John 9:3

Neither of the disciples’ options was the reason for this man’s blindness. Rather God had permitted it so He might display His work in this man’s life. It is wrong to conclude that every instance of suffering springs immediately from a particular act of sin. It is also wrong to conclude that God permits every instance of suffering because He intends to relieve it miraculously. Jesus was talking about that particular man’s case. He did not reveal all the reasons for the man’s condition either.

"Only God knows why babies are born with handicaps, and only God can turn those handicaps into something that will bring good to the people and glory to His name." [Note: Ibid.]

Notice the positive viewpoint of Jesus. The disciples viewed the man’s condition as an indication of divine displeasure, but Jesus saw it as an opportunity for divine grace.

There is no punctuation in the Greek text, so it may help to understand Jesus’ meaning to omit the period at the end of John 9:3 and to read John 9:3-4 as follows. "But that the works of God might be displayed in him, we must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day."