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/

October 8, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 2

¹ And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

² And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

³ And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

⁴ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

⁵ His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

⁶ And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

⁷ Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

⁸ And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

⁹ When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

¹⁰ And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

¹¹ This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

¹² After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

¹³ And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

¹⁴ And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

¹⁵ And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

¹⁶ And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

¹⁷ And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

¹⁸ Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

¹⁹ Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

²⁰ Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

²¹ But he spake of the temple of his body.

²² When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

²³ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

²⁴ But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

²⁵ And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 2 presents two significant events in the life and ministry of Jesus: the miracle at the wedding in Cana and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. These two occurrences highlight Jesus’ divine power and His calling, while also delving deeper into His relationship with people and the Father. The chapter begins with Jesus’ first miracle, where He turns water into wine, and ends with His first public confrontation in the temple, where He drives out the merchants. These events reveal various facets of Jesus’ personality – His compassion, authority, and zeal for the house of God.

Commentary

1.The Wedding at Cana (Verses 1–12):
This miracle marks the beginning of Jesus’ public signs. At the wedding, which symbolizes community and joy, Jesus displays His compassion and power over creation by turning water into wine. Notably, the dialogue between Mary and Jesus suggests that Jesus’ earthly mission is not yet fully unfolded: “My hour has not yet come.” Nevertheless, Jesus listens to His mother’s request and performs this miracle in private. The bridegroom is praised for keeping the “good wine” until the end, symbolizing God’s abundant goodness and generosity. The miracle not only demonstrates Jesus’ glory but also shows that faith and trust are the foundation for God’s work.

2.The Cleansing of the Temple (Verses 13–25):
The cleansing of the temple is an expression of Jesus’ divine zeal for the house of God. He drives out the merchants and money changers who had turned the sanctuary into a marketplace. This event fulfills Old Testament prophecies and shows Jesus’ deep connection with the Father. The Jews demand a sign of His authority, and Jesus prophetically speaks about His death and resurrection when He says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ mission to restore true worship and holiness.

3.Jesus’ Knowledge of the Human Heart (Verses 23–25):
Many people believed in Jesus because of the signs He performed, but Jesus did not trust them because He knew their hearts. This emphasizes that Jesus’ knowledge and insight go far beyond human understanding; He sees deeply into the human heart and knows what is happening within.

Summary

In John Chapter 2, Jesus begins His public mission with two decisive actions: the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. Both events reveal His divine power and glory. The miracle at Cana shows Jesus’ compassion and power over the elements, while the cleansing of the temple demonstrates His authority over the house of God and His zeal for true worship. Finally, it is emphasized that Jesus knows the hearts of people and that His work depends not on external signs, but on the faith of the people.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/8-10-2024-john-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/