Seven Signs In John (5): Healing The Blind Man On The Sabbath (P&P)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary l As we listen to this story, let us reflect if we are like the disciples who had certain assumptions? Are we like the blind man who did not recognise the need for Jesus? Are we like the Pharisees who refused to see the truth? Are we like the parents of the blind man who were afraid to publicly acknowledge Jesus?

1. ACT 1: Jesus’ Mission (v1-7)
   The disciples asked Jesus who had sinned that the man was born blind. Jesus corrected their assumptions, explaining that it was neither the man nor his parents who had sinned, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Only God knows why babies are born with disabilities, and only God can turn those disabilities into something that will bring good to the people and glory to His name.” Instead of engaging in a theological discussion with His disciples, Jesus explained His mission in verse 4: ‘We must do the works of Him who sent me.’ He came to do the works of God, to seek and to save the lost. It was Jesus who reached out to the blind man, as the blind man did not know Jesus was there and would have remained blind forever.
   
   First discipleship lesson: Recognise Jesus as the Light who brings both physical and spiritual sight. He illuminates our understanding and guides us in truth.
   
   
2. ACT 2: The Blind Man’s Transformation (v6-12)
   Faith in action from the blind man to obey Jesus’ unconventional instructions. He showed profound trust in Him, even without knowing Jesus’ identity.
   
   Second discipleship lesson: Encountering Jesus leads to profound transformation and our personal testimony is a powerful witness to God’s work in our lives. The once blind man pointed others to Jesus who healed him. He boldly testified to the goodness of what God did for him. Let us also share the testimony of our transformation to inspire others to seek their own encounter with Christ.
   
   
3. ACT 3: The Pharisees’ Investigation (v13-34)
   Instead of celebrating the blind man’s healing, the Pharisees debated if his healing was real. They refused to believe that the blind man received sight even after his testimony. They questioned why Jesus worked on the Sabbath. They were more concerned with the rules than God’s power. Their spiritual blindness was worse than the blind man’s condition. They rejected Jesus despite the overwhelming evidence seen. Isaiah 6:9: “Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.”
   
   Third discipleship lesson: Pride blinds us to the truth: The Pharisees were more focused on their legalistic rules than on what God was doing. Are we also ignoring evidence of Jesus in our lives when we see God doing His work or is pride leading us to spiritual blindness?
   
   
4. ACT 4: The Blind Man’s Parents (v18-23)
   Out of fear, the blind man’s parents confirmed their son’s healing but did not publicly acknowledge Jesus as they did not want to be put out of the synagogue. This would mean social rejection and it could affect their livelihood, their community and their standing. They knew the truth, but they remained quiet.
   
   Fourth discipleship lesson: Courage is required to stand for God’s truth. In today’s “Cancel” culture, people are afraid of being cancelled for saying something that may be offensive. Christians fear being cancelled for sharing their faith in public. Wisdom and courage are needed to testify the good news of the gospel and to boldly live out our faith.
   
   
5. ACT 5: The Response (v35-41)
   Jesus asked the blind man if he believed in the Son of Man and upon learning of Jesus’ identity, he declared “Lord, I believe”. Jesus said He came into this world for judgement so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind. The blind man first saw Jesus as a Man. After he was healed, he saw Jesus as a Healer then as a Prophet. He later saw Jesus as a Saviour and as of God. Finally, he saw Jesus as the Son of God. He was not only physically healed, but also spiritually healed. He was given eternal salvation by Christ. Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

John testified to this dark work in John 1:4-5,9: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world”. Paul shared in 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 that the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Jesus Christ, who is the light, came into our lives to bring what we may think as trash into something beautiful. When we receive the light of Christ into our lives, we are transformed from our sinful selves into something beautiful in Him. When we lose purpose in life, Jesus Christ comes to bring light and hope.

(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Study Scripture
   • Read John 9:1-41. What stands out to you about this passage?
2. Recall Sermon
   • How did the blind man’s transformation become a testimony to others?
   • What key discipleship lessons were highlighted, and which one resonated most with you?
3. Relate Personally
   • Who do you relate to most in this story:
     • The Disciples—who had false assumptions about suffering?
     • The Blind Man—who recognised his need for Jesus and responded in faith?
     • The Pharisees—who rejected the truth because of pride or religious tradition?
     • The Blind Man’s Parents—who were afraid to publicly acknowledge Jesus?
   • Can you share a time when encountering Jesus changed your life?
   • Have you ever struggled with fear when standing up for your faith?
   • How can you grow in recognising Jesus as the Light in your life?
4. Commit to Action
   • In what ways is Jesus calling you to respond today?
   • What step will you take this week to boldly testify about Jesus, even in the face of opposition?