A Blind Man Who Could See

John 9:1-41

I.        Introduction

A.     Sight allows one to perceive physical things as well as spiritual things.

1.      It is sometimes the case that those who can see (physically) cannot see (spiritually)

2.      Matthew 13:14-15

B.     In John 9, a blind man was able to see more clearly than those who had sight.

C.     Let’s examine this passage, and make some applications.

II.     Not All Suffering Is The Result Of Sin

A.     The first spiritual lesson is the question posed by the disciples (John 9:1-3).

B.     The disciples evidently thought that suffering was directly attributable to a person’s sins or his parent’s sins. (Job 4:7-8; Gal. 6:7)

C.     Jesus said that this situation was not because of sin, but so that God could be glorified.

1.      The result of this adversity was that a man was saved

2.      Others were provided an opportunity to witness the glory and power of God.

D.     But how could a good God use a person in such a way?

1.      We need to ascertain what is truly good and evil.

2.      Can we declare that what brings one closer to God is evil?

3.      Not all suffering is evil (Psalms 119:71).

III.   Not All Prayers Are Answered

A.     “We know that God does not hear sinners” (John 9:31).

B.     We must remember that this is an uninspired man speaking.

1.      Not all verses in the Bible can be taken at face value, out of context

2.      The only way we can know what he said was truth is by comparing it to inspired teachings elsewhere.

C.     Other scriptures confirm the truth of this statement

1.      (Psalms 34:15-16).

2.      (Psalms 66:18).

3.      (Proverbs 15:29).

IV.  Three Differing Attitudes Toward Christ

A.     The class represented by the Pharisees. (9:16, 24, 34, 40-41)

1.      They saw and heard the testimony of the miracle, but refused to accept Christ.

2.      How many are willing to weigh evidence contrary to an accepted belief?

3.      How many are willing to change if they are shown to be wrong?

B.     The class represented by the blind man’s parents. (John 9:19-23).

1.      They wanted to remain neutral because they were afraid of the consequences of getting involved with Jesus.

2.      Jesus demands that we choose sides, actively commit to Him (Matthew 12:30).

3.      Some today are nominal Christians who have no intention of really getting involved.

C.     The class represented by the blind man.

1.      Obeyed the command of Jesus in faith (9:7)

2.      Shared with others with Jesus had done for him (9:11).

3.      Boldly affirmed that Jesus was a prophet of God (9:17).

4.      Not afraid of what his fellow man would think (9:30-34).

5.      Suffered the consequences of, but also enjoyed the reward of his convictions. 9:35-38

V.     Conclusion

A.     Which class of people do you most naturally fit?

B.     What kind of sight are you relying on?