JESUS HEALS A MAN BORN BLIND

4/28/06

Read John 9:1-11

Questions for discussion:

1) In v. 2, the disciples asked Jesus, “Who sinned, the man or his parents?” Clearly, they thought a relationship existed between sin and suffering.

a. What do you think _____________________? Why ______________________________?

2) In v. 3, Jesus answers the question of His disciples. He simply declares that the man was born blind to provide an opportunity to show the power of God at work in his life. Like the disciples, however, many of us believe that suffering is the result of sin. We think God is punishing us because of our sin. We sometimes encounter tragedies and misfortunes that are difficult to explain, so we interpret these circumstance by believing God is punishing us. Often, however, the best explanation available is that our trials are a means of displaying the glorious works of God.

a. Do you agree with this last statement ______________? Why ____________________________?

3) In v. 4, the phrase, “As long as it is day,” must be interpreted figuratively. “Day” is the time for labor. “Night” is when the time for labor ends. Therefore, when Jesus says, “Night is coming, when no one can work,” He is acknowledging that our period of opportunity is limited. He is telling us to make the most out of every occasion to do God’s work. Realizing that our time for ministry is growing shorter and shorter every day, we should take advantage of every opportunity that God brings our way.

a. Are you motivated to do God’s work __________________? Why _____________________________?

If not, how can this group help motivate you _______________________________________?

4) In vs. 6-7, Jesus miraculously heals a man who was born blind. He made some mud with His saliva and applied the mixture to the man’s eyes. After anointing the blind man’s eyes, Jesus instructed him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. After the man went and washed, he was healed and came home seeing. His obedience to Christ enabled him to enjoy the blessing of full vision. There is an important lesson here. Obedience is the prerequisite to many of the blessings from God. Disobedience, however, to the clear command of Jesus would have left the blind man in darkness.

a. Are you living in darkness ________________________________________?

If not, what blessings have you received as a result of opening your spiritual eyes to Jesus ____________________________________?

Closing Comments:

Jesus could have easily healed the blind man with a simple wave of His hand, but Jesus wanted to develop a response from the blind man before He would allow him to see. The healing of the blind man serves as an analogy to many of us today whose spiritual eyes are blind because of our unbelief in Christ (Isa. 6:10). This miracle, however, provides a glimpse of the blessings to be realized in God’s kingdom when the “eyes of the blind will see” (Isa. 29:18; 35:5; 42:7, 16). For the sake of the Kingdom, I urge you to share your faith with one new person this week.