2.5 The Resurrection of Lazarus
Jesus’ Power Over Death and the Revelation of His Divinity

The raising of Lazarus in John 11 is one of the most profound stories in the Gospel of John, revealing both sorrow and hope. The death of Lazarus brings sadness and despair into the lives of his family and friends. The lament of the sisters, that Lazarus would still be alive if Jesus had come in time, reflects their deep disappointment (John 11:21, 32). Jesus’ own tears also show that He understands the pain of loss (John 11:35).

However, Jesus’ apparent delay served a much higher purpose. Jesus knew from the start that Lazarus would die, but He used this occasion to reveal a deeper truth: His power over life and death. By raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated that He is not merely a prophet or healer but the Creator and Lord of life itself. Martha, Lazarus’ sister, confirms this realization when she acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God (John 11:27).

Significance for Faith: Jesus’ statement in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life,” is central to the Christian understanding of life and death. It reveals that death does not have the final word and that faith in Jesus extends beyond physical death. Jesus’ power over death points to His divine nature and gives believers hope for eternal life. This story shows us that God works even in seemingly hopeless situations, and His delays do not mean He has forgotten us—they mean He is planning something greater that will reveal His glory.

In daily life, this means that during times of suffering and loss, we are reminded that Jesus is our deepest hope. Even when we don’t understand the reasons for God’s delays, we can trust that He always has the power to bring life and renewal, even in the most hopeless moments.

Read John 11:38–44. What did Jesus do to substantiate His claim?

The raising of Lazarus in John 11 is a powerful narrative that highlights both the deep emotions of human grief and the transformative hope through Jesus Christ. The story begins with the sadness over the death of a beloved friend and the despair of the family. Martha and Mary express their disappointment that Jesus did not arrive in time to heal Lazarus. Their words, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32), reflect a common human experience: the question of “Why?” in moments of loss and need.

Jesus’ own tears (John 11:35) reveal His humanity and His empathy for the pain we experience through death. However, beneath this grief, Jesus reveals His true mission: He shows that He has power over death. Jesus’ delayed arrival, which might initially be seen as negligence, served a greater purpose in revealing the profound divine truth that He is the Creator of life. By raising Lazarus, He demonstrates His divine authority over both life and death.

Significance for Faith: Jesus’ statement, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), forms the heart of the Christian faith. It points to the fact that physical death is not the end and that Jesus has the power to grant life that transcends death. This revelation gives believers hope for eternal life and the assurance that Jesus possesses a deeper, life-giving power in the midst of grief and loss.

Application in Daily Life: In our daily lives, this story teaches us that God’s ways do not always align with our expectations, but He always has a greater plan that surpasses our current understanding. In moments of suffering, loss, or delay, we should remember that Jesus is our ultimate hope. Even if we do not always understand the reason for God’s delays, we can trust that He wants to reveal a greater glory—a glory that allows us to look beyond the earthly and grants us new hope.

The raising of Lazarus is a powerful testament that God’s plan always brings life and renewal, even in the darkest moments of our lives.

Connection to Our Daily Life and Faith:

1. God’s Timing and Trust in Him: We often experience delays or feel that God is not intervening in difficult situations. The story of Lazarus shows us that God’s delays are not due to negligence or indifference but are always part of a greater plan to reveal His glory. In our daily lives, this teaches us to practice patience and trust that God has not forgotten us, even when His answers to our prayers do not come immediately.

2. Jesus as Our Ultimate Hope: Jesus explains in John 11:25 that He is the resurrection and the life, which means that He has power not only over physical death but also over our current situations of suffering and need. In our daily lives, this means that Jesus should be our first resort—not only for our eternal hope but also in every difficult situation we face. He can bring life into every seemingly hopeless situation.

3. Grief and Compassion: Jesus’ own tears in John 11:35 remind us that He understands our human emotions and shares in our suffering. In times of grief and loss, we can be assured that Jesus is near and understands our pain. This realization can bring us comfort and strength during times of sorrow.

