Category: Staff Reading

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Healing of a man born blind – Part 2

The Pharisees inquisition and excommunication of the man. Perhaps that’s a better title! The Pharisees decide to check into this matter by talking to the man who was healed, then to his parents (though his parents are not exactly the model leaders in the community). The man is questioned a second time and provides a lesson for the Pharisees that results in him getting thrown out of the synagogue. This is an amazing passage, especially this quote:

One thing I do know.
I was blind but not I see!

Sometimes it’s just that simple. What is amazing is that the Pharisees resolutely agree NOT to see, “and they threw him out.”

John 9:13-34
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Jesus and Abraham, Jews who believed turn on him

As Jesus spoke many believed him, but they still had questions. In this section a group of Jews who “had believed him” wrestle with his answers to their questions, but they aren’t listening. Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, a point they must not have heard, then this great statement of hope: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Sadly they spiral farther and farther away to the point they “picked up stones to stone him.”

John 8:31-59
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Jesus’ relationship to God the Father

Jesus continues to speak to those who would listen, even if it was difficult to be clear. He says he is not of this world and three times he reminds them “you will indeed die in your sins.” Though there is confusion, it’s encouraging to read that “many believed in him.” Tomorrow we’ll read more about that group.
John 8:21-30

The cross-reference to Ezekiel is quite interesting.
Ezekiel 3:17-18

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Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world

Jesus speaks to the people in the temple courts again, this time he says “I am the light of the world” and the Pharisees respond that Jesus is making an invalid claim because of a lack of witnesses. It’s like they’re speaking two different languages or having two completely separate conversations. The content of what is being said is ignored because of disagreement over petty arguments. Jesus continues to teach because some people are listening.
John 8:12-20

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Division over who Jesus is

As Jesus teaches, word spreads and those in Jerusalem who were on the lookout for him are alerted. The mixed reaction by those attending might be here to give us comfort, some hear and get excited, others fear and anger, but the word lives on and will continue as God commands.
John 7:25-52

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Journey through Samaria

The Samaritans were not altogether pleased about the Jewish pilgrimage through their territory, so it’s no surprise that the envoys ahead of Jesus were not met with great enthusiasm. Jesus isn’t surprised by the reception, but the “sons of thunder” suggested a lightning strike might teach them a lesson! Jesus rebukes this behavior and they move on.
Luke 9:51-56

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