“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.”

— John 9:4

As we draw closer to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, it’s important to remember why Jesus came. Several times in the book of John, Jesus talks about doing the will of God, who sent him. In today’s passage Jesus tells his disciples, “We must do the works of him who sent me.” Though he doesn’t say here what those works are, Jesus shows through his actions who he is and why he came.

Jesus gives sight to a man who was born blind. When we read further in John 9, we find that this healing caused quite a stir among the crowds, the Pharisees, and even the man’s parents. People born blind don’t get their sight back—at least not until Jesus comes along.

As he sets the stage for this healing, Jesus declares, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.” In this episode Jesus is making a bold claim and showing that he is God’s chosen servant.

As Isaiah 42:7 proclaimed, God’s servant would “open eyes that are blind” (see also Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-19). God’s will for Jesus was to usher in the renewing kingdom of God. God’s kingdom brings healing and includes all whom he calls to believe in him—from all backgrounds. The healing and inclusion of all kinds of people provide the joyful evidence that Jesus truly is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

God, overcome our blindness to the nature of your kingdom. Help us see that Jesus is your chosen servant, through whom you are ushering in your kingdom. Amen.