Congenital Blindness (John 9:1-41)

Introduction
In this chapter, John describes Jesus' encounter with a man who had never seen -- he was blind from birth. The encounter results in complete sight for the blind man, both physically and spiritually, and continued determination to kill Jesus, on the part of the religious leaders.

Jesus could have chosen many different, and perhaps simpler, ways to heal this blind man. But as always, his method is for a set purpose. By making mud and putting it in the eyes of this blind man, Jesus once again raises the question of work on Sabbath among the Legalists of his day.

By telling the man to go and wash, he affords an opportunity for this blind man to face opposition from friends, family, and the Jewish leaders, rather than joy at his healing. Throughout the dialogue, this man is able to arrive at the truth of who Jesus is by addressing the irrational inquiries by those who claim to know God. Their method of denouncing Jesus despite the evidence in his favor, serves to convince this man that Jesus is true and his detractors a liar. When he is finally cast out of the Synagogue, he is ready for the encounter with the Son of Man -- he worships Jesus.

God's Purpose in the Midst of Pain (John 9:1-12)
Spiritual blindness from birth is universal.
What has your response been when you've seen Christ change a life? Do you take the “wait and see” attitude? Are you skeptical? Or do you rejoice with them?
Who do you need to show compassion to in spite of the reason for their predicament?

The Effect of a Changed Life (John 9:13-34)
The wrong question always leads to the wrong answer.
What effect has your changed life had on people around you? What are some negative responses and what are some positive responses?
If you are a Christian, what kind of reflection of Christ does your life have?
How is your formal religion keeping you from seeing the true condition of your heart?
How is your outward religion keeping you from knowing the person of Christ?

The Blindness of Self-righteousness (John 9:35-41)
Spiritual blindness is terminal apart from Jesus.
Do you believe in the Son of Man and if so, how have you worshiped him lately?
Who are you trusting in for spiritual sight? What is the evidence to back your claim?
When are you going to stop striving and start trusting?