WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.540
 In 2015, a photo went up online that divided the whole globe.

00:00:05.620 --> 00:00:08.160
 Every single person was divided around this photo.

00:00:08.519 --> 00:00:10.099
 It was titled, The Dress.

00:00:11.080 --> 00:00:14.800
 You may remember this photo circulating social media and news outlets.

00:00:14.919 --> 00:00:17.699
 It got so much attention from everyone

00:00:17.699 --> 00:00:20.280
 because no one was sure what color it was.

00:00:20.699 --> 00:00:23.260
 Some said it was a blue dress with black lining,

00:00:23.260 --> 00:00:28.879
 but there were others who were adamant that it was a white dress with gold lining.

00:00:29.879 --> 00:00:34.240
 Now you may have been one of those people who put your argument out there

00:00:34.240 --> 00:00:37.619
 and weighed in on the whole debate saying it's this or it's this.

00:00:38.340 --> 00:00:42.659
 So many people were convinced it was a blue and black dress and argued fiercely for it.

00:00:42.719 --> 00:00:46.259
 So many people thought it was a white and gold dress and argued fiercely for it.

00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:51.179
 It lasted weeks and people were trying to work out why people thought one way or the other.

00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:57.019
 Now just to confirm, it was confirmed later on that the dress was a blue and black dress,

00:00:57.020 --> 00:00:59.820
 but so many people were convinced otherwise.

00:01:00.680 --> 00:01:04.859
 So many people were adamant they were seeing a gold and white dress

00:01:04.859 --> 00:01:07.540
 and their eyes were deceived.

00:01:09.300 --> 00:01:12.100
 Having sight is a wonderful gift.

00:01:12.960 --> 00:01:15.700
 Being able to observe the beautiful world around us,

00:01:16.219 --> 00:01:18.240
 being able to see the faces of loved ones,

00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:21.140
 being able to see danger and avoid it,

00:01:21.659 --> 00:01:24.580
 it's truly a wonderful gift that we have.

00:01:24.579 --> 00:01:28.159
 But it's obvious from this small example, from the dress,

00:01:28.599 --> 00:01:32.920
 that whilst we all have sight, sometimes we don't see clearly.

00:01:33.700 --> 00:01:36.959
 Our world today is so adamant that it sees clearly.

00:01:37.299 --> 00:01:40.219
 We believe science has helped us progress and advance

00:01:40.219 --> 00:01:42.560
 to the point where we can see with precision,

00:01:43.079 --> 00:01:45.739
 meaning that we can determine exactly how the world functions

00:01:45.739 --> 00:01:47.120
 and how we should live in it today.

00:01:47.780 --> 00:01:51.319
 We therefore believe that we are more enlightened than our predecessors are.

00:01:51.319 --> 00:01:56.839
 We see clearer now the way things are than any other generation before us.

00:01:57.459 --> 00:02:01.599
 But whilst the world claims to see things clearer than ever before,

00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:06.780
 it has become more and more blind to the truth about God,

00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:08.400
 about their Creator.

00:02:09.620 --> 00:02:13.199
 Our world has become blind to its created purpose

00:02:13.199 --> 00:02:16.259
 in serving and worshipping the Creator.

00:02:16.259 --> 00:02:19.219
 The world is adamant that it sees clearly.

00:02:19.780 --> 00:02:24.019
 But it's been deceived to think that it can see clearly without God,

00:02:25.060 --> 00:02:26.979
 that it can see clearly on its own,

00:02:27.479 --> 00:02:28.659
 without the light of the world.

00:02:29.679 --> 00:02:32.099
 Our sight has been corrupted because of sin.

00:02:32.399 --> 00:02:35.399
 Rather than seeing things as they truly are,

00:02:35.599 --> 00:02:37.919
 we see things as we want them to be seen.

00:02:38.379 --> 00:02:41.039
 We believe ourselves to be objective and unbiased,

00:02:41.039 --> 00:02:45.439
 but the reality is sin has put a veil over our eyes

00:02:45.439 --> 00:02:49.239
 to make us think we don't need God in this world to exist.

00:02:50.399 --> 00:02:52.399
 Or we come up with our own version of God

00:02:52.399 --> 00:02:55.979
 that suits us, that suits the way we see things in the world.

00:02:57.639 --> 00:03:00.399
 All unaware of how blind we actually have become,

00:03:01.079 --> 00:03:05.479
 robbed of our true purpose in worshipping the one and true God.

