Our sight is a wonderful gift from God. We marvel at the fiery colors of a sunset, the rich pastels of spring and the delicate beauty of a flower. How tragic it must be to never see the light of day. Yet there is a far greater tragedy than physical blindness. In this passage Jesus meets a man who has been blind from birth. The man illustrates that those who are blind often see clearly, while those with sight see nothing at all.
Warming Up to God
Before you begin this chapter about various kinds of blindness and sight, ask God to open your eyes so that you can see what he has for you.Read John 9
Discovering the Word
- Based on the question the disciples ask Jesus (v. 2), how do they view the relation between sickness and sin?
- What is Jesus' view of the same issue (vv. 3-5)?
- Why do you think Jesus goes through the process of making mud and instructing the man to go wash, instead of simply healing him instantly?
- On what grounds do the Pharisees object to this miracle (vv. 16, 22, 24, 29)?
- How do the Pharisees react when the genuineness of the miracle becomes undeniable (vv. 28-34)?
Applying the Word
- When might Christians today exhibit the Pharisees’ attitude to a marvelous work of God's grace or power?
- What principles in this chapter could help you improve your spiritual eyesight?
