1. In these verses Luke tells us about something that took place in the synagogue located in Nazareth where Jesus was raised. a. On the Sabbath Jesus went to the synagogue, and He was given an opportunity to read Scripture. b. Jesus read from the writings of Isaiah (61:1-2). c. Jesus pointed out from Isaiah's prophecy that He had come to accomplish several important objectives. 1) This morning we pointed out that Jesus came "to heal the brokenhearted" in connection with His invitation (Matthew 11:28-30). 2) He also came to recover "sight to the blind." 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on an occasion when Jesus healed a blind man that is recorded in John 9:1-7. 3. The first observation we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. JESUS SAW THIS MAN AS HE "PASSED BY" (vs.1)
A. (8:20) Jesus had been teaching in the temple, and He called upon people to believe on Him. B. (8:30) As a result of the Lord's teaching, "many believed on him." C. (8:31-32) Jesus showed them how they could be His disciples and be free. D. (8:33-58) A very heated discussion followed. E. (8:59) The Jews attempted to stone Jesus, but He escaped and "passed by." F. As Jesus "passed by," He saw this blind man. 1. This man did not suffer blindness because of some accident. 2. He was born blind.
II. (vs.2) THE LORD'S DISCIPLES SAW THIS MAN'S BLINDNESS AS PUNISHMENT FOR SIN
A. The disciples wanted Jesus to tell them whether the man was born blind because of his sin or the sin of his parents. B. Perhaps the disciples had been influenced by the Pharisees -- when they questioned the man they accused him of being "altogether born in sins" (vs.34).
III. (vs.3-5) JESUS SAW THIS MAN'S BLINDNESS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO THE WORK OF GOD
A. (vs.3a) Jesus first answered the disciples' question. B. (vs.3b) Jesus said "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." C. Jesus reacted as He did because He realized that: 1. He was responsible for doing the work God had given Him to do (vs.4a) 2. His time to accomplish His work was limited (vs.4b). D. (vs.5) Jesus also talked about being "the light of the world" (see Matthew 5:16).
IV. (vs.6-7) JESUS GAVE SIGHT TO THE MAN
A. (vs.6) Jesus made some clay and placed it on the man's eyes. B. (vs.7a) Jesus told the man what to do. C. (vs.7b) The man followed the Lord's instructions, and he was able to see.
V. THESE VERSES TEACH US SOMETHING ABOUT JESUS
A. According to the man who received his sight, this had never been done (vs.32). B. By performing such miracles, Jesus proved that He is God's Son (20:30-31).
VI. THESE VERSES ALSO TEACH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE MAN WHO RECEIVED HIS SIGHT
A. This man could have acted like Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5:10-12). B. This man did not argue with Jesus, and he did not try to devise his own way to gain his sight. C. He simply did what Jesus told him to do, and he did not delay in doing so.
Conclusion:
1. (Luke 4:18) Jesus showed that He came to give sight to the blind. 2. He also came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). 3. Jesus tells us how to be saved in Mark 16:16. 4. Will you comply with the Lord's instructions like the man who was born blind?
