In order to help understand John 9:1-41 we need John's reason for writing his gospel which he tells us at the end of the book. "Jesus performed many other miracles in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you might have life in His name" (vv. 20:30-31).
So the miracles recorded by John are hand selected to build a case for Jesus being the Messiah and moving his readers to saving faith. Part of the interpretive tool needed is to determine what this miracle teaches us about Christ that would inspire us to believe.
We have a man born blind. We are told it is not because he or his parents were sinners, but rather his blindness and subsequent healing were so that God's work would be displayed.
Jesus heals him. There is a lot of buzz about the healing. The Pharisee's miss the miracle and reject Jesus as from God because it is done on the Sabbath.
When the man returns to Jesus he receives true healing having believing faith witnessed in his worship. Then the point of the encounter is made clear in verse 39, "Jesus said, for judgment I have come into the world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." Read carefully Jesus' exchange with the Pharisees. He calls them blind (unable to believe), but able to see (responsible for their unbelief).
1. How does this miracle inspire belief in Jesus? What do we learn about Jesus that causes us to believe He is the Son of God?
2. Why do you think Jesus instructed the man to go to Siloam and wash? Does this make it any less a miracle? Is there some other reason for this act hinted at by the meaning of the place called "Siloam?"
3. Why do the Pharisee's reject the miracle and Jesus because of the Sabbath? Did Jesus do other miracles on the Sabbath? Why?
4. Read carefully through verses 35-41. Why does he make the statement about blindness? This is a reference to spiritual blindness. What exactly is Jesus saying to the religious leaders? Whoa! Reflect upon this for a while.
How Shall We Pray...
Lord Jesus, we believe You are all powerful. Thank you that once we were blind and now we see. Thank you for taking care of our spiritual blindness that we might see you as messiah, the Son of God and that believing we might have life in your name. Amen.
The Bux-Mont & Telford Campuses of the Penn Valley Church Multi-site Network are participating in the e100 Challenge, a 100-day Bible reading program. True revival comes from prayer and knowing the Word of God. We can only live the life God intended if we know what He says about it. Join us as we read through this plan and grow deeper in our knowledge of God's Word.
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