The Bigger Picture
Scripture Reading — John 9:1-7
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
— John 9:3
A few years ago we saw a local TV ad of a woman sitting in a car. She’s minding her own business, and suddenly a man comes out of the blue, rips the door open, and pulls her out of the car roughly. It looks like he’s attacking her, and we look on in horror. Then the camera pulls back, and we see that the car is on fire and the woman didn’t know it. The man wasn’t assaulting her; he was rescuing her. The ad finishes by saying, “You need the bigger picture. Channel 10 News gives you the bigger picture.”
The ad makes a point—though it uses undue shock and surprise to get your attention. We often need to see the bigger picture.
In the story we have read about Jesus today, it’s clear that the disciples and others need to see a bigger picture too. As they ask Jesus about the blind man, they are only looking through the narrow lens of their own thinking. Jesus explains, though, that the bigger picture in this man’s story is about bringing honor to God.
We need to remember that even though we are often quick to judge what we see, there is always more to the story.
In our own lives, how can we make sure that we see the bigger picture?
Dear God, help us to remember you are in control and know the bigger story. Help us to invite you to show us the bigger picture. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
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