Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: John 9

  • A Study on John 9

    In John 9, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:2-3)

    What did Jesus mean by “the works of God”? In John 6:29, we see that the work of God is for people to believe in Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.

    John 9 is not solely about miracles and healings; rather, John emphasizes that these events are signs of Christ Jesus (John 20:30-31). Before Christ’s coming, the Jews experienced four hundred years of silence from God—where no miracles or words were spoken (What were the 400 years of silence? | GotQuestions.org; I disagree with the last sentence on this site. To understand why, visit my blog site https://unlearningtraditionrelearningscripture.com). Malachi foretold that Israel should anticipate the arrival of a forerunner preceding the coming of Christ Jesus (Malachi 3:1-5; 4:1-6). Thus, the signs performed by Christ announced His arrival (John 7:31). Although recognized by the religious leaders, they ultimately rejected Jesus, misleading Israel and condemning Him to the cross (John 11:47-48).

    Are we faithfully bringing Jesus Christ to the awareness of others? Is our teaching about Jesus Christ aligned with Scripture? As Christians, are we living lives that reflect God’s grace?

    We must always be vigilant about what we teach. It is essential to convey only the truths found in Scripture. Paul warned against those who teach about another Jesus or another Gospel (Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).

    “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7)

    “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

    Let us learn only from the Word of God and not from men. Jesus Christ told a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40)

    True teaching of God’s Word is only truly learned when one is thoroughly trained in it. While reading men’s writings can sometimes be helpful, it should always be approached with discernment and discretion. We must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of others, as this could lead us to mislead those we teach. If that happens, can we still claim to be doing the work of God, which is to lead people to believe in Jesus Christ?

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!

  • Spiritual Blindness: Introduction

    A study on John 9

    This Sunday, for our house gathering, we did a study on the Gospel of John, a disciple of Jesus Christ, specifically chapter 9 of the said gospel. 

    The story of the man born blind appeared only in the Gospel of John. Following the flow of narrative presented by John, Jesus came to Jerusalem about middle of the Jewish Feast (John 7:14) – the Feast of Booths or Tabernacle (John 7:2). The following Spring Feast of the next Jewish year Jesus Christ was crucified. 

    The Jews had Seven Annual Jewish Feasts. Feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits and Feast of Weeks or Pentecost – these first four Jewish Feasts were Spring Feast. Spring in Palestine also was the beginning of the Jewish year. Then after a spread of four months (summer months), it will be followed by the last three Fall Feast: Feast of Trumpets, Feast of Atonement and Feast of Booths. The seven annual Jewish feasts was regulated by God in Leviticus 23. 

    It should be noted that all Seven Jewish Feasts would have its completion through Christ Jesus, the Son of Man. Scripture spoke of Christ’s fulfillment of the Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread (1Co. 5:7). He then fulfiiled the Feast of Firstfruits by His Resurrection (1Co. 15:23). Next, by His ascension so the coming of Holy Spirit was fulfilled at the Pentecost, Acts 2. 

    The last half of the Seven Jewish Feasts would be the motive of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: Judgement (Trumpets), Redemption (Atonement), and lastly Eden Restored (Tabernacle). 

    The central theme of John 9, Jesus’ healing of the blind man, was to demonstrate His offer of salvation through faith in the Son of Man, so we have John 9:39. “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.’”

    To be continued …

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