Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. What a joy it is to gather together in the house of the Lord, united in faith and purpose, to draw near to Him through His Word. There's a certain warmth, a certain comfort that comes from being among fellow believers, a mutual understanding that transcends our worldly differences. We are here, not because we are perfect, but because we are perfectly loved by a gracious and merciful God.

Today, we turn our attention to the Gospel of John, chapter 9, verse 1. The Word of God tells us, "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth." A simple verse, yet it sets the stage for a profound narrative that challenges our perceptions and compels us to examine our own spiritual sight.

Discerning Discipleship Dilemmas

In the Gospel of John, we meet a man who was born blind. This man's life was filled with challenges. He couldn't see the faces of his loved ones, couldn't appreciate the beauty of a sunrise, or even navigate his way without assistance. His life was a constant struggle, a daily reminder of his limitations. Yet, in this story, we see that his physical blindness was not his biggest problem. His biggest problem was the spiritual blindness of those around him.

Now, let's think about the disciples. They were followers of Jesus, eager to learn and grow in their faith. Yet, when they encountered this blind man, they saw him as a theological puzzle to be solved, not a person in need. They asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Their question reveals a common misconception of their time, that physical ailments were a direct result of personal sin or the sin of one's parents.

This is a dilemma that many of us face in our own discipleship. We can become so focused on theological debates and doctrinal differences that we lose sight of the people around us. We forget that our faith is not just about having the right answers, but about showing love, compassion, and mercy to others. We need to remember that every person we meet is a child of God, loved and valued by Him.

Now, let's consider the Pharisees. They were the religious leaders of their time, respected and revered by the people. Yet, when they heard about the miracle that Jesus performed, they were not rejoicing or praising God. Instead, they were questioning and criticizing Jesus, because He healed the man on the Sabbath. They were so caught up in their religious rules and regulations that they couldn't see the amazing work of God right in front of them.

This is another dilemma that we need to be aware of in our discipleship. We can become so focused on our religious traditions and rituals that we miss out on the fresh and exciting things that God is doing in our lives. We need to remember that our faith is not about following a set of rules, but about having a personal relationship with Jesus.

Next, let's think about the blind man's parents. They were ordinary people, trying to live their lives in a difficult and challenging time. Yet, when they were questioned about their son's healing, they were afraid to speak up. They knew that anyone who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue.

This is a dilemma that we may encounter in our discipleship. We can become so concerned about what others think of us that we are afraid to stand up for our faith. We need to remember that our loyalty should be to Jesus, not to the opinions of others.

Finally, let's look at the blind man himself. He was a man who had experienced a life-changing miracle. Yet, when he was questioned about his healing, he didn't have all the answers. He simply said, "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" His testimony was not based on theological knowledge or religious expertise, but on his personal experience with Jesus.

This is a reminder for us in our discipleship. We don't need to have all the answers. We don't need to be religious experts. We just need to share our personal experiences with Jesus. We need to tell others about the difference that Jesus has made in our lives. We need to be witnesses of His love, grace, and power.

Dangers of Closed-Minded Christianity

As we continue to reflect on the narrative of the blind man in John 9, we are confronted with the stark reality of the dangers of closed-minded Christianity ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO