Notes

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Outline

1	"John 9" John 9
2	Introduction Have you ever noticed how just mentioning the name Jesus can bring tension into a room?
3	Why is that? Jesus polarizes and divides people. His claims are exclusive. He claims to be the only way to God and that offends people.
4	I. The Progression of Faith. This is the sixth miraculous sign recorded in John’s gospel. In the entire Old Testament, there are no miracles of sight being restored to the blind.
5	Yet based on Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 29:18, they believed that when the Messiah came he would heal even the blind.
6	“In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind will see.” Isaiah 29:18
7	This was the Messianic miracle par excellence. In the gospels, there are more miracles of sight being restored than any other category.
8	“Who sinned?” The disciple’s question was based on a common belief that all suffering was the result of someone’s sin. “Neither.”
9	Jesus opened up a whole new possibility that trials and suffering may occur so that God may be glorified and accomplish his work in us.
10	“Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.” What did he think about on the way?
11	The idea of mud and spit as the means of healing would have been offensive to some – just like the blood and the cross.
12	There’s a similar story in II Kings 5:9-15 about Naaman, the commander of the army of Aram (Syria).
13	His affliction was an opportunity for God to be glorified. So can our trials, if we will trust God too.
14	“So the man went and washed and came home seeing.”
15	Here’s where the progression of faith starts. He calls Jesus
16	Step by step he comes to believe that Jesus is the one he claims to be.
17	II. The Progression of Unbelief. Unbelief is often based on presuppositions and not evidence. Jesus is not God; therefore this miracle did not happen.
18	“What have you to say about him?” “He is a prophet.” “One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see!” They hurled insults at him.
19	The progression of unbelief. They refused to believe that Jesus came from God. Verse 16 They questioned the miracle. Verse 18 They called Jesus a sinner. Verse 24 They showed their ignorance about Jesus. Verse 29 They were spiritually blind. Verse 41
20	Miracles do not compel belief. Miracles validate faith for those who have eyes to see.
21	Conclusion How can we be salt and light in a world that doesn’t want to hear about Jesus?
22	We can: Pray. Lift up Christ. Live for Christ.