Man Born Blind
3 February 2013 PM – John 9:1-41 – Scott Childs
Introduction: It would be terrible to be deaf. It would be tragic to be crippled. It would be frustrating not to be able to smell or taste. However, I believe it would be devastating to be blind.
In his 9th chapter, John tells of a man who was born blind but received his sight from Jesus.
Transition: As we look at this chapter, we will find several principles for life, but especially an example of a faithful witness.
I. The Miracle John 9:1-7
A. Sin is not always the cause of sickness (1-5)
1. The man was born blind. This also pictures the fact that all men are born spiritually blind.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2. The disciples assumed that blindness was a result of sin. This was a common belief among the Jews. It reminds us of comments by Job’s friends. It is true that illness is sometimes a result of sin.
1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
3. Jesus said that God allowed some sickness, like this one, for his glory.
a) Jesus came to do God’s work. While in the world, he was the light of the world.
b) This blind man gave him an opportunity to authenticate his person and proclaim the gospel.
(1) God used Job’s trial for his glory.
(2) God also used Lazarus’ death for his glory.
(3) God used Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” to help Paul.
We must not blame or question God when he allows a sickness or trial in our lives. Instead, we ought to ask him to be glorified through it.
B. The healing detailed (6-7)
1. When Jesus healed, he used various methods. This time he chose to get the man involved. He made clay of earth and spit, anointed the man’s eyes, and told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam.
a) We do not know why he used spit and clay.
b) Perhaps he varied his methods so people would see his authority and not the method.
2. The man obeyed, and was healed.
This is the sixth sign that John records for us. (Water to wine 2, nobleman’s son 4, paralytic 5, fed 5000 6, walk on water 6)
II. Public Reaction John 9:8-12
A. Neighbours and observers were amazed
1. Some people doubted he was the former blind man.
2. He confirmed it, but they wanted details.
B. The man explained the details to them
1. He explained the details.
2. They then wanted to meet Jesus.
This is an excellent picture of sharing your testimony. The change in your life speaks louder than many sermons. Tell people what Christ has done for you. Let them see the fruits of the Spirit in your life. Explain the gospel to them. Use a tract if you need to, but speak out for Christ.
III. Pharisee’s Examination John 9:13-17
A. The Pharisees ask for details of the miracle
1. Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath, which becomes a key issue.
2. The healed man explains the healing details.
B. The Pharisees attack Jesus verbally
1. Some of the Pharisees conclude that Jesus is not of God because he healed on the Sabbath.
2. Others wonder how a sinner can do such miracles.
3. The healed man testifies that Jesus is a prophet.
It is very common when you witness to have the listener try to change the subject or get stuck on an issue that they see as a problem. Try to bring the witness back to the gospel. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
IV. Pharisee’s Question Parents John 9:18-23
A. The parents are call in to identify the man
1. They positively identified their son.
2. They positively said that he was born blind.
B. The parents feared to side with their son
1. They made no comment on his healing because they feared the Jews and did not want to be kicked out of the synagogue.
2. They said, “He is of age, ask him. He shall speak for himself.”
God does not want us to be like those parents when we witness – sheepishly admitting that we know Christ, but refusing to share the gospel. The fear of man is a great hindrance to the cause of Christ.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
V. Pharisees Excommunicate John 9:24-34
A. They demand the man to praise God not Jesus
1. They claimed that Jesus was a sinner because he healed on the Sabbath.
2. The man said he did not know about that, but he was blind and now he could see. This man had never once seen the light of day or the beauty of nature. Now he could. They were not going to change his mind about Jesus that easily.
3. They asked him again to tell how it all happened, but he refused unless they too wanted to become Jesus’ disciple.
B. They rebuked him for his answer (28)
1. They claimed to follow Moses.
2. The man boldly reasons with them (30-33).
a) You should know this man is of God because of the miracle he did (30).
b) It is true that God only hears the prayers of those who do His will (31).
c) Since creation, no one has ever opened the eyes of one born blind (32).
d) This man, Jesus, must be of God (33).
3. They rejected his logic, not because it was unclear, but because they hated Jesus. Thus, they cast the man out of the synagogue.
The clearest logic will not persuade the hardened sinner. Only the conviction of the Holy Spirit in his heart can break through that stubborn rebellion. We must pray more passionately for the lost before and as we witness to them. If you are not passing out tracts and trying to witness for the Lord, you are hiding the gospel from those who need it most. Witnessing is not an option; it is every Christian’s moral and Christian duty.
VI. Jesus Identified Himself and the Man Believed John 35-41
A. Jesus found the healed man
1. Evidently, he went looking for the man.
2. He asked the man if he believed on the Son of God.
3. The man gladly believed and worshipped Christ.
a) Believing on Christ is the key to the gospel.
b) If you trace the word “believe” through the book of John, you will find that it is used in 85 verses.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
c) Mark 16:16 says, “he that believeth not shall be damned.”
B. Jesus condemned the unbelievers (39-41)
1. Those who think they see spiritual truth are really spiritually blind.
2. Those who know they are spiritually blind, are able to receive spiritual sight.
a) Humble repentance is the key to coming to Christ. Until one is willing to admit his sin, humble himself before God, and receive Christ’s payment as his ONLY hope, he cannot be saved.
b) Salvation is not a learned or confirmed process, it is an instant change humbly received by repentant sinners.
You are either a regenerated blind person, or a blind religious person.
Conclusion: The healed blind man was a powerful witness for Christ. He KNEW Jesus had healed him and he was not ashamed to tell everyone about it. If you are truly a Christian, God has forgiven all your sin, rescued you from hell, given you a home in heaven, and has an inheritance for you. Is it right to be ashamed of Jesus Christ? Many of you have family members who do not know Christ or deny him by their godless life. We all have lost friends, and neighbours. Ask God for a passion for souls. Pray for the lost specifically. Seek opportunities to hand out tracts and to share the gospel. Stop making excuses and ask God for boldness. You have the truth. Your witness may keep someone from the eternal lake of fire.
Song: Give Me a Passion for Souls – 306