4. Trusting in God’s Power Over Death: The raising of Lazarus shows that death does not have the final word. For us, this means that faith in Jesus not only gives us hope for eternal life but also empowers us to view physical death differently. Death is not the end but a transition into eternal communion with God.

5. Growth in Faith Through Crisis: Martha and Mary had to go through the crisis of their brother’s death to deepen their understanding of Jesus’ true power and divine nature. Likewise, in our own lives, crises and difficult times can help us strengthen our faith and understand more about God’s nature and plan for us. These challenges can be a way to deepen our relationship with God and renew our faith.

Conclusion: The story of Lazarus teaches us that God’s plan is greater than our current understanding. We can trust that He is working even in difficult times and delays to bring life, hope, and renewal. In our daily lives, we should always remember that Jesus is the ultimate source of life—not only in this life but also in the life to come.

Even when we don’t immediately understand God’s actions, we can trust that He has a greater plan that brings life and hope.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-signs-of-divinity-2-5-the-resurrection-of-lazarus-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 10, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 4

¹ When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

² (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

³ He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

⁴ And he must needs go through Samaria.

⁵ Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

⁶ Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

⁷ There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

⁸ (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

⁹ Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

¹¹ The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

¹² Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

¹³ Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

¹⁴ But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

¹⁵ The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

¹⁶ Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

¹⁷ The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

¹⁸ For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

¹⁹ The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

²⁰ Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

²¹ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

²² Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

²³ But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

²⁵ The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

²⁶ Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

²⁷ And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

²⁸ The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

²⁹ Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

³⁰ Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

³¹ In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

³² But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

³³ Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

³⁴ Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

³⁵ Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

³⁶ And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

³⁷ And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

³⁸ I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

³⁹ And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

⁴¹ And many more believed because of his own word;

⁴² And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

⁴³ Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.

⁴⁴ For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

⁴⁵ Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

⁴⁶ So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

⁴⁷ When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

⁴⁸ Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

⁴⁹ The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

⁵⁰ Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

⁵¹ And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

⁵² Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

⁵³ So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

⁵⁴ This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John chapter 4 addresses two significant events in Jesus’ ministry: the conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well and the healing of the son of a royal official. Both stories illustrate the universal reach of Jesus’ message and His ability to inspire faith through deep spiritual understanding and miracles. Particularly noteworthy is the conversation with the Samaritan woman, as Jesus demonstrates that His message is not only for the Jews but for all people, regardless of social and ethnic barriers.

Commentary

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42)

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman begins with Jesus, weary from His journey, stopping at Jacob’s well in Samaria. When the woman comes to the well, Jesus asks her for water, which surprises her, as Jews typically did not associate with Samaritans (v. 9). This interaction transcends the social norms of the time and shows Jesus’ willingness to overcome barriers.

Jesus seizes the opportunity to introduce the concept of “living water” (v. 10), which symbolizes eternal life and the Holy Spirit. While the Samaritan woman initially thinks Jesus is referring to physical water, He leads her deeper into spiritual truths and reveals that the water He offers will never leave them thirsty again but will become a source of eternal life within them (v. 14).

The conversation unveils the woman’s personal history. Jesus discloses His knowledge of her five marriages and her current living situation (v. 18), prompting her to recognize Him as a prophet. The dialogue then shifts to the proper form of worship. Jesus explains that the time has come when true worshipers will worship God not at a specific location but in spirit and truth (v. 23-24). This statement breaks with the previous notion that worship was tied to geographic locations like the temple in Jerusalem.

Finally, Jesus reveals Himself to the woman as the promised Messiah (v. 26), which moves her to go into the city and tell others about Him. Many Samaritans believe in Jesus based on her testimony (v. 39), and even more after they have personally spoken with Him. This scene demonstrates that faith can arise not only through miracles but also through direct encounters with the truth of Jesus.

