The Gospel of John relates to Crime and Punishment because they both deal with people who face disabilities. Going from reading about Moses freeing the Israelites to read about what Jesus announced there is a very huge difference in ego. It never felt like Moses was boastful as he was a very spiritual and enlightened individual who believed in the power of the Lord to guide him. Then there’s Jesus who flat out says “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Not very modest. Sure, he has good intentions and he appears to be trying to inspire others but it almost feels fraudulent. He is trying so hard to convince others he is the son of God that he says absurd statements like he, a human, is the single light of the world. He could understand his potential symbolic significance but that seems unlikely. Instead, it seems he is trying to convince others he is the true son of God. Because keep in mind, there were around 23 other people also claiming to be the son of god at the time Jesus was alive. But Jesus needed to provide conviction so he began to work “miracles.” It’s not clear what these story depictions really mean or if they are remotely possible. Jesus found a blind man, cured him then the man “said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:26). Very sketchy and hard to believe when taken literally. But the more important idea to focus on is how a disability faded away when he put his faith in Jesus. Focusing on finding a solution to an issue and putting one’s faith that positive energy will lead to success is an amazing lesson to find. In Crime and Punishment, it’s revealed that Alexdrovna felt the need to ask “‘Do you suppose that my tears, my pleas, my illness, my possible death from grief, our poverty would have made him pause? No, he would calmly have disregarded all obstacles. And yet it isn’t that he doesn’t love us!’” (566). Although it seems horrible for someone so close to not care for a person using Jesus’s teachings, a new lesson can be learned. Finding oneself in a situation where hope for help is met by disregard and disrespect towards a person can hurt. Just as how being born blind could feel like God wronged the person. But if one carries on and continues to yearn for a brighter future and does not let obstacles pull them down they will find happiness has many forms. Even in the darkest of times, positive light can shine through.
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