Jesus is the Light of the world who re-creates the world from darkness as the Light overcomes it. The man born blind is a picture of men who are born spiritually blind. Jesus saw the blind man's suffering showing mercy and compassion. He sees all our suffering. We ourselves should be conscious of suffering around us and show similar compassion. We are also to remember that God is sovereign over suffering. The disciples assumed that the blind man's suffering was due to his own or his parents' sin, but Jesus showed that the purpose of his blindness was to display the works of God. We are reminded that it is only by God's mercy that this world is not destroyed. The wrong will be righted at the end of time - now is the time to come to God in repentance and faith. In the sovereignty of God, He has ordained suffering and He works to bring it to its appointed end, displaying His works in it for His own glory. Others' faith is strengthened through suffering and the pain of suffering is relieved by the hand of the loving Surgeon. Jesus healed the blind man, but not all are healed - the sustaining mercy of God sustains us through it. We are reminded that Jesus removes eternal suffering to Him - light and momentary affliction prepares us for eternal glory.