deeper spiritual reality. This miracle, or “sign,” exposes the contrast between physical vision and spiritual blindness. With our “small eyes,” we often try to make sense of the great mysteries of suffering, pain, and evil. But Jesus invites us into a larger story: God’s redemptive work in the world.

The Pharisees, though physically sighted, cannot recognize the Light of the World standing before them. Meanwhile the once-blind man, with only the simplest confession—“I once was blind, but now I see”—comes to faith. Jesus enters our darkness as the true light, confronting and overcoming it, even on the cross where the Light was seemingly extinguished. Like John Newton, who experienced both literal and spiritual fading, we are invited to remember: we are great sinners, but Christ is an even greater Savior. The miracle of sight, then, points us toward the greater miracle of salvation and the call to walk in the light.

Sermon preached by Peter Tepper on 15 March 2026 at St Peter the Fisherman, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.