00:03:05.479 --> 00:03:10.799
 So what hope is there for our world today to see clearly?

00:03:11.819 --> 00:03:15.120
 What hope is there for us that we might see clearly?

00:03:16.179 --> 00:03:18.459
 The healing of the blind man here in John 9

00:03:18.459 --> 00:03:20.819
 is the second sign in John's Gospel,

00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:24.099
 showing who Jesus is and what he has come to do.

00:03:24.719 --> 00:03:27.359
 So specifically here, he is the light of the world

00:03:27.359 --> 00:03:30.299
 who has come to open the eyes of the blind,

00:03:30.300 --> 00:03:35.080
 that all who see might, as this formerly blind man does,

00:03:35.540 --> 00:03:38.680
 says in verse 38, believe in him.

00:03:39.420 --> 00:03:41.920
 But this passage also serves as a warning,

00:03:42.380 --> 00:03:44.300
 an indictment on those who would,

00:03:44.540 --> 00:03:46.760
 when they are confronted with the light of the world,

00:03:47.080 --> 00:03:49.320
 reject him and turn away from him.

00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:52.540
 And the question we are left with is, which one are we?

00:03:53.540 --> 00:03:56.540
 Are we more like the blind beggar who knows he is blind

00:03:56.540 --> 00:03:58.340
 and needs his sight restored,

00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:00.620
 or are we more like the Pharisees

00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:03.900
 who in their arrogance believe they see things clearly,

00:04:04.020 --> 00:04:06.039
 believe they see the world clearly,

00:04:06.259 --> 00:04:09.759
 but in fact are actually completely blind to the reality?

00:04:11.099 --> 00:04:12.620
 As we look at this passage,

00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:15.120
 let that question just sink in the back of your mind

00:04:15.120 --> 00:04:17.160
 as we reflect on the miracle

00:04:17.160 --> 00:04:20.060
 as both a sign of what Jesus has come to do

00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:20.780
 and who he is,

00:04:21.340 --> 00:04:24.340
 and a warning to all who reject him

00:04:24.340 --> 00:04:25.540
 as the light of the world.

00:04:25.540 --> 00:04:28.000
 So firstly, this miracle is a sign.

00:04:28.760 --> 00:04:30.060
 We're introduced to the blind man

00:04:30.060 --> 00:04:32.040
 at the very beginning of this passage.

00:04:32.840 --> 00:04:34.960
 And whilst it is clear that this man

00:04:34.960 --> 00:04:37.580
 was not born blind because of his own sin

00:04:37.580 --> 00:04:38.900
 or because of his parents' sin,

00:04:39.460 --> 00:04:42.420
 it should be understood that he is blind still

00:04:42.420 --> 00:04:44.840
 because of sin's impact on the world

00:04:44.840 --> 00:04:45.920
 and on his life.

00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:49.480
 He is still born under the power and the reign of sin

00:04:49.480 --> 00:04:52.460
 as we all are born under the reign and power of sin.

00:04:52.459 --> 00:04:55.639
 You see, God made human beings with eyes

00:04:55.639 --> 00:04:57.060
 that should work.

00:04:57.739 --> 00:04:58.939
 He didn't make us to be blind,

00:04:59.019 --> 00:05:00.039
 but to be able to see.

00:05:01.899 --> 00:05:02.819
 And so we should understand

00:05:02.819 --> 00:05:04.759
 that God didn't make him to be blind,

00:05:04.839 --> 00:05:06.319
 but Jesus says in response,

00:05:06.479 --> 00:05:08.219
 this happens so the works of God

00:05:08.219 --> 00:05:09.699
 might be displayed in him.

00:05:10.339 --> 00:05:11.699
 It's in light of the fact that

00:05:11.699 --> 00:05:13.699
 while sin still affects our world

00:05:13.699 --> 00:05:15.519
 and still corrupts our world,

00:05:16.319 --> 00:05:18.979
 sin is not outside of God's control.

00:05:18.980 --> 00:05:22.840
 that God is not powerless in the face of sin.

00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:25.020
 Indeed, he will go on to show his power

00:05:25.020 --> 00:05:27.340
 by reversing the effects of sin

00:05:27.340 --> 00:05:28.939
 and in this specific case,

00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:30.840
 by reversing this man's blindness

00:05:30.840 --> 00:05:31.980
 and giving him sight.

00:05:32.640 --> 00:05:35.200
 For as Jesus says of himself in verse 5,

00:05:35.360 --> 00:05:37.060
 I am the light of the world.