Healing of the Royal Official’s Son (John 4:43-54)

After two days in Samaria, Jesus returns to Galilee. There, a royal official asks Him to heal his dying son (v. 47). Jesus points out that people often believe only through signs and wonders (v. 48), but the official persists in his request. Jesus heals the son from afar, and the official believes Jesus’ word. When the official later learns that the healing occurred precisely at the moment Jesus spoke to him, he believes, along with his entire household (v. 53). This story illustrates faith that arises from trust in Jesus’ word, without the official having witnessed a visible miracle.

Summary

John chapter 4 demonstrates how Jesus breaks through social and religious barriers to proclaim His message of salvation and redemption. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman, He reveals Himself as the Messiah and speaks about true worship in spirit and truth. This encounter leads many Samaritans to believe in Jesus. The healing of the royal official’s son highlights the power of faith based solely on trust in Jesus’ word. Overall, the chapter shows that Jesus meets both spiritual and physical needs and that His salvation is available to all people.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/10-10-2024-john-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/

2.4 The Healing of the Blind Man, Part 2
The Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees and the Growing Insight of the Healed Man

Read John 9:17–34. What questions did the leaders ask, and how did the blind man respond?

In John 9:17–34, we witness an intense confrontation between the healed blind man and the religious leaders who are seeking answers. The Pharisees pose several questions to the formerly blind man to determine how he was healed and to uncover who Jesus is. They are already biased because Jesus performed the healing on the Sabbath and thus consider Him a sinner.

The formerly blind man responds with remarkable clarity and increasing understanding. Initially, he simply describes what happened: “He opened my eyes” (John 9:25). However, as the Pharisees repeatedly attempt to portray Jesus as a sinner, the blind man boldly points out that someone who performs such a miracle can only come from God (John 9:33). He argues, “Never has anyone heard anything like this” (John 9:32).

The Reversal of Roles

While the Pharisees, who were regarded as spiritual leaders, become increasingly confused and “blind” in their judgment of Jesus, the formerly blind man becomes more seeing—not only physically but also spiritually. He gradually realizes that Jesus is more than just a prophet: Jesus must be sent by God. His spiritual sight grows in contrast to the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees, who, despite the obvious signs and miracles, refuse to question their rigid beliefs.

Central Themes of the Account

This section of the Gospel of John is particularly significant because it intersects with many key themes:

1. Jesus as the Light of the World: This healing confirms Jesus’ statement that He is the light coming into the darkness of the world (John 9:5; John 8:12). The formerly blind man experiences this light on both a physical and spiritual level.

2. Spiritual Blindness: While the blind man comes increasingly to faith, the Pharisees become “blinder” in their unbelief. John illustrates how religious pride and prejudice can lead to spiritual blindness.

3. The Origin of Jesus: The healed man is questioned by the Pharisees about Jesus’ origin. This question permeates the Gospel: Who is Jesus, and where does He come from? The blind man recognizes that Jesus must be sent by God, while the Pharisees remain in their ignorance.

4. The Danger of Hardened Hearts: The religious leaders refuse to acknowledge the truth about Jesus despite clear evidence. This serves as a stark warning that pride and clinging to false beliefs can render us spiritually blind.

Conclusion:

This section demonstrates that true spiritual insight does not depend on education or religious rank but on an open, humble heart willing to accept God’s truth. The blind man, once without physical and spiritual light, receives both through Jesus, while the Pharisees remain in darkness despite their knowledge and status. It is a powerful reminder that our pride can prevent us from seeing the truth, even when it lies directly before us.

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26–29. How does what Paul writes in these verses relate to John’s above account, and how does the same principle apply today?

