1. According to Luke 4:1-13, Jesus went through a 40-day period of temptation after He was baptized. 2. Following His temptation, Jesus returned to Galilee where He taught in the synagogues (Luke 4:14-15). 3. We learn from Luke 4:16-21 that something interesting occurred 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. d. One objective was to give "sight to the blind." 4. With this information before us, let us turn our attention to an occasion when Jesus gave sight to a blind man (John 9:1-7). 5. 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. The Bible tells about a number of people who were influenced by this belief. 1. Eliphaz, Job's friend (Job 4:7-8; 5:17-18) 2. People living on Melita (Acts 28:3-4) 3. The Pharisees who questioned the man healed by Jesus (John 9:34)
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: 1. He realized that He was personally responsible for doing the work God had given Him to do (vs.4a) 2. He realized that 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 miracles such as this one, Jesus proved that He is God's Son (John 20:30-31).
VI. THESE VERSES ALSO TEACH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE MAN WHO RECEIVED HIS SIGHT
A. Let us contrast his response to the Lord's will with the response of the people in ch.8 -- he obeyed the Lord while they tried to kill the Lord. B. This man could have: 1. resisted when Jesus put the clay on his eyes 2. questioned why Jesus would do such a thing 3. resisted when Jesus told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. a. He could have said that he had already washed that day. b. He could have tried to substitute some other body of water. c. He could have acted like Naaman (2 Kings 5:10-14). C. This man did not argue with Jesus, and he did not try to devise his own way to gain his sight -- he simply did what Jesus told him to do.
Conclusion:
1. The Bible teaches us how to receive a greater blessing -- "forgiveness." 2. Listen to: a. Mark 16:16 b. Acts 2:38, 41, 47 c. 1 Corinthians 12:13. 3. Will you comply with the Lord's instructions as the man born blind did?
