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Speaker: Jerry Cisar
In the previous messages (John 7 & 8), we saw how Jesus refused to go to the Feast of Tabernacles for the purpose of gaining a following of disciples, but went alone. Therefore, for two chapters, we did not see a single disciple with Jesus. We did see some people “believe” (8:30), but Jesus goes out of his way to show that they were not real disciples.
In John 9, seemingly the day after the end of the feast, disciples are immediately present with Jesus again (9:2). In fact, in the account of the healing of the man blind from birth, we have a picture of true discipleship. It stands in stark contrast to the previous scene in which we have false disciples.
John 9 presents a picture of the full life cycle of a disciple, from new birth to maturity, including their rejection, and even removal, from our previous social groups. We also get a glimpse into what keeps some people from coming to faith. Have you ever wondered, “Why can’t they see Jesus for who He is?” Or maybe, “Why can’t I see Him clearly?” John presents truth about Jesus and ourselves that speaks to all these issues.
Join us in worship as we explore what it looks like to be born from above, and what may be keeping people from experiencing such spiritual rebirth.