From Darkness to Light

Introduction

Good Morning

reference the special song

“Open the eyes of my heart Lord”

Please open you bibles to John Chapter 9

Now, chapter 9 is still part of this larger narrative

Jesus is still in Jerusalem

He has just finished debating and arguing his point for being the light of world

So this is one continuous flow

With that said, we are entering somewhat of a turning point in John’s Gospel here

As we see somewhat of a change in focus from Jesus and the Pharisees to Jesus and his diciples

Sure, we will have more exchanges with the Pharisees

as we will after this man is healed

But there is a focus change now

and Jesus is ending his public ministry and moving towards a more private one with his disciples as he draws ever closer to the end of his earthly ministry

So, this narrative we can say takes us all the way from here John 9 to John 10:21.

So this is how we are going to break it down

We are going to cover the miracle today 1-7

Cover the responses to the miracle 8-41 next week

then that flows into the good Shepard monologue that we will cover the following week.

So, this week the miracle, next week the response

that is why even though this is 2 sermons for one chapter

it is somewhat lop sided on the amount of text covered

So, With all of that said lets get started

Please stand as we read the word of God

John 9:1–7 (CSB)

1 As he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. 4 We must do 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 After he said these things he spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he left, washed, and came back seeing.

Pray

Illustrations

Vision is an amazing thing isn’t it

In fact Human vision is remarkably complex and advanced,

capable of distinguishing approximately 10 million colors

and focusing on 50 different objects per second.

Our eyes work with the brain to process images quickly, at a resolution comparable to about 576 megapixels.

The retina contains millions of photoreceptors—120 million rods for low-light vision

and 6 million cones for color perception.

These photoreceptors send signals to the brain, which processes them to create a cohesive visual experience,

including depth perception through binocular vision. The fact that our eyes are approximately 2.5 inches away from each provides our brains with 2 slightly different images

thus allowing us to see depth perception

Our eyes adapt to different lighting conditions by adjusting the pupil size and lens shape, maintaining clear and consistent vision.

And through this amazing phenomenon we get to see some amazing things

we get to see the flowers when they bloom

we get to see the stars in the sky

we get to see our kids take their first bite of chocolate cake

We get to look into our spouses eyes

we get to view the intricacy of a perfectly painted painting

we get to read music so that we can enjoy sound

because of our vision, we get to see so many great things

But if you look closely at all the things the eyes can do

None of it can be done unless there is one thing

Light!

Ever try to see anything in a pitch black room?

you cant

See it is light that allows us to see these wonderful things

And that is exactly, what Jesus is doing here

Last Chapter we saw that Jesus is the light of the world

And just as the sun gives us light to see in the physical world

Jesus, the Son, gives us the light to see in the spiritual world

See when when Jesus opens our spiritual eyes,

we begin to see the world in a new light,

filled with the beauty of His love and truth.

Just as light is essential for physical sight,

Jesus, as the Light of the World, illuminates our hearts,

allowing us to perceive the richness of God’s creation and the depth of His grace.

This spiritual clarity transforms our perspective,

enabling us to appreciate the goodness around us and understand God’s purpose for our lives,

as we are called to reflect His light and share His love with others.

So essentially

Jesus, as the light of the world

brings us from spiritual darkness,

into the wonderful light of salvation

And that is exactly what we will see this morning

As Jesus heals this man born blind

Our 3 points this morning are

The Compassion

The Works

The Miracle

So lets get started with our first point of the morning

The Compassion

John 9:1 “1 As he was passing by,

Here in lyes our transition from last week to this week

Last week if you remember Jesus laid down the truth by proclaiming by saying before Abraham was, I am

That was the culmination of his long argument we could say with the pharisees over him being the light of the world

And as we closed we saw they were trying to stone Jesus

“but he was hidden from them and went out of the temple “

And there is a good possibility that that is where we pick up right here

as he is exiting the temple platform

going down the stairs and through the gate

he sees an opportunity to show his disciples

and anyone else around

Just how he is the light of the world

and just how he is sent from God

So as he passed by, down the steps

he saw a man blind from birth.”

When Jesus sees this man, he stops

out of compassion

out of sympathy

and perhaps to embrace this teaching moment

Now a few things to note about this man

he was blind,

blindness was common in those days

and those that were blind and uncared for

were often reduced to having to beg

that is why this man is here

begging, at the entrance to the temple grounds

because this is most likely where he has the best chance of getting alms

So this blind man is camped out here

probably a spot that he has been for a long time

so,

now we know that

this man was blind

and that he was poor

But let us look at one other detail

and that is the fact that this man was blind from birth..

