He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. John 9:25
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 9:13-41, as we see the astonishing back and forth between the healed blind man and the Pharisees (including with the man's parents), and then between Jesus and the healed blind man. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V14 shares that Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath. Jesus reenters in v35-41 and His first interaction is with the healed blind man and on this interaction, the healed blind man believes in Jesus (vv35-38). Jesus then shares how his mission is to heal (both physically and spiritually) and to judge those who do not believe in Him (referred to as those who see who may become blind) - v39. Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees at this point is one of judgement as He shares how the Pharisees guilt remains despite their claim that "[they] see" (vv40-41).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: We see the Pharisees struggling to understand how this healing occurred and who performed this miracle. Some of the Pharisees view Jesus' healing of /the blind man as a sinful act (v16) based on their interpretation of God's command to rest (see Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11) on the Sabbath. They were divided on the question of whether Jesus was sinful or not - vv16-17. The healed blind man refers to Jesus as a prophet and upon hearing this the Pharisees did not believe the miracle occurred at all. They then seek to find his parents who confirm that their son was born blind (vv20-21) and that he can now see. They have no explanation for how this occurred and because they feared the Pharisees they deflected further questioning and referred the Pharisees to their son who should speak for himself (as he is of age) - vv21-23. In v24, the Pharisees rightly give glory to God for the man's healing (v24) but in the same sentence once again refer to Jesus as a sinner. The blind man comes to Jesus' defense - questioning whether He is a sinner and standing on his testimony that he was once blind but can now see (now famous due to the hymn Amazing Grace). Upon further questioning from the Pharisees, the man is so inspired by what Jesus has done for him, that he then teaches - authoritatively no less (vv30-33) those listening to him, including the Pharisees. The Pharisees of course are not pleased at all that a former blind beggar dare "lecture" them and they "cast" him out (v34).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid using an inaccurate understanding of God's Word to judge and accuse others of sin - we are not to judge and our understanding of God's Word must be as accurate as possible (this side of Heaven). Claim the promise that Jesus gives us the ability to see Him for who He really is - Lord and Savior. Follow the example of the healed blind man to feel compelled to speak truth to others (including power) based on what we have experienced with our own lives.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves and gave me the ability to see - to see that You are my Lord and Savior! Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for revealing Yourself to me and softening my heart so that I know that I am utterly dependent on You. I am undeserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