In John 9, we see God using the “weak”—the man born blind—to reveal His power and glory. The formerly blind man becomes a witness for Jesus, even though he was considered insignificant both socially and religiously. At the same time, it is the religious leaders, the “wise” and “powerful,” who refuse to recognize the truth. Their power, knowledge, and pride prevent them from seeing the spiritual truth even when it is right before their eyes.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 emphasize that God often chooses the “weak” and “foolish” in the world to shame the “strong” and “wise.” The healed blind man embodies this principle: a seemingly weak and despised man becomes the mouthpiece of divine truth, while the educated and powerful Pharisees remain blind in their blindness.

Does the Same Principle Apply Today?

Yes, this principle remains valid in the 21st century. God often chooses those whom society views as insignificant or weak to reveal His power and wisdom. This teaches us not to judge based on external qualifications such as power, wealth, or knowledge when it comes to spiritual insight and God’s workings.

Some Modern Applications:

1. Humility Before God: We should recognize that our human wisdom or status does not automatically grant us access to God’s truth. It is often humble faith that opens our eyes to God’s workings.

2. Respect for the “Unremarkable”: God works through people whom the world often overlooks or underestimates. In our daily lives, we should remain open to how God speaks through the humble, the weak, or the unexpected.

3. Warning Against Pride: Like the Pharisees in John 9, we can become spiritually blind through religious or intellectual pride. Believing we have all the answers or possessing all the knowledge can shut us off from God’s revelation.

4. God Often Chooses the Weak: God reveals His greatness and power through what the world considers weak or foolish. This reminds us that true wisdom and strength come from humility before God and openness to His work, regardless of its source.

Conclusion:

The Healing of the Blind Man in John 9:17–34 and the subsequent confrontation between the healed man and the religious leaders not only highlight the dynamics between physical and spiritual blindness but also provide an important lesson for our daily lives and faith.

This story reminds us that true spiritual insight and understanding do not depend on external qualifications, social status, or religious position. Instead, true sight comes through humility and openness to God’s work. The formerly blind man, a simple and despised individual, becomes a testimony of God’s power and truth, while the Pharisees, despite their scholarship and position, grow increasingly blind.

Practical Applications:

1. Humility and Spiritual Openness: In our daily lives, we can easily fall into the trap of relying on our own wisdom or accomplishments. However, the story of the healed man shows that God’s truth is often revealed to the humble. A humble heart is crucial for spiritual clarity, meaning a willingness to learn from God and recognize that our knowledge is limited.

2. Awareness of God’s Work: God often works through unexpected people and events. In everyday life, this means being open to God’s voice, even when it comes through people or situations we might overlook or underestimate. Like the formerly blind man, we often recognize God’s actions gradually as we open ourselves to Him.

3. Caution Against Pride: The Pharisees were convinced they knew the truth and relied on their religious traditions and rules. Their pride prevented them from recognizing the truth. We must be careful that pride—whether in knowledge, status, or beliefs—does not prevent us from clearly seeing God’s will. Spiritual blindness can affect anyone who closes themselves to the truth.

Conclusion:

The Healing of the Blind Man teaches us that true spiritual sight lies in an open, humble heart. In our faith and daily lives, we should strive not to become blind through pride or prejudices but always be ready to receive God’s truth—whether through small, unremarkable means or people we might easily overlook.

Humility opens the eyes to God’s truth—pride closes them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-signs-of-divinity-2-4-the-healing-of-the-blind-man-part-2-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 9, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 3

¹ There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

² The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

³ Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

⁴ Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

⁷ Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

⁸ The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

⁹ Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

¹¹ Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

¹² If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

¹³ And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

¹⁵ That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

¹⁸ He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

²⁰ For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

²¹ But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

²² After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

²³ And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

²⁴ For John was not yet cast into prison.

²⁵ Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.

²⁶ And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

²⁷ John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

²⁸ Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

²⁹ He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.

³¹ He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

³² And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

³³ He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

³⁴ For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

³⁵ The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

³⁶ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 3 recounts two essential events in the life of Jesus: the nocturnal conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and the final testimony of John the Baptist about Jesus. Nicodemus, a leading teacher of Israel, approaches Jesus seeking answers to deeper spiritual questions. This chapter encompasses some of Jesus’ most important statements about the Kingdom of God, rebirth, and faith, which hold a central place in Christian theology.

