Introduction: The ninth chapter of the Gospel of John tells the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. This miracle leads to a series of occurrences that reveal the power of Jesus, the blindness of the religious leaders, and the journey of the man from physical blindness to spiritual insight. The chapter can be divided into three sections of verses, each with its own important lessons for the world when Jesus came into it, as well as for our world today in year 2024.
I. The Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1-12)
In these verses, Jesus comes across a man who has been blind from birth. His disciples ask if the man’s blindness is a result of sin, but Jesus explains that it is an opportunity for God’s works to be displayed. Jesus then heals the man by making mud with his saliva, applying it to the man’s eyes, and instructing him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man trusts Jesus, obeys Jesus, and receives his sight, great wisdom for each of us believers today, trust and obey. Cross reference verses include Isaiah 35:5 which prophesies that the eyes of the blind shall be opened, indicating Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy. In Psalm 146:8, it states that the Lord opens the eyes of the blind, pointing out the divine nature of Jesus’ miracle. And lastly, 2 Kings 6:17-20 recounts a story where Elisha prays for his servant’s eyes to be opened to see God’s protection, paralleling the opening of the blind man’s eyes to see Jesus’ power.
II. The Reaction of the Neighbors and the Pharisees (John 9:13-34)
The healed man’s neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar are astonished by his healing. They bring him to the Pharisees, who are divided in their opinions about Jesus. Some say he is not from God because he healed on the Sabbath, while others ask the question how a sinner could perform such signs. The Pharisees question the man who was healed, and he boldly professes his belief that Jesus is a prophet. The cross reference verses for these verses nclude Exodus 20:8-11, which outlines the Sabbath commandment that the Pharisees believed Jesus violated. In Mark 2:27, Jesus declares that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, showing that Jesus’ healing was justified. Lastly, Acts 4:19-20 recounts Peter and John’s response to the authorities, stating they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard, much like the healed man’s testimony.
III. The Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees (John 9:35-41)
After the healed man is cast out by the Pharisees, Jesus finds him and reveals himself as the Son of God. The man worships Jesus, displaying his spiritual sight. In contrast, the Pharisees remain spiritually blind, unable to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Some cross reference verses for these verses include 1 Corinthians 2:14, which explains that spiritual truths are discerned spiritually, and the Pharisees lacked this discernment. In Matthew 13:13-15, Jesus speaks about people who see but do not perceive, directly relating to the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness. And in Isaiah 42:18-20 speaks of the deaf and blind servants of God, a contrasting view of the Pharisees who fail to perceive Jesus’ identity.
Conclusion: John 9 not only manifests Jesus’ miraculous healing power but also reminds believers about the drastic difference between spiritual sight versus physical sight. Through the healing of the blind man, Jesus demonstrates that he is the light of the world, capable of bringing illumination to both physical and spiritual darkness. The Pharisees’ reaction reveals their own spiritual blindness and inability to recognize the Messiah before them. The chapter ultimately highlights the transformative power of faith and the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus for who he truly is.
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