John 9 – Why was this man born blind?
R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY) Here is what I READ: Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth (vs 1). The disciples assumed the blindness was because of sin (vs 2). Jesus said it was so that the power of God could be seen (vs 3). Spit + mud + go wash = a miracle! The man could see (vs 6-7). Those who knew the man barely recognized him (vs 8-9). He gave testimony about what Jesus did for him (vs 10-12). Pharisees say: “Jesus is not…” | Others say: “He is…” (vs 16). Formerly blind man questioned. Parents questioned, but they fear the Jewish leaders because anyone who said Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue (vs 17-24). The man stands up for Jesus again and is thrown out of the synagogue (vs 25-34). Jesus found the man and revealed Himself as the Messiah (vs 35-39). Why was this man born blind? Jesus was clear that his blindness was so the power of God could be seen in him. The miracles of Jesus are definitely interesting. Seldom in the gospels does He perform the same miracle in the same way. In this instance, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and put it on the man’s eyes. Jesus sent him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The blind man obeyed - and he experienced miraculous healing. This is where we begin to see the power of God in this man’s life. He was healed, yes - but I think it goes even deeper. The reason Jesus performed miracles wasn’t merely to make people’s lives better - it was so that people would believe His message. Upon being healed, this (formerly) blind man now had a message of his own and he immediately began sharing it with his neighbors - who brought him to the Pharisees - who eventually threw him out of the synagogue, but not before many had seen and heard this powerful testimony about Jesus! As best as I understand it, to be thrown out of the synagogue was to be cut off from the spiritual and social life in Israel. Where would he worship? Where would he sacrifice? Where would he find fellowship and community? Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile.” The blind man was not ashamed. He took a bold stand for Jesus and met the long awaited Savior! APPLY: Standing for Jesus might get you in trouble. It might get you thrown out of a school, workplace, or maybe a close relationship. We can talk in generalities about “God” all day long, but the name of Jesus divides, like we see in this passage. If you have experienced some level of persecution because of your faith in Jesus, here are 3 verses that I hope encourage you: 2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Matthew 5:10 “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right…” 1 Peter 4:19 “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” MEMORIZE: I’m going to write this verse from today on my white board at work! John 9:31 “We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.” PRAY: I’m praying for you today if you’re someone who is experiencing persecution because of your faith in Jesus. I’m praying that you’ll find close fellowship with Jesus, and great community in a local church! Today we’re reading John 9 from the New Living Translation. Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!" Shawn. Ps - Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name! The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free! Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation. If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central). The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.
