John 9

Jesus and the Man Born Blind

Have you ever been lost and without light in the middle of the night? How would you describe your feelings? The Lord’s mission was to bring light to a darkened world. He literally opened the eyes of a man born blind, symbolizing the power of His mission. As you read John 9, look for ways in which people saw only darkness even though “the light of the world” shone upon them.

Understanding the Scriptures

John 9

Reviled (v. 28)Scolded

John 9:1–3, 34—“Who Did Sin?”

It was common in that day, as it is somewhat today, to believe people experienced trials because they had sinned (see Luke 13:1–5). The Jews seem to have believed in some form of a pre-mortal life because they asked if his blindness was the result of his own sin. Since he was born blind, they must have wondered if he sinned before his birth. Jesus said, however, that the blindness was not the result of sin.

John 9:22, 34—“Put out of the Synagogue”

A person who was cast out of the synagogue lost many rights, privileges, and associations. They were denied schooling for their children, social associations, and religious teaching.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study John 9.

1. A Purpose of Trials

   1. According to what Jesus said in John 9:1–3, why had the man been born blind?

   2. What does His answer teach us about some people’s disabilities?

2. Who Was Really Blind?

   1. Create three categories on a sheet of paper and label them “Pharisees,” “Parents,” and “Blind Man.” Record words or phrases from John 9:13–38 under each category that show their spiritual blindness or spiritual sight.

   2. Physical blindness is often thought of as a difficult handicap in this life. Similarly, how can spiritual blindness be a handicap?