How did they know that, well they probably passed this man many times as they traveled into and out of the temple area

they probably had heard his story before

or they head heard it from someone else

either way, they knew he was blind form birth

and this is significant

why?

Because this is the only case in the gospels where Jesus is said to have healed a specifically congenial condition,

sure we have other conditions in scripture where Jesus healed people with long term deformities or sicknesses, but it was never purposefully stated that

they were sick from birth

not until now

and there is a lot of meaning behind that

as we will eventually see

now, it is the fact that he was born blind that led the disciples to ask Jesus

John 9:2 “2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?””

Now the man wasn’t deaf, remember he was blind

so he is hearing this….

as I am sure he had heard many times as he was mocked while sitting there

so again we must feel for this man,

not only has he been blind for his entire life

but he was most likely mocked because of it

why?

Well for the reason asked in the question the disciples are about to present

See the reason they asked Jesus this is because the Jews taught and believed in something that was later named

The law of retribution

and this basically says that if you are suffering

it must be because there’s sin in your life

that your suffering is a direct result of your sin

and God is punishing you for your sins

and if that isn’t bad enough already

you could also suffer for the sins of your parents

so they would say that if you go through any trial

and suffering

it was because of something you did

or something your parents did

and his parents will come into the story later

And this wasn’t a new thing,

it had been around a long time

So this man, we see

is blind, poor, reduced to begging

and all the while also most likely being mocked

because everyone around him assumed he was blind because of something he did or something his parents did

But is this true… is our heartache,

our trials, our sickness

our affermaries

due to our disobedience?

or due to our sinfulness?

Does God outright punish us with these things..

Lets look at our friend Job for an answer

See, Job’s self righteous religious friends though the same thing right

When Job was suffering

after he lost his children

after he had lost his livelihood

and while he was sitting there wondering why this was happening to him

His friends say well Job,

Job 4:8 “8 In my experience, those who plow injustice and those who sow trouble reap the same.”

they are saying basically your suffering because there is some sort of sin in your life

that’s the reason you are suffering

But that’s weird because Job 1:1 “1 There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.”

So we know that Job is an upright and righteous man

not a sinless man

but a good man

And from the very first verse of the book of Job we know that his hardships were not based upon his sin

But, when we look at the 100,000 foot view of the book of Job we see that

God allowed Satan to torment Job for a season

so that by the time we get to then end of that book

we see that God is faithful

to get us through the difficulties we encounter

and those difficulties are not always based upon our consequences of our sinfulness against God

That is what we learn from the book of Job

Now, does that mean that if we make sinful choices that we will sometimes suffer due to those choices

absolutely we will

But we also learn that the hardships we face are also due to the fact that we live in a sinful world

see the entire world was subjected to sin when sin entered it

and because we live in a sinful world

we encounter sickness,

trials,

hurtles

hurts

and all kinds of heartaches

we even encounter natural disasters

and disease

due to simply living in this fallen world

Now, because we live in this fallen world

and because calamity does happen to us

the devil likes to play his games

and try to convince us

that it’s our fault

Then what,

we blame ourselves for things that are happening to us

that are completely out of our control

then we get down on ourselves

because we are going through tough times

and we hold on to guilt over things

but let me tell you

we dont have to

because all of those things

are byproducts of the sinful world we live in

But, we serve a compassionate God don’t we

We serve a compassionate sovereign God

that remember is eternal

and was here before sin entered the world

And just because he is soverign and eternal

that does not mean that he created evil nor the suffering that comes along with it

but because he is compassionate and sovereign

he can instead can use that same evil and suffering

to achieve a greater purpose

Just as Jesus stopped here to be glorified through this man

God is also Glorified when he gets us through the difficult times

he is gloried when he sees us through to the finish

when we come out the other side

refined by fire

and ready to do a greater work

Brothers and sisters I know many of you have gone through tremendous trials in your lives

trials that may have had you doubting your faith

and even doubting God

trials that made you hurt so bad that you though there was no end

But, you are here this morning

you stood up and sang songs of worship to God this morning

you sat there and opened your bibles just now

and you pray every second you can

why?

because even though you went through those trials

your faith, which is our hope in things not seen

is present just by being here this morning

and that shows how great the God you serve is

because he walked with you every step of the way

he probably even carried you at some point

Which is why Jesus says in John 9:3 “3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.”

