Jesus Must Be a Sinner

Lesson #157

With this lesson we will cover the third section of chapter 9, which is defined by John 9:13 – 17. The people bring the man, who claimed to be healed, to the Pharisees and they also ask how he was healed. The man again explains, but since the miracle occurred on the Sabbath some of the Pharisees concluded this could not be the work of God. Let us go back to our text and look at the details.

“They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind” (John 9:13 ESV). The man was physically blind, but the people and the Pharisees are showing they are also blind, spiritually blind to the truth that is being revealed before them. Even with the evidence of a miracle standing before them, instead of praising God, they are going to do their best to discredit Jesus by claiming he is a sinner because he did this wonderful deed on the Sabbath. “Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes” (John 9:14 ESV).

“So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”” (John 9:15 ESV). What could be more clear? How could one not accept the evidence before them, but instead go to so much effort to somehow discredit it. Things sure have not changed because you see the same thing happening today. “Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them” (John 9:16 ESV). Because Jesus is not keeping the Sabbath, but doing work according to the Law, the Jews conclude that Jesus cannot be from God as he claims. These Jews conclude that Jesus is a law breaker and anyone sent from God would not do that. Other Pharisees conclude that since he is breaking the law he must be a sinner and if he is, how can he possibly do such signs? Jesus is trying to get the Jews to consider thinking outside of what they are comfortable with and see that God through Jesus is adding to the body of truth. In the boundaries of their accepted truth, Jesus has to be rejected as a law breaker and therefore a sinner. The fact that Jesus is performing miracles they have to somehow find another source other than God.

Not able to figure out what to think or do about Jesus, they turn to the man again to involve him. “So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”” (John 9:17 ESV). It is hard to understand why the Jews of much learning would think the man’s opinion would be important in helping them figure this out, they nevertheless ask his opinion. The man sees Jesus as more than just a normal man and elevates him to the level of a prophet. As we continue on with our study we will see the man continue to upgrade who he thinks Jesus is.

Prayer

Father, it is clear in this lesson to see those not truly walking with God in faith, reject that which they don’t hold as truth. They will do all they can to either discredit what is presented or the one presenting it. Again this lesson is evidence, at least to me, that unless God prepares the heart one will not truly accept new revelation from God. Father, thank you for preparing my heart to accept the person of Jesus Christ, the living Word of Truth.