Quest 25
CAN JESUS HELP ME SEE CLEARLY ENOUGH TO FIND GOD IN AN UNFAIR WORLD?
1. LIFE IS NOT FAIR – WE KNOW THAT.
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jesus and his disciples encountered a man born blind. Life had not been fair to him. Jesus’ disciples wanted to know why this had happened. If they could understand why this man had been born blind, perhaps they could make life seem fairer in their own minds. You see, they were not that different than us.
2. THE ANSWER TO UNFAIRNESS IS FAITH.
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Jesus did not delve into the issue of fault, whether the man’s, his parents’ or even God’s.
The man’s circumstance was an opportunity for God to reveal himself.
Principle: It is not what happens to us but how we handle it that counts.
Here’s what Paul learned (Philippians 3:11) - I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Here is God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
3. FAITH IS ALL ABOUT OBEDIENCE.
Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Could Jesus have instantaneously healed the man? With no spit? No mud? No trip to pool of Siloam? No washing?
If the blind man had not gone to the pool of Siloam, do you think he would have been healed?
Example: Jesus said you had to be baptized to be his disciple (Matthew 28:19) - Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Do you think you can be a disciple and not be immersed?
4. OBEDIENCE IS ALL ABOUT MATURITY.
Note the progression of his faith -
vs. 11 The man called Jesus Man
vs. 17 He is a prophet. Prophet
vs.33 If this man were not from God Man from God
vs. 38 “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. God
Obeying God tests our faith (James 1:3-4) -The testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5. BE HEALED OF YOUR SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS: REPENT.
Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”
Jesus told a parable about the self-righteous (Luke 18:9) – He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous. The conclusion of the parable was the self-righteous are not justified before God.
The message of God’s Word is clear, as stated in Peter’s preaching (Acts 3:19-20) - Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord
