Sermon Based Curriculum

Introduction

Discussion

Sermon Date: March 21, 2010

Sermon Title: Legally Blind

Sermon Text: John 9-10

Small Group Text: John 9

For the past two months, we have seen Jesus doing some pretty

amazing “work.” He gives living water to the woman at the well and

heals the official’s son (John 4). He releases a crippled man from 38

years of suffering (John 5). He feeds 5,000 hungry people and then

delivers his disciples from a storm (John 6). He offers “streams of

living water” to those who are spiritualy thirsty (John 7). He offers

forgiveness and restoration to a woman guilty of sin (John 8). But

there is more going on here than we might notice: In every case,

Jesus is teaching his disciples that these labors of love and grace are

illustrations of the “work” they are called to do as well (John 14:12). For

example, in our present lesson (John 9), Jesus restores sight to a blind

man. But don’t miss Jesus’ point in John 9:4: We (Christ followers – the

church) are to participate in his “work!” Thirst, sickness, hunger, fear,

guilt, and blindness all represent the effects of a broken world. And

we, the body of Christ, are called to move into the world in the power

and wisdom of Christ’s own Spirit. We are to take up the cause of

Christ – doing what He has taught us to do by his own example.

1. Read John 9:1-12. What commonly held idea lies behind the

disciples’ question in v. 2? People get what they deserve. If bad things

happen to a person, they probably had it coming.

2. According to John 9:3, trouble and suffering can actually be turned

into a divine purpose. What is that purpose? That the glory of God

might be made known as He alone brings healing and wholeness to the

brokenness.

3. Now read John 9:35-41. Jesus tells the Pharisees that their real

problem is spiritual blindness. Where do you see the effects of

spiritual blindness in our world?

4. Honing it down to a more personal level, where do you see the

effects of spiritual blindness in your own corner of the world?

Application

5. What are some typical ways we tend to deal with the symptoms of

spiritual blindness in the world around us? Ignore the needs, step right

over them as if we don’t see them; place blame for the problem and assume

“they had it coming;” attempt to fix the problems with more social, political,

economic or educational action; or even creating religious systems that

attempt to “fix it” in our own human strength; etc.

6. Think of the typical Christian watching the nightly news. Which

answer below do you think best describes his/her initial response

to seeing all the trouble in the world? a. Blame people for causing the trouble. (They had it coming!)

b. Shrug it off as far-removed and therefore inconsequential.

c. Think of ways to fix the problem through institutional organizations.

d. Immediately think of the mission of the Church to bring the gospel to

a broken world.

7. In John 9:4, Jesus makes reference to being sent on a mission. Can

you identify His mission? Who sent Him on this mission? Hint: Read

John 3:16-17 and Luke 19:10.

8. In John 9:4, what would be the significance of Jesus using the

inclusive word “we” in reference to the work that still needs to be

done? The “we” is referring to all who follow Jesus as his disciples – past,

present and future. What we have seen Jesus do, we must also do by the same

Holy Spirit power (John 14:12; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). 9. If the stories of Jesus’ ministry set the example for church work

today, what does this work entail? See Isaiah 42:5-7; 61:1-2; Luke 4:16-21

10. In John 9:4, there seems to be an urgency in Jesus’ work. What is

looming in the not-too-distant future that should propel the church

outward to the world to do the work of Christ? The day refers to the

time given to the church to do to the work of Christ on earth. Night refers to

the time limit that God has set to do His work – it is coming to an end. (See

also Matt. 5:14; Eph. 5:8)

1. What holds you back from doing the “work” of Christ – relieving

spiritual blindness in your part of the world?

2. Who was the person responsible for helping you move from

spiritual blindness into “the light?” This week, write that person a

thank-you letter. You may choose not to send it. The person may

be deceased; or you may not know where they are. But while

writing the letter, remember what it felt like to be spiritually blind.

3. Write the name of someone you know who may be spiritually blind.

How will you “work” while there is still time? Write 2 or 3 action

steps you will take to bring light into their dark world.

Sermon-Based Curriculum