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8. Who is Blind?

8. Who is Blind?. John 9:1-41 p. 988. “What’s going on?”. Headline in newspaper ( Malasian Airline, Gaza) What’s going on? The question has many levels What it means for me? Should I do something? In Jerusalem 2,000 years ago a blind man healed. What does it mean?.

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8. Who is Blind?

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  1. 8. Who is Blind? John 9:1-41 p. 988

  2. “What’s going on?” • Headline in newspaper (Malasian Airline, Gaza) • What’s going on? • The question has many levels • What it means for me? Should I do something? • In Jerusalem 2,000 years ago a blind man healed. • What does it mean?

  3. 1. Clearing the undergrowth • Confusing/concerning things said: • Sin & disability (blindness – v 2) • God does not listen to sinners (v 31) Trying to make sense of what happened.

  4. 1. Clearing the undergrowth . . . • Sin & Disability (v 2) • Is blindness punishment for sin in the family? • Rabbis teaching on Job (e.g. 4:7-8), Ex 20:5, Num 14:14. • Many events linked to the hand of the gods … • Bible does not support this view (e.g. Luke 13:2-5) • Sin is the ultimate cause but not in direct cause-effect. • Jesus’ answer in this case is neutral (v 3).

  5. 1. Clearing the undergrowth . . . • God does not listen to sinners (v 31) • Seems to have some support (e.g. Ps 34:14, Jas 5:16) • A righteous person – honours and obeys God faithfully. • God’s power, righteousness grace bring healing • God does not do mighty works through the rebellious • This is what is being referred to. • No matter how sinful we are, we can turn to God.

  6. 2. Finding the “tree” • The miracle is very undramatic, low-key (v 6-7) • Drama is in the magnitude. (v 32) • People want to know how to interpret the sign First: They were right to examine the events carefully • Miracles not always from God (Dt 13:1-3, Mt 7:21-23)

  7. 2. Finding the “tree” . . . Second: They were right to look to Bible for guidance • BUT … they looked in the wrong place. • Focussed on Sabbath • WORSE … they focussed on their own interpretation. • Jesus already said they were wrong (Luke 14:3-6)

  8. 2. Finding the “tree” . . . • Should have focussed on . . . • Sight given to the blind • Would have found the teachings on the Messiah. • E.g. Isaiah 42:1-7; also 29:18, 35:5, etc. • Man’s blindness was to reveal the works of God (v 3) • It is a miracle of significance • Pharisees do not want to acknowledge good in Jesus. • Disciples of Moses (v 28), but ignored him (Dt 18:15 ff)

  9. 3. Deciding what to do. • A significant miracle took place. • Jesus started “I am the light of the world” (v 5) • Ended: “blind will see … see will be blind” (v 39) • Issue: Not ability – willingness. • Justified their blindness by using the wrong Scriptures • There was a choice to make.

  10. Living it • Developing a correct worldview (theology) • Be careful of unbiblical assumptions. • Choosing which Biblical principles to apply. • Beware: believing what we want rather than truth Ability -vs- Willingness

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