The Light of the World CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

What we see about the blind man when he met Jesus, the Light of the world, is his:

Blindness – v.1 – his blindness was upon him not because of sin but to reveal the works of Jesus, the light of the world – his healing was for the glory of God like the resurrection of Lazarus – often bad things happen to people to being them to Christ.

Deliverance – v.6-7 – there was no virtue in the things this man did anymore than there is virtue in this building, or in these pews or in this preacher – the power was in his obedience to the light of the world [Jn 8:12] – you are not saved by the works you do but by what Jesus has done for you.

Confession – v.8-12 – he took no credit for his sight and he gave an accurate and true report of exactly what had happened – the change in his life was so great that others weren’t sure it was he – often when you get saved people know something is different about you.

Assurance – v.25 – when asked about what happened, the blind man said, “I know” – he couldn’t defend himself by arguing with the Pharisees, but he knew for sure that he was changed – and when you get saved you are a new creature [2 Cor 5:17] – this change is often profound enough to assure you of your salvation.

Testimony – v.17 – the blind man testified that Jesus was a prophet and that he was of God [v.33] – that inspired him to plead with others about being his disciples [v.27] – and after we get saved we should want to plead with others about being saved.

Persecution – v.28, 35 – he was reviled and he was cast out – but know this “it is easier for your enemies to revile you than to refute the truth,” [v.24] – often people hesitate to get saved because they know that others will make fun of them or exclude them from their circle of friends.

Satisfaction – v.35-38 – he worshipped Jesus – he knew that a very great man had done a very great miracle for him and he was grateful even though he had been persecuted for it – it is much better to be outside with Christ than inside without him” – this whole ordeal brought him closer to Christ – and we are certainly more satisfied being saved than being lost.

Judgment – v.39-41 – as a man said, “there are none so blind as those who don’t wish to see” – this blind man had been healed, had seen the Son of God, had believed on him and he knew it – the Pharisees had seen the Son of God and had not known it because they were blind.

Conclusion: So will you be like this blind man and receive Jesus or will you be like the Pharisees and remain blind in your sin?

Note: This outline found in Handfuls on Purpose, Series VI, pp. 235-240, by James Smith, Eerdmans Publishing Company.