1. Carefully studying the Gospel of John will help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. In this lesson we are examining the information recorded in John 9. 3. In this chapter Jesus performed one of His great miracles by giving sight to a man born blind. 4. By doing so, Jesus: a. demonstrated the fact that He is "the light of the world" (John 8:12) b. supplied evidence that proves He is God's Son (John 20:30-31) c. accomplished part of the mission He came to fulfill (Luke 4:17-19; Isaiah 61:1-2). 5. The interactions between various people illustrate again how Jesus "came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11). Discussion: I. (John 9:1-7) JESUS GAVE SIGHT TO A MAN BORN BLIND
A. (vs.1) Jesus saw this man as He "passed by" (see John 8:59). 1. This man did not become blind because of an accident -- he was born blind. 2. A number of witnesses, including the man's parents, knew he was born blind. B. (vs.2) The Lord's disciples were concerned with who was responsible for the man's blindness. C. (vs.3-5) Jesus answered the disciples and showed that the man's blindness provided an opportunity to do the work He came to do. D. (vs.6-7) Jesus told the man what to do, he obeyed the Lord's instructions, and he was able to see. II. (John 9:8-12) THE MAN INTERACTED WITH HIS NEIGHBORS AND OTHER ACQUAINTANCES
A. He rehearsed what had happened. B. However, he did not know where Jesus was. III. (John 9:13-34) THE MAN INTERACTED WITH THE PHARISEES
A. (vs.13-16) The Pharisees interrogated the man. B. (vs.17) The Pharisees interrogated the man again. C. (vs.18-23) The Pharisees interrogated the man's parents. D. (vs.24-34) The Pharisees attempted to discredit Jesus. IV. (John 9:35-38) THE MAN INTERACTED WITH JESUS
A. (vs.35-37) Jesus revealed Himself to the man. B. (vs.38) The man became a believer and worshipped Jesus. V. (John 9:39-41) JESUS INTERACTED WITH THE PHARISEES
A. Jesus came to provide spiritual sight. B. Unfortunately, the Pharisees failed to appreciate how Jesus came to save them, and they remained spiritually blind.
