THE SIGN OF HIS LIGHT
John 9:1–11, 30–33
Age catches up with us all. Over the last few months, I noticed that while reading or writing, my eyes were straining and my bifocals were not getting the job done to my liking. I made an appointment with my optometrist and endured the exams. As I expected, the bifocal part of my glasses needed some additional strength.
About a week later, my new prescription arrived, and I felt like my eyesight had been reborn. The things in life that excite you as you get older can be amusing. For me, new glasses and clearer vision were a treat!
We meet a man this week who had more than a bifocal issue; he was blind. In any society, blindness is seen as a disability and a great hindrance for those who experience it.
However, in this man’s story, it was his blindness that served as the launching pad for Jesus to perform an amazing miracle. Along the way, we receive a good dose of theology and a clearer picture of the love of Jesus.
Jesus is the Light we need. (1–5)
As Jesus and His disciples were walking one day, they encountered a gentleman who had been blind since birth. This led to the disciples asking Jesus a question. They assumed that the man’s blindness was the result of either his or his parents’ sin.
This faulty assumption resulted from a flawed interpretation of Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 28. The closer and longer we walk with Christ, the more He will correct the errors in our theology and how we view others.
Jesus told them that this man’s blindness was not the result of any transgression but rather was allowed by God so that He could be made manifest. How many of our struggles or disabilities do we possess that God has allowed for His glory?
I know that sounds difficult, but with God it is possible. The blindness Jesus first addressed in this story belonged to the disciples and their inability to see that God can do anything He chooses.
Jesus opens our eyes to see. (6–11)
The blind man received the miracle, and we still have the message. As the Light of the World, Jesus has the ability and authority to address our lives’ dark, spiritual needs.
The methods Jesus used with the saliva and mud are more about a test of obedience than anything else. Jesus did not need these ingredients to make the man see, but it was a test for the man to pass. If he — and we — are willing to obey Christ, we will be blessed beyond what others see as logical. The spiritual darkness in our world is no match for the Light of the World.
The work of Jesus points to who He is. (30–33)
This miracle shocked the religious establishment. They could not process why Jesus would spend time with a sinner like this man. What they failed to consider was the grace of God. The blind man could now see, and the evidence was undeniable. This allowed the man to have a testimony that pointed to Jesus’ power and love.
After that day, the only ones who were blind were those who refused to believe in Jesus. What is your story? Get busy sharing it.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