Now, we see 2 things in this answer to the disciples question

number 1 we see that neither this man nor his parents were responsible for this man being blind

and he corrects the disciples theology

Now, I am willing to bet many of you need need to hear this this morning

Because while I have addressed those that have faced trials and came out of the other side

There are probably many of you here that are going though trials right now

thinking that God is punishing you

Some of you may be thinking that this bag of burdens

you carry is your punishment for your past sins

or you are thinking I have to go through this on my own

because God isn’t with me right now

But that is not the case,

See God is with you no matter your past

And the second thing he tells us is that

even though you are going through hard times

God can use those hard times

not only to walk with you through them

but to also glorify himself in the process

See when the light of the world comes into our lives

as our vision is taken from spiritual darkness to spiritual light

and Jesus illuminates his glory to us

with this new perspective and with our eyes opened

we will see these tragedies and trials

these misfortunes we go through

that are not related to our sin against God

can instead be used as opportunities to display God in our lives

We will now be able to see that

these illness

these marital problems

these prodigal children

this loss of a loved one

this loss of a job

are in fact opportunities to display God’s faithfulness

because those things are going to happen no matter what

because of the world we live in

and once we realize that those things

It completely changes the way we look at trials

yes, they still hurt

yes we still dont want them

but they are coming

And it can be so comforting to know that

and to realize

that instead of using these moments to feel sorry for your self

or to dive deep into depression

you can instead use these moments as opportunities

to display your faith to those that don’t understand this yet

to display your faith to those that are hurting

in order to help get them through it

because your God got you through it

Because it is in those moments that God’s compassion, becomes his work

Which is our second point of the morning

The Work

After Jesus corrects their theology he continues with the light and darkness theme

See he is going to teach them of his mission

before performing his mission

John 9:4–5 “4 We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.

Lets note a couple of things here

with the word must and sense of urgency

See Jesus is saying that the works of God

His work, the reason he is here

must be done

there is no questioning,

no suggesting

the work of God must be done and it must be done

Urgently for time is limited

that is why he said it must be done while it is light

while he is still here

while there is still time for souls to reached for him

So what are the works of Jesus that he came to do?

We see that in this story

there is the work of seeing man

the fact that God seeks man

Jesus took the initiative with this man

he reached out to him for help

the man didn’t reach out to Jesus

he was blind

he didn’t even know Jesus was there or that help was available

If Jesus would not have sought after him

he would have remained blind

There is the work of caring for man

God cared that the man was blind

There is the work of love and compassion

God had loves and has compassion for this man

even in his darkness and in his blindness

Then there is the work of delivering this man from his darkness and giving him sight

So, within this story we see that

Jesus came to seek us

that he came to care for us

that he came to show us compassion and love

and that in that he delivers us from our darkness and gives us sight

Now, again, within this framework as he explains this to the disciples there is almost this teamwork

backdrop happening

Notice he said WE

Now this definitely means that we as in the father and son as in God and Jesus right

they are the core of this team

but we get to participate as well

All of these works Jesus does he does for us

and he did for us

his compassion in our time of need

his love during our trials

him seeking us when we dont deserve to be sought after

all of this happens so that our eyes are opened

to his grace and his mercy

then, while it is still day

With that sense of urgency right

we are to take that same love

that we got in our hard times

we are to take that same wisdom

that we learned during those trials

we are to take that faith that we displayed

and we are to show it to others

Because right now it is still day

But soon the day will end

and when the night comes then no one can work

see when Jesus comes back then it will be too late

to tell those we love about the light of the world

It will be too late to walk along side a new couple as they struggle with the early years of marriage

it will be too late to show the grace that god gives us to others

So, while Jesus has physically ascended into heaven

his light carries on through us

That is why his last words in this section are

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.””

Which leads us to our final point of the morning

The miracle

Brothers and sisters we are about hear about the miracle that Jesus performed to bring light to this mans darkness

But this miracle is but a glimpse of perhaps the greatest miracle of all

and that is found in our salvation

So let us finish our this morning with looking at this miracle of Jesus

So, back to our blind beggar

This man is patiently sitting there, hearing all of this

but not really knowing what is going on

when suddenly he hears someone say

John 9:5 “5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.””

