MISSION GROUP QUESTIONS FROM JOHN: 7 WORDS & 7 SIGNS - 24/01/10

This parable is all about the seeing, not seeing and the not seeing, seeing! Jesus heals a man born blind on the sabbath and it sparks a huge investigation. Jesus uses this miracle to show how the pharisee's were blind to the work of God and how the blind man is transformed by the Light of the World so that he can see Jesus both spiritually and physically.

When we let Jesus get involved in our lives it leads to transformation.
This wonderful miracle gives us HOPE because it shows us that Jesus can transform our lives.  If he can create brand new eyes from dust and spit then he can handle our wounds and sin.
Also, it provides an ACID TEST.  If we see change in our lives then we know that God is at work in us. If there isn’t change then we still need to make a decision to follow Christ.
It should also provoke faith for God using us to being healing to other people.

The blind man is let down by his friends, neighbors, leaders and parents.  There is a real sense of rejection surrounding this story.  Jesus expected this to happen.  Matt 10:31-34
“31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows…34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Finally the Pharisee’s had some huge BLIND SPOTS. When you’ve got a spiritual blind spot, God can be doing something fantastic right in your midst and you still won’t see it.

Jesus’ presence divides the world into those who come to the light and allow it to change, heal and direct their lives and those that resist and decide to stay in darkness, even while they claim to see everything clearly.

Which camp do you want to be in?

The blind man represents all of us who know we are blind spiritually and need the light of Christ to help us see?

The Pharisees represent anyone in the religious establishment who thinks they have it all together.

Questions:
Share the story with one another
Who do you connect with in the story?
what does this story tell you about Jesus?
How does it fit within the bigger story of scripture?

Where are your blind spots?
Are you accountable with anyone?
Do you have someone who will speak the ‘truth in love’ to you?