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The Gospel of John: John 9.28-41
Read and meditate on John 9.31-33.
Even a blind beggar, firm in his testimony of what Jesus had done for him, is able to show the illogical nature of the Pharisees’ view of Jesus.
31“We know
that God does not hear sinners; even so,
whoever worships Him and does His will,
God hears. 32Since everything began until
this day, it was unheard that anyone
should open eyes born blind. 33So if this One
were not from God, He could do nothing.”
- John 9.31-33
Reflect
1. Notice how skillfully this man connected his personal experience of Jesus with God (v. 31). Comment on what he did here.Complete this prayer: Lord, I am to be a witness to You. Help me know…
2. Following this man’s example, how many ways can you think of to connect your own testimony to God – Who He is and what He does? Help me to see, Lord, how You have affected and blessed my life, so that…
3. The blind man magnified the work of Jesus in healing him. Nothing like this had ever been heard of before (v. 32)! For the purposes of our testimonies, let’s turn this around: Can you think of other people who have been affected by Jesus in the same way you have? Would it be good to use their experience to bolster yours? Explain. Thank You, Lord, that so many brothers and sisters in Jesus have…
4. In verse 33, the man concludes his rebuttal of the Pharisees’ opinion of Jesus. What has he come to believe about Jesus? Is this yet a full and complete profession of faith? Explain. Many people may be on their way to faith in You, Lord. Help me to…
5. Jesus promised that, when we need words to help us in testifying about Him, the Spirit of God will provide them (cf. Lk. 12.11, 12). How can you see this was the case with this blind man Jesus healed? Should you expect God to do the same for you? Explain. Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote from questions 1-4.
Summary
“He who had just received sight and had been miraculously freed from his old blindness was quicker to perceive truth than those who had been instructed by the law. See how through numerous and wise arguments he demonstrates the utter inferiority of the Pharisees’ opinion.” Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 AD)
The blind man Jesus healed stands as an example to each of us about having the courage to declare our testimony concerning Jesus, and to challenge others to account for our experience apart from Him. How has this man’s witness instructed or encouraged you?
Closing Prayer
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,
On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.
For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
Psalm 92.1-4
Psalm 92.1-4 (Sweet Hour: Sweet Hour of Prayer)
How good it is to thank the Lord, and praise to God Most High accord;
By day to let His kindness ring, His faithfulness by night to sing.
With ten-stringed lute, resounding lyre, and sweetest harp we’ll lift You higher.
For You have made our souls rejoice; we sing Your praise with blended voice!
T. M. Moore
We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.