00:05:38.939 --> 00:05:40.000
 Jesus then makes mud,

00:05:40.200 --> 00:05:41.400
 puts on the beggar's eyes

00:05:41.400 --> 00:05:42.740
 and tells him to wash it off.

00:05:43.140 --> 00:05:44.660
 When the beggar does this,

00:05:44.700 --> 00:05:45.879
 he comes back seen.

00:05:45.879 --> 00:05:48.819
 What takes place before us

00:05:48.819 --> 00:05:51.819
 is truly an incredible miracle.

00:05:52.560 --> 00:05:55.379
 Indeed, it's truly the work of God.

00:05:56.060 --> 00:05:57.639
 It's not the work of a magician

00:05:57.639 --> 00:05:59.459
 or a witch,

00:06:00.259 --> 00:06:01.740
 nor is it a trick.

00:06:02.579 --> 00:06:05.399
 Jesus here is doing the work of God,

00:06:05.480 --> 00:06:08.579
 which is to overturn the power of sin and death

00:06:08.579 --> 00:06:12.040
 and usher in the kingdom of life and life,

00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:13.579
 the kingdom of God.

00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:15.959
 This man has spent all his life

00:06:15.959 --> 00:06:17.699
 living under the power of sin

00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:19.939
 and he has felt it quite acutely.

00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:21.159
 Now, as I said,

00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:22.859
 we all lived under the power of sin,

00:06:22.879 --> 00:06:24.359
 but this man was born blind.

00:06:24.479 --> 00:06:27.319
 He has felt it very sharply all his life.

00:06:27.599 --> 00:06:31.240
 He directly experienced the corrupt work of sin

00:06:31.240 --> 00:06:32.439
 on his own body,

00:06:32.539 --> 00:06:35.139
 but also that sin robbed him

00:06:35.139 --> 00:06:36.719
 of the ability to worship.

00:06:37.419 --> 00:06:38.579
 He was a blind beggar.

00:06:38.579 --> 00:06:40.539
 All he had to do

00:06:40.539 --> 00:06:41.779
 and look forward to in life

00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:42.719
 was to wake up,

00:06:43.180 --> 00:06:44.300
 sit on the side of the road

00:06:44.300 --> 00:06:45.859
 and beg for his living.

00:06:46.899 --> 00:06:48.459
 Beg that people would give him food

00:06:48.459 --> 00:06:49.219
 and money

00:06:49.219 --> 00:06:51.139
 so he could get what he needed to live.

00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:54.279
 As we saw in verse 2 as well,

00:06:54.740 --> 00:06:55.699
 most Jews thought

00:06:55.699 --> 00:06:57.019
 that if you were born blind,

00:06:57.120 --> 00:06:58.639
 you must have sinned

00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:00.319
 or your parents must have sinned.

00:07:00.459 --> 00:07:01.740
 Therefore, he wasn't welcome

00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:03.339
 into the temple to worship God.

00:07:04.139 --> 00:07:06.159
 This man's state of affairs

00:07:06.160 --> 00:07:07.860
 in being born blind

00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:08.939
 meant that he was robbed

00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:11.080
 of the opportunity to worship,

00:07:11.620 --> 00:07:13.620
 to be part of God's people.

00:07:14.900 --> 00:07:16.780
 And so what Jesus does

00:07:16.780 --> 00:07:19.100
 in restoring his sight

00:07:19.100 --> 00:07:23.800
 is overturn the effects of sin in his life.

00:07:24.740 --> 00:07:26.420
 Literally, open his eyes

00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:28.780
 to see the God of heaven and earth

00:07:28.780 --> 00:07:30.600
 who calls him to worship.

00:07:30.960 --> 00:07:32.140
 Jesus frees him

00:07:32.140 --> 00:07:33.600
 and gives him rest

00:07:33.600 --> 00:07:35.280
 from his suffering.

00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:37.260
 This miracle

00:07:37.260 --> 00:07:39.420
 is a beautiful sign

00:07:39.420 --> 00:07:41.020
 because it points towards

00:07:41.020 --> 00:07:43.060
 a time when this work of God

00:07:43.060 --> 00:07:44.060
 will be fulfilled

00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:46.060
 on a much greater scale.

00:07:46.600 --> 00:07:48.320
 On a small scale here,

00:07:48.440 --> 00:07:50.320
 Jesus overturns the power of sin

00:07:50.320 --> 00:07:51.380
 for this blind man

00:07:51.380 --> 00:07:52.960
 by giving him his sight back.