Then he heard the gravel or dirt in the street move around some as a man kneels next to him

he hears the sound of sandals and leather stretch

as a man kneels beside him

Then suddenly he hears a man spit on the ground

He had to have thought this is gross

and maybe even moved like he could dodge it

Then, he feels something on his eyes

something cold, and moist

and I am sure this man is thinking

what in the world is happening to me

But I am sure at the same time he is feeling peace

as the touch

of the savior of the world rubs mud

onto his eyes

Then that voice

the same voice that he has been hearing for the past few minutes

tells him to

John 9:7 “7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”).

And for some reason unknown to him he went

possibly or probably led by someone

to the pool, now this pool wasn’t just around the corner it is outside of the temple complex and maybe a 1/4 mile from where they are

but as this man is led there he may be feeling rather foolish

i mean he has spit mud in his eyes

but then, he also has this deep feeling in his gut that this might work

after all in their culture it was thought that spit had some healing properties

So perhaps by blind faith this man walked down there

lowered his hands into the water

then began to wash the mud from his eyes

and we can almost imagine nothing happening after that first wipe

but, with the second wipe

light begins to pour into this mans eyes

and then his heart begins to beat faster

as he begins to wash faster

and with each wipe more light enters

until finally he sitting there

eyes cleaned and staring at the water

And for the first time he is able to see his reflection in that pool

for the first time he is able to see the

ripples of water

he looks up and for the first time he sees the blue sky

for the first time he sees trees

for the first time he see faces

Can you imagine the feeling of after a lifetime of being blind

after a lifetime of sitting in darkness

after a lifetime of being poor in spirit

after a lifetime of being mocked and begging just so that you can eat

that after all of that

in a single moment,

your eyes are opened,

and you see the world for the first time?

Colors you could never have imagined burst into view,

and the faces of those around you come into focus.

More than that,

you see the face of the one who gave you sight,

Jesus,

standing before you,

offering not only physical healing

but spiritual salvation.

The darkness you lived in is replaced by the light of His presence,

and you realize that you are no longer a beggar

but a beloved child of God.

Your heart, once burdened and broken,

is now filled with joy and hope.

You can see the beauty of creation and the depth of God's love for you.

This transformation is not just about gaining physical sight

but experiencing a profound spiritual awakening,

as you move from a life of despair

to one of purpose and promise.

Through Jesus, our eyes are opened to the truth of

His salvation, and you find yourself not just healed,

but whole.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters

this is exactly what Jesus does for us when enters our life

In life, we all face trials and hardships,

much like the blind man who endured a lifetime of darkness and struggle.

His story reminds us that God is with us in our trials,

walking alongside us even when we feel lost and burdened.

His suffering was a result of the fallen world, where sin and brokenness affect us all.

However, just as Jesus healed the blind man,

transforming his life from one of begging and darkness to one of sight and wholeness,

God walks with us through our trials

to strengthen our faith

and bring glory to Himself.

Our trials are not without purpose;

they are opportunities for our faith to grow

and for God's power to be displayed.

The presence of God in our lives during these difficult times

teaches us to rely on Him and trust in His promises.

He uses our struggles to refine us,

deepen our relationship with Him,

and to show others the hope we have in Christ.

Perhaps the greatest miracle of all is not merely physical healing

but the spiritual transformation found in Jesus Christ.

He brings us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Through His sacrifice,

we are offered salvation and eternal life.

Jesus is the Light of the World, a

and by accepting Him, we move from a life of spiritual blindness to one of clarity and purpose.

And our call as believers is to share this incredible news with the world.

Just as the blind man’s story was a testimony to

Jesus' power and love,

our transformed lives and the message of salvation

are powerful testimonies to the grace and glory of God.

We are called to reflect His light, offering hope to those still in darkness,

and proclaiming the gospel

that brings ultimate healing and redemption through Jesus Christ.

So if you have not yet experienced the transformative light of Jesus

I invite you to open your heart to Him today.

Jesus is the Light of the World,

and He offers you the gift of salvation

and the promise of a new life free from darkness.

Just as He healed the blind man and brought him from darkness into light,

He can bring you out of spiritual blindness and into the fullness of His grace and truth.

Embrace this opportunity to receive

His love, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Turn to Jesus,

Trust in His sacrifice for your sins,

and let His light shine in your life,

guiding you into a relationship with God

and a future filled with hope.

Let us Pray