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Sermon Introduction

Jesus gave sight to a man born blind; the purpose was to display the work of the Father. The blind man’s neighbors saw it and were amazed, but some reported the incident to the Pharisees. The Pharisees tried to verify the integrity of the miracle by summoning the parents of the man who received sight. The Pharisees could not believe that Jesus was from God because the healing took place on the Sabbath. Their misinterpretation and their legalistic attitude blinded them. They would summon the man who received sight once again.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

John 9:24-34

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see”. 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from”. 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.

Notes

Jesus gave sight to a man born blind; the purpose was to display the work of the Father. The blind man’s neighbors saw it and were amazed, but some reported the incident to the Pharisees. The Pharisees tried to verify the integrity of the miracle by summoning the parents of the man who received sight. The Pharisees could not believe that Jesus was from God because the healing took place on the Sabbath. Their misinterpretation and their legalistic attitude blinded them. They would summon the man who received sight once again.

1. Attempt to Distort

   The Pharisees summoned the man for a second time. They tried to influence his testimony about the healing somehow. Even though a fantastic healing occurred, the Pharisees wanted to focus on the Sabbath violation. The man who was formerly blind gave a truthful response.

   
   24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:24-25).

   
   

2. Firm Position

   The Pharisees once again asked about how Jesus gave him sight. His response was sarcastic, stating that the inquisitors were not listening, or perhaps they wanted to be followers of Jesus. The Pharisees spoke in pride about being Moses' disciples but questioned Jesus's origins.

   
   26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He
   answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you
   want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know
   that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he
   comes from” (John 9:26-29).

3. Cast Out

   Instead of being rattled by the harassment, the man became more amazed. The Pharisees did not even know where Jesus came from, yet Jesus gave sight. The man proceeded to state how amazing the miracle was, but the Pharisees tried to insult him, and they cast him out.

   
   30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out (John 9:30-34).

Application

1. Consistently Proclaim

   There will be people who will question what we believe, and they will try to dissuade us. However, we must remain firm in what we believe. Jesus is the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Sovereign Lord, the Messiah, and God Himself. And we believe that His suffering and death are to satisfy the justice of God because of sin, and those who believe and repent shall be saved. His resurrection is proof that Jesus overpowered death.

2. Strengthen Your Position

   We will remain firm despite those who consistently challenge our faith in the gospel. Furthermore, we may go on the offensive. We should persuade people to believe in the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. Our challenge for others is to set aside man-made dogmas and believe in the gospel as revealed in His word.

3. Expect Isolation

   When others cannot persuade us, and we go on the offensive, they will not like it. They cast out the man who remained firm and dared offend them. Expect to be cast out, or at least isolated. It will not always happen, but sometimes it will. What will
   happen then? We will receive joy from the Spirit of the Lord.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why did the Pharisees summon the man for a second time?

2. How did the man respond in the second summoning?

3. How may we apply the lessons in our lives?