Was Blind But Now I See: Discussion Guide

Discussion Guide
2.20.22
In Person Series

John 9

Was Blind, But Now I See!

“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25).

OPEN
Have you ever noticed how frequently the Bible uses metaphors of darkness and light, blindness and
vision, closing one’s eyes to the truth and opening our eyes to the gospel? For example: “I will take hold
of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the
Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon
those who sit in darkness” (Isaiah 42:6-7). John clearly loves this metaphor and uses it skillfully here.

NEXT
What common misunderstanding – perhaps even superstition – is behind the disciples’ question in v. 2?

How common a view of suffering and misfortune is this? Cf. Job 22:21-23. Have you ever asked, “What
did I do to deserve this?” Is suffering sometimes the result of personal sin? Is it always?

The sermon preached from this text pointed to the difference a comma (,) versus a period (.) can make
in a biblical text. Do you recall the point that was made? Does it help you make sense of the blind man’s
predicament? (In other words, does it make sense to think that God made this poor man blind just so he
could be a candidate for a miracle during Jesus’ personal ministry?)

What predicament did the healing of this man who had been blind from birth create for him? For his
parents? For certain Pharisees who had become critics of everything Jesus was teaching and doing?

An element of criticism some onlookers leveled at Jesus was that this miracle had been performed on
the Sabbath. Did Jesus violate the Sabbath by what he did that day? How did some of the witnesses
defend Jesus? (v.16). Read how Jesus defended healing on the Sabbath in another setting at Luke 14:1-6.

Do you see a progression in the faith-courage of the healed man as this chapter unfolds? Pay particular
attention to his words at (a) vs.10-12, (b) v.25, (c) v.33, and (d) v.38.

What was the fear of the healed man’s parents over this event? Cf. v.22. What fears do you experience
about speaking boldly of your faith in Jesus because of potential social consequences?

What price did the healed man pay for his refusal to denounce Jesus?

We sometimes think of “judgment” in terms of the last day or some negative verdict on a person. If you
read the word in v.39 to mean “putting things right” or “correcting injustice,” is the meaning clearer?
Scholars of the Gospel of John point to the writer’s use of irony in this book. What is the irony of v.41
from where the chapter begins? What are readers supposed to make of that?

CLOSING
As you close your study of John 9, pray for two things: First, pray for God to give you eyes to see clearly
and to walk in the light Jesus brings. Second, pray for the wisdom and courage to confess Christ with
bold confidence – even in situations that might prove costly.