A workplace conversation – “If I get cancer is it because I sinned?”

Recently I was at work when a work colleague asked me, “Some people have told me that if you get cancer or something it is because you deserve it, you’re a sinner or something. What do you think about that?”

I said, “Well, I don’t know. But let me tell you two stories that might help.”

There was a time when Jesus’ friends asked exactly the same question. They were walking along when they saw a man who had been blind ever since he was born. They said to Jesus, “How come this man was born blind? Did he do the wrong thing or did his parents do the wrong thing?”

Jesus said, “No. No one did the wrong thing. This man was born blind so that God’s glory could be shown.” And then Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud, put it on the man’s eyes and said, “Go wash your face in the pool.” As soon as the man washed his face, he could see.

Then I said, “On another occasion, Jesus saw a crippled man sitting by a pool. Jesus said to the man, ‘Do you want to be well?’ The man said, ‘I can’t. No one will help me get into the pool where I can be healed.’ Jesus said, ‘Stand up. Pick up your mat and go home.’ Instantly the man stood up and felt strength return to his legs. Jesus said to him, ‘Now you are well, go home and stop sinning or something worse will happen to you.’ ”

Then I turned to my work colleague and asked, “Now, what do you think is the answer to the question you asked me?”   “Now, what do you think is the answer to the question you asked me?”

I find that Bible storytelling helps people to think for themselves and to be able to discover answers to difficult life questions.

Used with permission.