Commentary

The encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus begins with a misunderstanding. Nicodemus recognizes Jesus as a teacher sent by God because of His miracles, but Jesus responds with a deeper truth: only through spiritual rebirth can one see the Kingdom of God (verse 3). This concept of “new birth” (Greek: anothen – “from above” or “again”) confuses Nicodemus, who takes the statement literally. Jesus explains that rebirth occurs through water and the Spirit (verse 5), highlighting the inner, transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

A central point of this section is the contrast between flesh and spirit. While the flesh is perishable and earthly, the Spirit of God is eternal and divine. The metaphor of the wind in verse 8 illustrates the invisible but powerful effect of the Spirit in the human soul.

Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, is admonished by Jesus for not yet understanding these spiritual truths, despite his position as a teacher (verse 10). This admonition emphasizes that access to the Kingdom of God comes not through intellectual knowledge but through faith and the revelation of the Spirit.

Jesus refers to the exaltation of the Son of Man (verse 14), alluding to His forthcoming sacrificial death on the cross, which He compares to the lifting up of the serpent by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9). The famous John 3:16 follows immediately after and summarizes God’s plan of salvation: God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life.

The conversation underscores the contrast between light and darkness (verses 19–21). People who love the light (Jesus) come out of the darkness and demonstrate through their actions that they are rooted in God. However, those who love evil avoid the light to hide their deeds.

In the second part of the chapter, John the Baptist gives testimony about Jesus. He recognizes that Jesus, as the bridegroom, is the true focus, while he himself is only the friend of the bridegroom, rejoicing at Jesus’ coming (verse 29). John acknowledges his own role: he must decrease while Jesus must increase (verse 30).

John points out that Jesus comes “from above” and is above all. Whoever believes in Him receives eternal life, while those who do not believe remain under God’s wrath (verse 36).

Summary

John Chapter 3 presents two central teachings of the Christian faith: first, the necessity of spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit to see and enter the Kingdom of God; second, the central role of Jesus as the one who brings salvation by being exalted for the sins of the world. The chapter includes the famous John 3:16, which emphasizes God’s love for people and faith in Jesus as the key to eternal life. John the Baptist concludes by giving a clear testimony of Jesus’ preeminence and His divine origin.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/9-10-2024-john-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/

2.3 The Healing of the Blind Man, Part 1
The Revelation of God through the Healing of the Blind Man

Read John 9:1–16. What did the disciples think was the cause of this man’s blindness, and how did Jesus correct their misconception?

In John 9:1–16, we encounter the story of the healing of the man born blind. The disciples suspected that the man’s blindness was a result of personal sin or the sin of his parents. This assumption was based on a widespread belief found in some Old Testament texts, where illness was often seen as a direct punishment for sin (cf. Exodus 20:5; 2 Kings 5:15–27). However, Jesus corrects this false notion by emphasizing that the man’s blindness was not due to sin. Instead, He points out that this situation provides an opportunity for God’s works to be revealed (John 9:3).

Jesus demonstrates that suffering does not always result directly from sin but can also serve to reveal God’s glory and power. He makes this clear by healing the blind man, much like God formed the first humans from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). This hints at God’s creative power, which is also evident in this healing.

The healing itself leads to an extended discussion that increasingly focuses on Jesus’ identity. While the Pharisees rely on the law and tradition, particularly the Sabbath, they become increasingly unclear about who Jesus is. They accuse Him of breaking the Sabbath because He healed on that day. However, others who witnessed the miracle question whether a sinner could perform such signs.

