Those Who are Blind Receive Sight

Welcome to Day 2 of this devotional! Yesterday, we saw John the Baptist questioning Jesus when his expectations didn’t align with reality. Jesus responded by pointing to His actions, encouraging John to draw his own conclusions. Today, we invite you to do the same—examine what Jesus did and consider why it matters.

Remember, here’s how you can structure your time doing the plan together:

1. Read: Take turns reading the passages with a friend or on your own.
2. Retell: Summarise the story in your own words, recalling the details.
3. Reflect: Share what stood out to you. What insights do these stories offer about Jesus and the people involved?
4. Relate: Discuss how these stories might connect to your life or challenge your perceptions. Use the Reflection Questions to prompt your discussion

Our story begins with Jesus healing a man born blind—an incredible act that stirs uproar among the religious authorities. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath was a sacred day of rest, during which no work was to be done, according to Old Testament laws. The Pharisees, strict interpreters of these laws, viewed healing on the Sabbath as a violation and saw Jesus as a lawbreaker, questioning His claim to be sent by God. As they interrogated the man who had been healed, their frustration grew, unable to reconcile Jesus’ miraculous act with their rigid interpretation of the law. Yet the man, now able to see, stood firm in his testimony, boldly declaring that Jesus had restored his sight.

This story highlights a clash of perspectives. The Pharisees view the man’s blindness as punishment for sin—either his or his parents’—and see his healing as contradicting their rigid beliefs about God. But Jesus challenges this, declaring the man’s condition an opportunity to reveal God’s power and compassion. Instead of condemning the man as a sinner, Jesus restores his dignity, offering healing and love.

When Jesus asks, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” the healed man acknowledges Him as Lord and worships Him. The title “Son of Man” refers to the Messiah, foretold to reveal God’s truth and righteousness. Through this encounter, the man experiences both physical and spiritual transformation.

The Pharisees, however, resist the truth. The healing challenges their authority and rigid understanding of God. Jesus uses this moment to expose their spiritual blindness, contrasting their stubbornness with the openness of the man who now sees.

Reflection Questions

1. What stands out to you in the contrast between Jesus’ actions and what the religious leaders expected of Him?
2. What impact do you think Jesus had on the healed man’s life beyond restoring his sight? How does that compare to how the Pharisees responded to what happened?
3. Whose reaction resonates most with you—the healed man, the neighbours/parents, or the Pharisees? Why?

Take time to reflect on these questions, and we’ll see you tomorrow for Day 3!