From Darkness into Light                                     John 9:1-41 [1] And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. [2] And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? [3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. [4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. [5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. [6] When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, [7] And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. [8] The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? [9] Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. [10] Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? [11] He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. [12] Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. [13] They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. [14] And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. [15] Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. [16] Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. [17] They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. [18] But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. [19] And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? [20] His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: [21] But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. [22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. [23] Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. [24] Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. [25] He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. [26] Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? [27] He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? [28] Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. [29] We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. [30] The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. [31] Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. [32] Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. [33] If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. [34] They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. [35] Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? [36] He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? [37] And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. [38] And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. [39] And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. [40] And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? [41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
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2. THE RESPONSE OF THE NEIGHBORS (John 9:8-13 [8] The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? [9] Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. [10] Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? [11] He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. [12] Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. [13] They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
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1. They Determined His Identity (John 9:8-9 [8] The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? [9] Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
   See All...) – What?
1. He was the same man who begged (John 9:8The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
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2. But he seemed to be a different man too (John 9:9Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
   See All...); this pictures the change salvation makes in a man (2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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2. They Inquired of His Healing (John 9:10-11 [10] Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? [11] He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
   See All...) – How?
1. They want to know how it happened (John 9:10Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
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2. He gave them his testimony (John 9:11He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
   See All...; Acts 14:3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
   See All...; Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
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3. They Inquired of His Healer (John 9:12Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
   See All...) – Who?
4. They Brought Him to the Pharisees (John 9:13They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
   See All...); one of the dangers to one newly born again is that he might be led to the religious who are spiritually dead. These will try to make a disciple out of them (Matthew 23:15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
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3. THE RESPONSE OF THE PHARISEES (John 9:14-18 [14] And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. [15] Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. [16] Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. [17] They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. [18] But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
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1. The Time of the Healing (John 9:14And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
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1. On the Sabbath Day
2. A continual point of contention (John 5:9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
   See All..., 16; John 7:21-23 [21] Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. [22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. [23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
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3. The answer of Christ (Matthew 12:7-14 [7] But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. [8] For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. [9] And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: [10] And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. [11] And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? [12] How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. [13] Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. [14] Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
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2. The Method of the Healing (John 9:15Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
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3. The Accusation of the Pharisees (John 9:16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
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1. They declared that Jesus could not be of God because He broke the Sabbath traditions (Matthew 15:1-6 [1] Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, [2] Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. [3] But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? [4] For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. [5] But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; [6] And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
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2. Others questioned the possibility of such blessed miracles coming from an evil man.
3. A division was created among the people (John 7:43So there was a division among the people because of him.
   See All...; John 9:16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
   See All...; John 10:19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
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4. The Testimony of the Blind Man (John 9:17They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
   See All...) – “He is a prophet.”
5. The Proof of the Healing (John 9:18But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
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1. The Jews heard the testimony of the man’s parents
2. The Jews now believed that he had been healed. Note: their continued rejection of Jesus was not based on disbelief of the identity of Christ, but on a knowing rejection of His lordship (John 11:45-48 [45] Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. [46] But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. [47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. [48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
   See All...).
4. THE RESPONSE OF HIS PARENTS (John 9:19-23 [19] And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? [20] His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: [21] But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. [22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. [23] Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
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1. They Identify Their Son (John 9:19-20 [19] And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? [20] His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
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1. He is our son.
2. He was born blind.
2. They Claim Ignorance of the Method (John 9:21But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
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3. They Fear Exclusion from the Synagogue (John 9:22-23 [22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. [23] Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
   See All...).
1. Their fear of religious retribution (John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
   See All...; John 7:13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
   See All...; Luke 12:4-9 [4] And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. [5] But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. [6] Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? [7] But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. [8] Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: [9] But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
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2. Their knowledge of Jewish policy (John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
   See All..., 34; John 12:42-43 [42] Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: [43] For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
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3. Their deferring to their son (John 9:23Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
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1. He is of age.
