From Blindness to Faith: A Journey with Jesus
Summary
In John chapter nine, we explore the profound journey of a man born blind who receives his sight through the miraculous intervention of Jesus Christ. This story is not just about physical healing but a spiritual awakening that leads to a fully formed faith. The man’s journey begins with a simple encounter with Jesus, who applies mud to his eyes and instructs him to wash in the pool of Siloam. This act of obedience results in a miracle, and the man can see for the first time. However, this newfound sight thrusts him into a controversy with the Pharisees, who are skeptical of Jesus' divine authority.
The man’s faith journey unfolds in four distinct steps. Initially, he recognizes Jesus as a man, acknowledging the humanity of Christ, which is crucial for understanding the incarnation—God becoming man. As the story progresses, he identifies Jesus as a prophet, recognizing that Jesus speaks the very words of God. This acknowledgment is significant because it highlights the authority and divine insight of Jesus' teachings.
The third step in his journey is the recognition that Jesus is from God. This realization comes as the man reflects on the unprecedented miracle he experienced. No prophet had ever opened the eyes of a man born blind, affirming that Jesus' power is divine. This step emphasizes the importance of receiving from Jesus, as faith is strengthened through experiencing His gifts and grace.
Finally, the man reaches a fully formed faith by worshiping Jesus as the Son of Man, a title that signifies the one who accomplishes God's work on earth. This act of worship is a declaration of Jesus' divinity and eternal kingdom. The man’s journey serves as a model for anyone seeking faith in Christ, illustrating that faith is formed through meeting Jesus, hearing His word, receiving His gifts, and ultimately worshiping Him as Lord.
Key Takeaways:
- Encountering Jesus: The journey to faith begins with meeting Jesus, recognizing Him as a man who lived among us, experiencing the same trials and joys. This encounter invites us to explore His life and teachings, which are foundational to understanding His divine nature. [14:00]
- Hearing the Word: Faith is nurtured by listening to Jesus' words, which are the very words of God. His teachings challenge us to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper truths of life, offering promises that only God can fulfill. [16:31]
- Receiving the Gift: Faith grows as we receive from Jesus, experiencing His grace and power in our lives. This reception is not passive but involves actively seeking His help and trusting in His provision, which strengthens our belief. [21:22]
- Worshiping the Son: The culmination of faith is worshiping Jesus as the Son of Man, acknowledging His divine authority and eternal kingdom. Worship is a response to recognizing Jesus as God with us, deserving of our devotion and allegiance. [26:33]
- Reflecting on Faith: The journey to a fully formed faith involves introspection and recognizing the steps we have taken. It challenges us to consider if we truly worship Jesus, have received His gifts, and heard His words, leading us to embrace Him as Lord. [31:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Healing Story
- [00:42] - Inside the Blind Man's Experience
- [01:13] - The Journey to the Pool of Siloam
- [02:10] - The Miracle and Family Reaction
- [03:29] - Facing Skepticism and Controversy
- [05:02] - Summons to the Pharisees' Court
- [07:33] - The Pharisees' Verdict
- [08:37] - The Dilemma of Giving Glory
- [10:41] - Jesus Finds the Man
- [12:20] - Recognizing Jesus' Voice
- [13:17] - Four Steps to Faith
- [15:54] - Meeting the Man Called Jesus
- [16:31] - Hearing the Word of God
- [21:22] - Receiving the Gift of Sight
- [26:33] - Worshiping the Son of Man
- [31:54] - Reflecting on the Journey to Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 9:1-38
- Daniel 7:13-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the initial reactions of the blind man's parents and neighbors when he received his sight? How did these reactions contribute to the unfolding controversy? [02:29]
2. How did the Pharisees respond to the blind man's testimony about Jesus, and what does this reveal about their perspective on Jesus' authority? [05:31]
3. What are the four distinct ways the blind man refers to Jesus throughout his journey to faith? [13:17]
4. How does the blind man's understanding of Jesus evolve from the beginning to the end of the story? [13:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the blind man's journey to faith teach about the process of spiritual awakening and growth in understanding Jesus' identity? [13:17]
2. How does the story illustrate the tension between societal or religious expectations and personal faith experiences? [08:37]
3. In what ways does the blind man's experience challenge the Pharisees' understanding of divine authority and miracles? [05:31]
4. How does the title "Son of Man" used by Jesus in this story connect to the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14, and what significance does it hold for the blind man's faith journey? [26:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change or revelation in your faith. How did it affect your relationships with others, especially those who might have been skeptical? [02:29]
2. The blind man faced skepticism and rejection for his testimony about Jesus. How do you handle situations where your faith is questioned or challenged by others? [08:37]
3. Consider the four steps in the blind man's journey to faith. Which step do you find yourself currently in, and what might be your next step in deepening your faith? [13:17]
4. How can you actively seek to "receive the gift" from Jesus in your daily life, and what specific areas do you need His help and provision? [23:29]
5. Worshiping Jesus as the "Son of Man" was the culmination of the blind man's faith journey. How do you express your worship and devotion to Jesus in your life? [30:15]
6. The blind man's story emphasizes the importance of hearing Jesus' words. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are regularly engaging with and listening to Jesus' teachings? [21:05]
7. Reflect on the concept of "meeting the man" Jesus. How can you deepen your personal relationship with Him, and what aspects of His life and teachings resonate most with you? [15:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Encountering Jesus in Our Daily Lives
The journey to faith begins with meeting Jesus, recognizing Him as a man who lived among us, experiencing the same trials and joys. This encounter invites us to explore His life and teachings, which are foundational to understanding His divine nature. Jesus' interaction with the man born blind demonstrates His willingness to meet us where we are, offering healing and transformation. By acknowledging Jesus' humanity, we open ourselves to the possibility of a deeper relationship with Him, one that is grounded in the reality of His life on earth. [14:00]
John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: Think of a moment in your daily routine where you can intentionally invite Jesus to be present. How can you make space to encounter Him in the ordinary moments of your life today?