00:07:53.840 --> 00:07:55.680
 But this sign anticipates a time

00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:56.900
 when Jesus will overturn

00:07:56.900 --> 00:07:58.660
 the power of sin and death

00:07:58.660 --> 00:07:59.860
 for all people

00:07:59.860 --> 00:08:01.340
 through his own death

00:08:01.340 --> 00:08:02.200
 and resurrection.

00:08:02.680 --> 00:08:03.400
 We look forward

00:08:03.400 --> 00:08:04.800
 not only to our eyes

00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:05.480
 being redeemed,

00:08:05.579 --> 00:08:06.639
 but our whole bodies

00:08:06.639 --> 00:08:08.240
 being redeemed as well.

00:08:09.740 --> 00:08:11.060
 When they'll be made new,

00:08:11.220 --> 00:08:12.439
 no longer to suffer

00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:13.840
 from pain that comes

00:08:13.840 --> 00:08:14.600
 from sickness,

00:08:15.259 --> 00:08:16.360
 from chronic illness,

00:08:16.480 --> 00:08:17.060
 from disability,

00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:18.139
 from mental illness.

00:08:18.139 --> 00:08:19.500
 We'll be free

00:08:19.500 --> 00:08:20.960
 from such pain

00:08:20.960 --> 00:08:22.100
 because of what Jesus

00:08:22.100 --> 00:08:22.680
 has done

00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:24.740
 in redeeming our bodies.

00:08:25.900 --> 00:08:26.840
 But this is not merely

00:08:26.840 --> 00:08:28.100
 a physical healing

00:08:28.100 --> 00:08:29.040
 that we look forward to

00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.280
 as we see in this passage.

00:08:30.279 --> 00:08:31.639
 For Jesus will heal

00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:32.419
 this blind man

00:08:32.419 --> 00:08:33.399
 a second time

00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:34.620
 of his blindness

00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:36.059
 to make a point

00:08:36.059 --> 00:08:36.959
 that he has not only

00:08:36.959 --> 00:08:37.899
 come to redeem

00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:38.480
 our bodies

00:08:38.480 --> 00:08:39.419
 from the power of sin,

00:08:39.579 --> 00:08:40.980
 but also to redeem

00:08:40.980 --> 00:08:42.539
 our spiritual sight

00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:43.959
 from the tight grasp

00:08:43.959 --> 00:08:45.620
 of sin as well.

00:08:46.959 --> 00:08:48.199
 For the power of sin

00:08:48.199 --> 00:08:50.379
 has robbed us,

00:08:50.959 --> 00:08:51.779
 or robbed God,

00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:52.379
 the worship

00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:53.500
 that is due to him

00:08:53.500 --> 00:08:54.379
 and robbed us

00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:55.199
 the ability to do

00:08:55.199 --> 00:08:56.459
 what we were created to do

00:08:56.460 --> 00:08:58.080
 and to worship him.

00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:00.440
 Blinding us to serve

00:09:00.440 --> 00:09:01.100
 and worship

00:09:01.100 --> 00:09:02.780
 created things instead

00:09:02.780 --> 00:09:04.700
 rather than the creator himself.

00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:06.940
 And so Jesus will not settle

00:09:06.940 --> 00:09:09.080
 for simply opening

00:09:09.080 --> 00:09:10.080
 our physical eyes.

00:09:10.200 --> 00:09:11.340
 He will also open

00:09:11.340 --> 00:09:12.500
 our spiritual eyes

00:09:12.500 --> 00:09:13.360
 as he does here

00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:14.560
 for this blind man.

00:09:15.500 --> 00:09:16.560
 And so in verse 35

00:09:16.560 --> 00:09:17.340
 he says to him,

00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:19.400
 Do you believe

00:09:19.400 --> 00:09:20.259
 in the Son of Man?

00:09:20.900 --> 00:09:21.900
 Who is he, sir,

00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:23.480
 that I might believe

00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:24.180
 in him?

00:09:24.800 --> 00:09:25.540
 And Jesus said,

00:09:25.539 --> 00:09:26.899
 You have now seen him.

00:09:27.299 --> 00:09:27.860
 In fact,

00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:29.019
 he is the one

00:09:29.019 --> 00:09:29.980
 speaking with you.

00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:31.319
 Then the man said,

00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:31.839
 Lord,

00:09:32.719 --> 00:09:33.559
 I believe.

