The Gospel of John: Come and See God's Works

This week we’ll go back to the beginning of John 9 and work our way through the events of the healing of the man born blind. The story displays the spiritual healing of a man born physically blind in contrast with those born seeing but spiritually blind. The healing is more than a miracle, it’s a sign for us to learn from.

As Jesus walks through the temple, during the Feast of Tabernacles, he sees a man “born blind.” Being born blind isn’t just his physical status, but part of his identity within his community. The text says, “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?’” He responds to their query, “I am the man.” While this man’s identity has changed from the “man born blind” to the “the man born blind Jesus healed,” his community is resistant to the idea. After all, blind men should stay blind and beg in the streets.

These events point to the transformational nature of Jesus’ ministry. Those who think that they “see” actually retain their guilt and their identity. Those who know they are blind but turn in faith to Jesus, are granted spiritual sight, internal freedom, and gracious forgiveness. Faith in Christ brings us the revelation of God and the communion with him that frees us from ourselves and our community identity.

Join us Sunday as we consider this amazing miracle.