I was blind but now I see!
Notes
Transcript
John chapter 1 - establishes Jesus as God in the Flesh
John chapters 2-5 - beginning ministry
John chapter 6-10 - similar themes, but deeper discussion and increased opposition
John chapter 6 - feeding of 5000+ ; “I AM” the bread of life from heaven and the source of eternal life.
John chapters 7-8 - Feast of Tabernacles - “I am the Light of the World” and a lot of opposition from the Jewish leaders, but many also believed.
End of chapter 8 - “I am” - divine name, Jesus slipped away before they could stone him.
Chapters 9 and 10 are connected - Chapter 9 we have a story unfold before us - Chapter 10 - Jesus mostly speaks - move into the winter before his death & resurrection.
Look at Chapter 9 today
I couldn’t find a comfortable place “to break it up” nor figure out 3 or 4 main points to summarize - so we’re approaching our scripture reading differently today. Read a few verses - comment - and read some more.
Chapter 9 is eight dialogues that build on each other - let’s take a brief look at each dialogue.
(READ VERSES FIRST then display dialogue line)
Dialogues
++Jesus & Disciples (1-5)
++Jesus & Blind Man (6-7)
++Man & Neighbors (8-12)
++Man & Pharisees (12-17)
++"Jews” & Parents (18-23)
++Man & Pharisees (24-34)
++Jesus & man (35-38)
++Jesus & Pharisees (35-41)
++Jesus & Disciples (1-5)
Not seen disciples since chapter 6. Learn: Sin had nothing to do with physical blindness. Things sometimes happen in our lives so that God can be glorified. Light & darkness mentioned again (from chapter 8)
++Jesus & Blind Man (6-7)
short interaction but repeated 3 more times - he did as Jesus instructed - he could see!
++Man & Neighbors (8-12)
Is this the same guy? - Jesus changes us - sometimes those we know don’t recognize us. Where is this Jesus? “I don’t know” - He found me!?
++Man & Pharisees (13-17)
Sabbath - “oh boy!” - Pharisees divided - man repeats his story about the prophet Jesus giving him sight
++"Jews” & Parents (18-23)
Trying to discredit the miracle - he wasn’t really blind - called for his parents to witness. They didn’t want any trouble. He’s a grown man - ask him “how?”
++Man & Pharisees (24-34)
”I don’t know” - 24b: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
I already told you. You want to be his disciple? That made them mad. They think this guy is a “smart aleck” but he was just sharing the truth. They ended up throwing him out.
++Jesus & man (35-38)
Jesus finds the man. “Do you believe?” “Lord, I believe” and he worshiped
++Jesus & Pharisees (39-41)
Chapter 9 began with physical blindness and by the end has transitioned to spiritual blindness. You claim you can see, but that’s not possible without Jesus.
SEE, BELIEVE, WORSHIP
SEE, BELIEVE, WORSHIP
Our eyes can be opened when we encounter Jesus as he seeks and finds us.
His desire is to give us spiritual sight.
Once we see him - the question is: do we believe?
Not just knowing the stories of his birth, his death, his resurrection
More than quoting scripture and sharing “testimonies”
DO WE BELIEVE?
If we believe - we worship! as the man did in our scripture today
Worship the one who gives us spiritual sight to see
Worship the one who saves us from our sin and unrighteousness
Worship the one who presents us before the throne of God without blame or blemish
Worship the top priority of our lives - Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
We’ll be worshipping for eternity - why not do it here and now
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Why wait until eternity starts to worship like that.
Worship today and the rest of your life giving Jesus “praise, honor, glory, and power!”
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
GRACE: Jesus sought the blind man - TWICE! The man didn’t necessarily ask - but Jesus found him and offered physical and spiritual sight. Jesus continues to offer spiritual sight today.
That is the statement of TRUTH today: verse 39 - Jesus says: “I have come into this world, so that the blind will see.” If those who think they “see” refuse Jesus - they will become blind.
The decision to see, believe, and worship Jesus OR NOT is a decision that every person must make.
I pray that each one will respond: “I was blind but now I see!”