John 9:6-12 – "Go and wash..."
Intro:
• Welcome back to the look at the blind man
• Last time we were thinking about suffering and how we are quick to find blame and also
how it is into this story that Jesus says he is the light of the world
• The messy world of darkness and brokenness, Jesus comes and shines light for all of us.
• We may not be disabled but we all know what it is to be blind, living in a world of
darkness.
Main:
• After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on
the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means
“Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. His neighbors and those
who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and
beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he
himself insisted, “I am the man.” “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. He
replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to
go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” “Where is this
man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said.
• So we get to the next part of the story, and as we expect Jesus says you’re healed and
the man goes off praising him
• Oh, no, That’s not what happens. Huh
• Jesus could have healed this man instantly with a word, but He didn’t. Instead, He made
mud, put it on the man’s eyes, and told him to go and wash.
• Imagine being that man—blind, feeling mud on your face, stumbling towards the pool,
wondering if anything will change.
• And then you can see! And people don’t believe it’s you! isn’t it interesting that those
who knew the man well didn’t recognise him after he regained his sight? He has to state
that he is the same person!
• How often do we make someone’s disability their identity?
Conclusion:
• Jesus often works in unexpected ways—faith means trusting Him even when things
don’t make sense. What has that looked like in our lives?
• The man obeys before he sees. What if he had refused?
• When Jesus works in our lives, it demands a response. This man could have dismissed it
as nonsense, but he didn’t.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus healed the man this way?
2. Have you ever had to step out in faith before seeing the results?
3. How is Jesus calling you to trust and obey today?
