Jesus brings Good News of freedom and clarity.
“the blind will see” Luke 4:18 clarity – healing miracles
God had revealed Himself to be a healer. “I am the Lord who heals you.” Exodus 15:26
God chose the miracle of healing eyesight to be one of the signs that would prove the identity of the Messiah.
Jesus points to this. “tell John the blind see” – Luke 7:20-22
What do we learn from Jesus’ healing someone who could not see, in John 9?
1. God shows power. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” – John 9:3 It is power that is undeniable. “I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” – John 9:25 “Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” – John 9:32-33
2. Jesus did not focus on the cause of the blindness. The ailment was not a result of sin in him or his family. “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins.” – John 9:3 The Scriptures includes stories where blindness had a variety of causes.
3. Some miracles engage our action. “’Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam,’ (Siloam means sent). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!” – John 9:7
4. Some miracles happen in a moment, and some happen in a process. At times, Jesus prayed more than once. “Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.” – Mark 8:22-25
5. Miracles can point to Jesus and result in faith. “’Yes, Lord I believe!’ the man said. And he worshipped Jesus.” – John 9:38
The followers of Jesus believed what Jesus taught and acted. “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” – Romans 8:11
Ordered to stop speaking about Jesus, the believers asked God to give them courage to continue talking about the Good News of Jesus, despite the threats. In the same breath they prayed, “Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” – Acts 4:30
We believe in healing.
We believe that God is real. He is alive. He is willing & able to heal you. Every day God chooses to heal people. Their level of faith in Him is not the determining factor. You don’t have to have it all together to receive His healing. Rebecca and I have prayed for people and seen documented medical miracles. We know of churches that have seen people being healed of HIV and AIDS! Documented medical miracles! This does not negate the value of doctors or the benefit of healthy lifestyle. It does not negate your need of Jesus. We will be in prayer! Faith does help!
* Hearing the Word initiates faith.
* Speaking the Word activates faith.
* Doing the Word demonstrates faith.
What do we learn from Jesus’ teaching on spiritual eyesight?
1. Jesus mentions the way that their false teachers presented themselves to be spiritual seers, and yet were denying the identity of Jesus as Savior. – John 9:39-41
2. Jesus saw an opportunity to heal the man who could not see, and to help people see the power of God, and to help people see God’s saving grace available in Him (Savior, Son of God, Messiah), and to help people see that the teachers denying His identity, while claiming that they were the true spiritual seers, were choosing to be blind to the truth.
3. Jesus’ teaching carries truth about both the natural (seen) world and the spiritual (unseen) world. The people who were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ miracles had more of a spiritual view of life than most Americans. They clearly believed that Jesus brought Good News that included an ability to see (perceive) that which is spiritual.
What are we looking at?
Are we seeing what God wants us to see?
What do we see when we look at God, ourselves, and people?
“Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” – Genesis 16:13 Hagar
Jesus said to Philip, “He who sees me has seen the Father,” – John 14:8-9
Stephen sees Jesus at the right hand of God. – Acts 7:55-56
Becoming a fully-devoted-wholehearted follower of Jesus, who pursues peace, will help.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord,” – Hebrews 12:14
“Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him,” – Revelation 1:7