Sermon Series Blog:Who’s Really Blind? Pt.1
In the 9th chapter of John, we encounter a situation where people are both physically and spiritually blind, and Jesus turns it into an opportunity to show God at work so people can see on both levels
JESUS SAW THE MAN
As Jesus left a hostile situation in the Temple, he sees a man who was blind (John 9:1).
But don’t miss the fact that Jesus saw the MAN. Sure, he had a disability. That’s what most of us would notice. It’s certainly what Jesus’ disciples noticed.
But Jesus saw the MAN … the person created in the image of God. Someone that God loves. Someone that matters to God. It tells us that each of us matters to God regardless of our suffering or what has happened in our past. YOU matter to God! Jesus sees you, and he loves you.
But of course, the man didn’t see Jesus, because he was blind. It’s a picture of all humanity, because we’re all born spiritually blind. The only reason any of us can see is because Jesus sees us and brings his light into our darkness.
DON’T FOCUS ON THE CAUSE OF YOUR SUFFERING. FOCUS ON THE PURPOSE.
Jesus’ disciples asked if it was a particular sin committed that caused the man’s blindness (John 9:2).
With all the suffering and pain in the world, it’s a natural thing to wonder “why.” They wanted to know the cause, something we all tend to focus on.
However, the response of Jesus tells us that there’s a different way to look at things. Jesus said, “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed.” Instead of getting mired into the despair of trying to determine “why” something happened, it’s better to look forward and allow God to do his work and use the situation for a greater purpose.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
NOW IS THE TIME TO DO GOD’S WORK
Then Jesus opens the door for all of us to do God’s work by saying that WE must do the works of him who sent me (John 9:4). And he makes it clear that the time to do that work is running out.
Finally, we arrive at the pinnacle of the story as Jesus surprises everyone by spitting on the ground and making a mud pie, then putting it on the man’s eyes and telling him to wash in a nearby pool. And a miracle happens … the man comes home SEEING!
WE CAN EXPECT GOD TO HEAL, BUT MAYBE NOT IN THE WAY WE EXPECT
It’s an incredible healing, but it makes you wonder Jesus why made the mud when he could have simply spoken the words, “Be healed.”
Jesus didn’t have to make mud, but I believe he did so because it was a Saturday … the Sabbath … and it was against the rules of the religious leaders to even do something that simple because they considered it to be work, and you weren’t supposed to work on the Sabbath.
Jesus knew exactly what he was doing. He knew he was breaking the made-up law of the Pharisees … not God’s law … to show them that he is the Lord of the Sabbath, and to show that the point of the Sabbath is for rest and healing, especially healing for a man born blind!
But I believe the main reason Jesus heals the man in this unusual way was to trigger a controversy that will end up showing how those who reject him remain blind while those who accept him as “the light of the world” are the ones who can truly see.