2. Ask him.
5. THE REJECTION OF THE MAN BORN BLIND (John 9:24-34 [24] Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. [25] He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. [26] Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? [27] He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? [28] Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. [29] We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. [30] The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. [31] Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. [32] Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. [33] If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. [34] They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
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1. The Man Refused to Reject Jesus (John 9:24-25 [24] Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. [25] He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
   See All...).
1. The attack of the Jews (John 9:24Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
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1. Give God the praise.
2. This man is a sinner.
2. The response of the blind man (John 9:25He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
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1. His identity may be unknown.
2. The miracle is sure.
2. The Man Challenged the Religious Authorities (John 9:26-27 [26] Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? [27] He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
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1. The Jews asked again of the method (John 9:26Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
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2. The man questioned their motives (John 9:27He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
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1. Why do you want to hear it again?
2. Would you also be His disciples?
3. The Jews Rejected the Identity of Jesus (John 9:28-29 [28] Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. [29] We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
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1. They revile the man born blind (John 9:28Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
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1. You are His disciple.
2. We are the disciples of Moses.
2. They reject the person of Christ (John 9:29We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
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1. God spoke to Moses.
2. The source of Jesus is not known.
4. The Man Testified of the Identity of Jesus (John 9:30-33 [30] The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. [31] Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. [32] Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. [33] If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
   See All...).
1. He is the worker of this marvelous miracle (John 9:30The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
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2. He is one who is heard by God (John 9:31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
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1. Sinners are not heard by God (Proverbs 28:9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
   See All...; Isaiah 1:15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
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2. Those heard by God must meet His qualifications (Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
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1. He must be a worshipper of God.
2. He must do the will of God (1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
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3. He must be of God (John 9:32-33 [32] Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. [33] If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
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5. The Jews Cast the Man Out of the Synagogue (John 9:34They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
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1. Accused of being born in sins. Note: although this is true, it is also true of those who were accusing him (Job 15:14-16 [14] What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? [15] Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. [16] How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?
   See All...; Job 25:4How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
   See All...; Psalm 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
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2. Unable to teach them (Romans 2:17-21 [17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, [18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; [19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, [20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. [21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
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3. Cast out of the synagogue (see John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
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6. THE FAITH OF THE MAN BORN BLIND (John 9:35-38 [35] Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? [36] He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? [37] And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. [38] And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
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1. The Challenge of the Saviour (John 9:35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
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1. He heard that the man had been cast out.
2. He sought and found the man.
3. He asked the man if he believed on the Son of God (1 John 5:13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
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2. The Identity of the Son of God (John 9:36-37 [36] He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? [37] And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
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1. The man only needed to know who He is (John 9:36He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
   See All...).
2. Christ identified Himself as the Son of God (John 9:37And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
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3. The Faith of the Man Born Blind (John 9:38And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
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1. He believed in Him.
2. He worshipped Him (see Exodus 4:31And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
   See All... where the people believe and then worship); worship is the natural response to faith in God.
7. THE BLINDNESS OF THE PHARISEES (John 9:39-41 [39] And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. [40] And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? [41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
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1. The Purpose of Christ (John 9:39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
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1. To give sight to the blind (Luke 4:18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
   See All...; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. [6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
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2. To blind those who see (John 12:37-41 [37] But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: [38] That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? [39] Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, [40] He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. [41] These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
   See All...; Romans 11:7-10 [7] What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. [8] (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. [9] And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: [10] Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
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2. The Question of the Pharisees (John 9:40And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
   See All...) – Are we blind also?
3. The Response of Christ (John 9:41Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
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1. The blind are able to get their sins removed.
2. The seeing will have their sins remain on them.
3. Note: Those who recognize their blindness seek the light and are able to find Christ and get their sins forgiven. Those who do not recognize their blindness but insist that they can see are unable to accept Christ as their light and so their sins remain on them (Isaiah 42:18-20 [18] Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. [19] Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD's servant? [20] Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
   See All...; Revelation 3:17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
   See All...).