Blind, But Now I See

Subtitle: Learning to Deal with the Skeptics of Christ

Introduction

Video of John 9 (https://youtu.be/Ps6AcuGR3uI?si=pulixhmJq9jWEiCj)

Many of us are gathered here today because Jesus has transformed our lives.

He has opened our minds and hearts to the truth, and we will never be the same again. We have left behind our old ways and embraced a new life in Christ. However, not everyone can see the works of God in our lives.

Some people fail to recognize what God has done and is doing for us. We pray that God would open their eyes to the truth, but ultimately, it is up to God to transform their hearts. Some people stand in amazement and wonder as we try to explain, but until enlightened, they will not understand.

Just as Jesus used physical examples to reveal the spiritual condition of people's hearts, we encounter different types of people today - some who believe and others who are skeptical.

In John 9 we encounter six types of people. Some who believe and others that are blind.

The Man born blind

The Neighbors in awe

The Religious in denial

The Parents in fear

The Disciple in power

The Guilty in condemnation

Exposition

1. The Works of God Performed (The Man)

John 9:1–7 ESV

1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

John 9:4 KJV

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Embrace your divine Assignment.

Your disability is an opportunity to reveal God’s glory.

Your recovery in an opportunity to reveal God’s grace.

Radiate the Light.

We live in a time of spiritual darkness and yet we are children of the Light and of the Day.

Jesus is the Light of the World.

John 1:4–5 ESV

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

God has revealed His light in our hearts

2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV

6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

We are the Light of the World.

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

2. The Works of God Proclaimed (The Neighbors)

John 9:8–12 ESV

8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

Ignite hope through transformation.

People take notice when your eyes are opened.

People that can see live differently than those that are blind.

Fuel faith with action.

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

James 2:17–18 ESV

17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

3. The Works of God Protested (The Religious)

John 9:13–17 ESV

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

Break free from religious constraints

There is no rule in the scripture from God not to heal on the Sabbath day. There were no healing being done until Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, arrived.

Skeptics inside the church limit God to their rules and understanding.

There are two elements of religion: fear and control.

They have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge

Skeptics outside the church want to deny the power of God.

The real question is what do you believe about Jesus?

The Pharisees were unconcerned with the man that once was blind and now could see. They were more concerned with disproving the power of Christ.

Don’t put God in your religious box.

4. The Works of God Proved (The Parents)

John 9:18–23 ESV

18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

Defy fear and embrace courage.

Don’t allow the fear of others from allowing you to experience and share the works of God in your life.

Find the courage to stand when others won’t.

Stand on the truth, trust God defense.

When you stand for God, God stands with You.

God doesn’t need our defence but our witness.

5. The Works of God Preached (The Disciple)

John 9:24–34 ESV

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.

Answer the call to influence.

Transformation provides a platform to influence others with the gospel.

1 Peter 3:14–16 ESV

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Courage is needed to share.

Rise above Rejection.

Rejection doesn’t change transformation of your life.

6. The Works of God Prophesied (The Guilty)

John 9:35–41 ESV

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

When the world casts you out, Jesus is still there.

Let Jesus judge the blind.

Next Steps

Share Your Story Boldly.

Stand Firm in Truth with Love.

Seek Intimate time with the Lord.

Call to Action

Break up into prayer groups and pray for any fears you might have and the courage to stand against the skeptics.

RGroup Questions

How can we shift our perspective on challenges and disabilities to see them as opportunities for God to manifest His glory? Can you share a personal experience where you witnessed God's glory displayed in a challenging situation?

How can our individual transformations inspire hope and renewal within our communities? What practical steps can we take to actively demonstrate our faith through actions that ignite hope in those around us?

How do we navigate rejection and persecution for our faith while remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ? Can you share a time when you faced opposition for your beliefs, and how did you respond?