Day 2: Hearing the Transformative Word of God
Faith is nurtured by listening to Jesus' words, which are the very words of God. His teachings challenge us to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper truths of life, offering promises that only God can fulfill. The man born blind experienced a profound change not just through physical healing but through the words of Jesus that led him to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow God's word to shape our perspectives and guide our actions. [16:31]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Identify a specific teaching of Jesus that you find challenging. How can you apply this teaching to a current situation in your life?
Day 3: Actively Receiving Jesus' Gifts
Faith grows as we receive from Jesus, experiencing His grace and power in our lives. This reception is not passive but involves actively seeking His help and trusting in His provision, which strengthens our belief. The man born blind received his sight through an act of obedience, illustrating that faith involves action and trust. By actively seeking Jesus' gifts, we open ourselves to His transformative power and deepen our relationship with Him. [21:22]
James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you need Jesus' help. What step can you take today to actively seek His provision and grace?
Day 4: Worshiping Jesus as the Son of Man
The culmination of faith is worshiping Jesus as the Son of Man, acknowledging His divine authority and eternal kingdom. Worship is a response to recognizing Jesus as God with us, deserving of our devotion and allegiance. The man born blind ultimately worshiped Jesus, declaring his belief in Jesus' divinity. This act of worship signifies a fully formed faith that acknowledges Jesus' role in our lives and His sovereignty over all creation. [26:33]
Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV): "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
Reflection: Reflect on your current worship practices. How can you deepen your worship experience to more fully acknowledge Jesus' divine authority in your life?
Day 5: Reflecting on Our Faith Journey
The journey to a fully formed faith involves introspection and recognizing the steps we have taken. It challenges us to consider if we truly worship Jesus, have received His gifts, and heard His words, leading us to embrace Him as Lord. The man born blind serves as a model for this journey, illustrating the progression from initial encounter to full worship. By reflecting on our own faith journey, we can identify areas for growth and recommit ourselves to following Jesus more closely. [31:54]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take time to reflect on your faith journey. What is one area where you feel called to grow or change in your relationship with Jesus? What steps can you take to pursue this growth?
Quotes
"Your journey back from the pool of Siloam could hardly have been more different from the journey that you made there. When you went to the pool, you were feeling your way along the walls at the edge of the streets. On your way back, well, you can see, and you can hardly wait to tell your parents." [00:01:03]
"Neighbors, long-time family friends are arriving. They've heard the story and they want to share your joy. Word is getting around. Whoever heard of someone opening the eyes of a man who was born blind? You go back to the street corner where you sat for years. You want to thank some of the people who helped you over these years and were kind to you." [00:02:54]
"The reaction is immediate. This man, they say, is not from God, which surprises you because you never said that he was. You just said he put mud on your eyes and that you washed, and now you see. And then the strangest thing happens. One of the Pharisees asks, how can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" [00:05:31]
"Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him, he said, do you believe in the Son of Man? It's beautiful. Jesus will always be there for you, especially when it is costly for you to follow him. And notice that it says here that Jesus found the man." [00:10:44]
"Faith begins with the man called Jesus. Look at this man, listen to what he said, look at what he did, and like the man born blind, you will find yourself strangely attracted to the man called Jesus. Second step to faith is to hear the word." [00:15:54]
"Now again, it would be very easy for us simply to dismiss this as an inadequate understanding of Jesus, but again, the man is affirming a very important truth. A prophet was a person who spoke the word of God. Prophets did not speak words of their own choosing; the words that the prophets spoke were given to them by God." [00:16:31]
"Faith is formed by receiving from Jesus. It says in one of the psalms, Psalm 34, taste and see that the Lord is good, and faith will be formed in you in increasing measure as you sample what Jesus Christ is able to do for you and to give to you." [00:22:57]
"Ask Jesus to help you. You want to grow in faith, tell him what you need, and ask him to help you. As you listen to what he says and hear what he promises, ask that what he promises will be yours. Exercise the faith that you have, and the faith that you have will grow." [00:23:19]
"Notice verse 35: Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him, he said, do you believe in the Son of Man? Now you may see a footnote in your Bible that says, do you believe in the Son of God, but you may also see in the footnote that most of the most reliable manuscripts say Son of Man." [00:26:33]
"Jesus asked the man who had been born blind, do you believe in the Son of Man? Do you believe in this promised person who will come from God, who will go to God, and through whom the very works of God will be done? And the man asks, who is he, sir, that I might believe in him?" [00:29:01]
"He worshipped Jesus. He calls Jesus Lord, he confesses his faith in Jesus, and he worships Jesus. Now worship, of course, is what you give to God alone. To worship anyone or anything else apart from God would be idolatry, but this man worships Jesus because he is fully convinced that Jesus is God with us." [00:29:55]
"Do you worship Jesus? Is he really the Lord of your life? And if not, you see, could it be that you have not yet really received what he offers? Because surely if you really had the peace and the joy that Jesus gives, you would worship him, and you would have no hesitation in crowning him as the Lord of your life." [00:32:54]
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