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Today, we explored the story of Jesus healing the man born blind in John 9, reflecting on how this miracle reveals the heart and power of God. The disciples questioned whether the man’s blindness was a result of sin, but Jesus redirected their focus from blame to purpose, declaring that the man’s condition existed so that the works of God might be displayed. This shift challenges us to see our own brokenness not as punishment, but as an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed in and through us.

Jesus’ method of healing in this story is unique—He makes mud with His saliva, anoints the man’s eyes, and instructs him to wash in the pool of Siloam. Unlike other miracles where people cry out for help, this man does not ask for healing. Yet, Jesus sees him, knows his need, and responds. This reminds us that God is not limited by our words or actions; He knows the cries of our hearts, even those unspoken. Sometimes, all that is required is a step of obedience and faith, even when we don’t fully understand what God is doing.

The healing of the blind man is not just physical, but spiritual. After receiving his sight, the man comes to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and worships Him. In contrast, the Pharisees, though physically able to see, remain spiritually blind because of their attachment to tradition, pride, and self-righteousness. This warns us not to let our own traditions, comfort zones, or pain blind us to the miracles God is working in our midst.

God uses our weaknesses, failures, and pain as vessels for His grace and power. Our stories, even those marked by suffering, can become testimonies of His faithfulness. When we step out in obedience and faith, even in small ways, we position ourselves to experience God’s provision, transformation, and miracles. The journey of faith is often step-by-step, requiring us to trust and act, even when logic or fear tells us to stay put.

May our eyes be opened—physically and spiritually—to see Jesus, to recognize His work, and to walk in the light and hope He offers. Let us fix our gaze not on the temporary or the natural, but on the eternal realities of God’s kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Purpose in Our Brokenness Jesus teaches that suffering is not always the result of personal sin, but can be a canvas for God’s glory. Our weaknesses and hardships are not wasted; they are opportunities for God to reveal His power and purpose. When we surrender our pain to Him, He transforms it into a testimony of His grace. This perspective frees us from shame and invites us to trust God’s greater plan. [86:04]
• 2. Obedience Unlocks Miracles The man born blind did not ask for healing, but when Jesus instructed him, he obeyed without hesitation. Miracles often require us to take a step of faith, even when we don’t understand the outcome. Obedience is not always dramatic; sometimes it’s simply responding to God’s prompting in the ordinary moments. In that space of obedience, God’s provision and power are released. [90:31]
• 3. Spiritual Sight is Greater than Physical Sight While Jesus healed the man’s physical blindness, the greater miracle was his spiritual awakening—he recognized and worshipped Jesus as Lord. In contrast, the Pharisees, though religiously knowledgeable, remained spiritually blind due to pride and tradition. True sight comes from humility and a willingness to see God at work beyond our expectations. We must guard against spiritual blindness by remaining open and teachable. [82:33]
• 4. God Sees the Unspoken Cries of Our Hearts Unlike others who begged for healing, the blind man’s need was seen and met by Jesus without a word. God is attentive to the silent prayers and longings within us. Even when we feel unseen or unheard, Jesus knows our hearts and is willing and able to heal and restore. Our faith is not measured by eloquence, but by our trust in His character. [79:29]
• 5. Don’t Let Tradition or Pain Blind You to God’s Work The Pharisees missed the miracle because they were fixated on rules and their own understanding. We too can become blinded by our comfort zones, pain, or traditions, missing the new things God is doing. It is vital to fix our eyes on Jesus, allowing Him to open our hearts to see His hand at work in unexpected ways. Spiritual openness positions us to witness and participate in God’s ongoing miracles.
  
  ** [95:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [70:43] - Introduction and Greeting
• [71:30] - Returning to the Miracles of Jesus
• [72:09] - Reading John 9:1-12
• [73:33] - The Man Born Blind Receives Sight
• [75:06] - Overview of Jesus’ Miracles and Healing the Blind
• [76:00] - Comparing Different Healings of the Blind
• [78:34] - The Unique Faith of the Man Born Blind
• [79:29] - Jesus Knows Our Hearts
• [80:47] - Fulfillment of Prophecy and Spiritual Sight
• [82:33] - Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees
• [84:41] - Tradition vs. God’s Power
• [86:04] - Not Cause, But Purpose: God’s Glory in Brokenness
• [90:31] - Obedience and Faith in Action
• [95:12] - Avoiding Spiritual Blindness
• [96:36] - Reflecting on Kingdom Principles
• [97:47] - Worship: Open the Eyes of My Heart
• [101:21] - Prayer for Spiritual Sight
• [103:25] - Ephesians 1:18-19 and Closing Prayer
• [104:45] - Fellowship and Sharing Kingdom Principles
• [104:56] - Closing and Next Week’s Preview

Bible Reading

John 9:1-12 (ESV) — As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

Observation Questions

1. What question did the disciples ask Jesus about the man born blind, and how did Jesus respond? ([01:12:33])
2. How did Jesus heal the man born blind, and what was unique about this method compared to other healings? ([01:13:06])
3. After the man was healed, how did his neighbors and others react to his new ability to see? ([01:13:33])
4. According to the sermon, what was the difference between the man born blind and other people Jesus healed, like the two blind men in Matthew 20? ([01:16:55])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus wanted to shift the disciples’ focus from blame (“who sinned?”) to purpose (“that the works of God might be displayed”)? How does this change the way we view suffering? ([01:26:04])
2. The man born blind did not ask for healing, yet Jesus saw his need and acted. What does this reveal about God’s character and how He responds to us? ([01:19:29])
3. The Pharisees could physically see but were spiritually blind. What does the story suggest is the cause of spiritual blindness, and how can it affect even religious people? ([01:22:33])
4. The sermon mentioned that obedience often unlocks miracles, even when we don’t understand. Why is obedience so important in the journey of faith? ([01:30:31])

Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you experienced pain, weakness, or failure. How might God want to use that situation as a canvas for His glory, rather than as a source of shame? ([01:26:04])
2. The man born blind obeyed Jesus’ instructions without knowing what would happen. Is there an area in your life where God is asking you to take a step of faith or obedience, even if you don’t fully understand? What might that step look like this week? ([01:30:31])
3. Are there traditions, comfort zones, or past hurts in your life that might be blinding you to what God is doing right now? How can you open your heart to see God’s work in new ways? ([01:35:12])
4. The sermon highlighted that God sees the unspoken cries of our hearts. Is there something you haven’t been able to express to God or others? How can you bring that silent need to Jesus in prayer this week? ([01:19:29])
5. The Pharisees missed the miracle because they were focused on rules and their own understanding. Are there areas where you might be missing God’s work because you’re holding too tightly to your own expectations or routines? ([01:22:33])
6. The journey of faith is often step-by-step, not all at once. What is one small, practical way you can trust God more this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain? ([01:33:02])
7. The sermon ended with a prayer for spiritual sight. What would it look like for you to pray, “Lord, open my eyes,” and expect God to show you something new in your life or in the lives of those around you? ([01:41:21])