This healing causes a deep division: while the healed man gradually recognizes who Jesus truly is, the religious leaders become increasingly blind to His true identity. The concepts of sin and God’s works, as well as blindness and sight, are central to this episode, highlighting the deeper spiritual message behind the miracle: true sight is not only physical but primarily spiritual, and Jesus brings light to both realms.

What Should This Account Teach Us About the Danger of Being So Blinded by Our Own Convictions and Traditions That We Overlook Important Truths Right in Front of Us?

This account of the healing of the man born blind in John 9 vividly illustrates the danger of clinging so tightly to our own beliefs and traditions that we fail to recognize the truth, even when it is directly before us. The Pharisees were so convinced by their interpretation of the law and Sabbath regulations that they rejected Jesus’ miracle as a “Sabbath violation,” despite it being a clear sign of God’s work. This spiritual blindness prevented them from recognizing Jesus’ true identity.

Key Lessons from This Story:

1. Traditions vs. Truth: The Pharisees were trapped in their religious traditions and rules, placing them above divine revelation. This attitude made them unable to see God’s true work. This story reminds us that while traditions can be useful, they must never overshadow God’s truth. We should remain open to God’s actions, even when they challenge our existing beliefs.

2. Open Eyes for God’s Work: The story shows that it is possible to witness miracles and signs yet remain spiritually blind. The Pharisees saw the miracle but their hearts were closed. This serves as a warning to avoid a rigid, self-righteous attitude that blinds us to God’s revelations.

3. Humility Instead of Pride: The Pharisees acted from a position of pride, confident in their belief that they knew the truth. In contrast, Jesus revealed the truth through humility and compassionate actions. The danger of pride lies in believing we have all the answers, thereby losing the opportunity to learn new things from God.

4. Examination of Our Beliefs: We should always be ready to examine our beliefs and traditions in light of the Bible and God’s truth. Clinging too tightly to beliefs that hinder us from recognizing the truth can make us spiritually “blind.”

Conclusion:

This account warns us to be cautious not to cling so tightly to traditions or convictions that we overlook God’s truth. It requires humility, openness, and the willingness to question our assumptions so that we can clearly recognize God’s work in our lives. Jesus demonstrates that true sight is of a spiritual nature—and that we can only see clearly through Him.

The Healing of the Man Born Blind in John 9 shows a deep connection to our daily lives and faith. This story reveals how easily people can be so blinded by their own beliefs and traditions that they fail to recognize God’s work. Jesus corrects the assumption that the man’s blindness was a punishment for sin and instead shows that suffering can be an opportunity to reveal God’s power and glory.

Connection to Our Life and Faith:

1. Suffering and God’s Work: In our lives, we often tend to see suffering as punishment or consequence for mistakes. However, this story reminds us that God acts amid our suffering and can use every situation to demonstrate His power and grace. In times of pain or challenge, we should remain open to the possibility that God is planning something greater to reveal His glory.

2. Openness to God’s Truth: Like the Pharisees, we can sometimes cling so tightly to our convictions or traditions that we overlook God’s truth. This story challenges us to remain open to God’s actions and be willing to question our beliefs, especially when they prevent us from recognizing the truth. Spiritual blindness can hinder us from clearly seeing God’s work in our lives.

3. Humility Towards God’s Revelation: The Pharisees relied on their religious traditions and dismissed Jesus’ miracles. In our own faith lives, pride and the feeling that we have all the answers can prevent us from understanding God’s deeper plan. This healing reminds us that humility is key to spiritually seeing clearly and learning from God.

Conclusion:

The story of the healing of the man born blind encourages us to continually examine our beliefs in light of God’s truth. It teaches us to seek God’s glory in times of suffering and challenge, and to remain spiritually open. True sight means recognizing God’s work in our lives and allowing Him to guide us.

Remain open to God’s work, even when it challenges your existing beliefs, for true understanding comes through humility and spiritual sight.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-signs-of-divinity-2-3-the-healing-of-the-blind-man-part-1-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/