By Brittenne Boykin
Overview
Scripture Lesson Text:John 9:1-17
In today’s set of scriptures we see Jesus showing compassion and healing a man who was blind from birth. His disciples ask Him who sinned causing the man to be blind, the man or his parents. Jesus tells them that neither the man nor his parents had sinned but the man’s condition was that the works of God should be made manifest in him (Vs.1-3). He goes on to explain that He must do the will of God while there is time, because a time is coming when no man will be able to work, and as long as He is in the world He is the light of the world. Jesus spat on the ground making clay and anointed the man’s eyes, and instructs the man to go wash in the pool Siloam and after he did his sight was restored. (Vs.4-7).
The blind man’s healing was so miraculous that all his neighbors marveled and said “Is he not the one who sat and begged”. The blind man himself boldly declared “I am he” The man’s neighbors outright asked him how his eyes were opened. (Vs.8-10) He recounted that a man named Jesus had anointed his eyes and sent him to the pool of Siloam to wash and with that the man received his sight! The people wished to know where Jesus was, but the blind man did not know where to find Jesus. (Vs. 11-12).
The people brought the man to the Pharisees, and the text notes that it was the Sabbath when Jesus made the clay used to heal the blind man. The Pharisees questioned the blind man about the specifics of his healing and he again recounted the exact same account that he had given his neighbors. (Vs.13-15) The Pharisees began to debate among themselves. Some saying that Jesus was not of God because he broke their law by healing on the Sabbath, others wondered how a man who they labeled a sinner do such miracles. They turned to the now healed man with a question asking him what he had to say about this man. The man replied “He is a prophet” (Vs.16-17).
Related Scriptures
In John 8:12-20, Jesus proclaims He is the light of the world mirroring John 9:5. Once again we see the Pharisees calling into question his identity. Jesus proclaims His testimony is true and that he is sure of both where he came from and where he is going yet they are not (Vs.12-15). He points out that they judge according to the flesh but that He had judged no one, and that if He had His judgments were true for He did not judge of His own but the Father who sent him. (Vs. 15-16) Jesus boldly tells them that they know neither Him or His Father, prompting them to ask where HIs Father is, adding if they knew Him they would know His Father (Vs.17-19).
John 9:18-41, relates that the Jews did not believe that he had been blind until they had spoken to his parents who confirmed he had indeed been blind from birth.(Vs.18-20) They did not however know by who or how his eyes had been opened and advised the Jews to ask the man as he was old enough to answer for himself (Vs.21-23). They became so frustrated with the man that they sent him away. (Vs.23-31) Jesus hearing that they had cast him out found him and asked if he believed in him. The man could only enquire as to who He was so that he may believe, and Jesus revealed to the man that He was the Son of Man, he believed and worshipped!!
In John 12:35-50, Christ cautions His listeners to walk while he is with them telling them that the one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. (Vs.35-36) Even after all the signs and He had performed they still did not believe. He points to Isaiah’s prophecy, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.” (Vs.35-40). Many believed but were afraid because of the power and influence of the Pharisees,but reminds the listener that anyone who rejects him and does not hear His words will be judged. Jesus declares He has not spoken of His own authority but the Father who has sent Him.
Practical Point
The light of Christ is the light of the world. He illuminates the path of life.
In a world that can often be dark, we see through the healing of the blind man that Christ brings light to areas where we were in darkness, often times for as long as we can remember. We can always trust that the light of Christ will outshine the darkness in our world and in our lives. When the light comes let us remember to bear witness of the light that is Christ. This week let us practice praise and gratitude for the light that has come into our lives.