00:09:34.299 --> 00:09:35.579
 And he worshipped him.

00:09:37.099 --> 00:09:38.279
 The work of God

00:09:38.279 --> 00:09:39.639
 would not be complete

00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:40.899
 in this man's life

00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:42.719
 if it did not result

00:09:42.719 --> 00:09:43.679
 in believing

00:09:43.679 --> 00:09:45.319
 and worshipping Jesus.

00:09:46.179 --> 00:09:46.879
 The redemption

00:09:46.879 --> 00:09:48.079
 of our physical bodies

00:09:48.079 --> 00:09:49.459
 that we look forward to

00:09:49.459 --> 00:09:50.779
 includes the full

00:09:50.779 --> 00:09:52.179
 reorientation

00:09:52.179 --> 00:09:53.240
 of our heart

00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:54.000
 and our soul

00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:54.639
 to love

00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:55.700
 and to worship God

00:09:55.700 --> 00:09:56.500
 for all eternity

00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:57.820
 that we would clearly see

00:09:57.820 --> 00:09:59.740
 untainted by the power

00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:00.220
 of sin

00:10:00.220 --> 00:10:00.919
 the world

00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:02.259
 as God may it to be

00:10:02.259 --> 00:10:03.259
 with the purpose

00:10:03.259 --> 00:10:04.759
 of worshipping God

00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:05.519
 as we live in it.

00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:07.059
 For our bodies

00:10:07.059 --> 00:10:08.480
 are not our own.

00:10:09.919 --> 00:10:10.779
 We exist

00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:11.779
 in a world today

00:10:11.779 --> 00:10:14.580
 where people's gods

00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:15.899
 are their stomachs.

00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:18.039
 A world that wants

00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:18.919
 to consume

00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:20.179
 more and more

00:10:20.179 --> 00:10:20.779
 and more

00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:21.919
 whatever catches

00:10:21.919 --> 00:10:22.579
 their eye.

00:10:23.500 --> 00:10:24.199
 For so many

00:10:24.199 --> 00:10:24.939
 their body

00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:26.620
 is theirs

00:10:26.620 --> 00:10:27.139
 to do whatever

00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:27.860
 they wish with.

00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:29.360
 It's politically

00:10:29.360 --> 00:10:30.639
 incorrect to tell someone

00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:31.720
 you can't do that

00:10:31.720 --> 00:10:32.279
 with your body.

00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:33.939
 People will say

00:10:33.939 --> 00:10:34.399
 in response

00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:35.059
 I can do whatever

00:10:35.059 --> 00:10:35.500
 I want

00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:36.720
 with my body.

00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:38.240
 I can sleep

00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:38.899
 with whoever I want.

00:10:39.159 --> 00:10:40.139
 I can eat and drink

00:10:40.139 --> 00:10:40.799
 whatever I want.

00:10:41.019 --> 00:10:41.759
 I can do whatever

00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:42.220
 I want

00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:43.079
 with my body.

00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:43.679
 It's my body.

00:10:43.679 --> 00:10:47.679
 But as Romans 12

00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:48.319
 1 says

00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:48.979
 our bodies

00:10:48.979 --> 00:10:51.399
 are living sacrifices

00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:53.839
 holy and pleasing

00:10:53.839 --> 00:10:54.299
 to God

00:10:54.299 --> 00:10:55.079
 as our act

00:10:55.079 --> 00:10:55.919
 of worship.

00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.359
 They are redeemed

00:10:58.359 --> 00:10:59.019
 by God

00:10:59.019 --> 00:10:59.839
 to serve

00:10:59.839 --> 00:11:00.839
 and to worship

00:11:00.839 --> 00:11:01.279
 him.

00:11:02.419 --> 00:11:02.719
 Jesus

00:11:02.719 --> 00:11:03.799
 has come

00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:04.599
 not merely

00:11:04.599 --> 00:11:05.879
 to redeem

00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:06.799
 our bodies

00:11:06.799 --> 00:11:08.059
 and make everything

00:11:08.059 --> 00:11:09.240
 pain free for us.

00:11:09.359 --> 00:11:09.979
 Indeed the whole

00:11:09.979 --> 00:11:10.879
 point of this miracle

00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:12.259
 is so much more

00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:12.579
 than that.

00:11:12.580 --> 00:11:13.259
 he has come

00:11:13.259 --> 00:11:14.320
 to restore

00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:15.440
 the whole person

00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:17.440
 both his physical body

00:11:17.440 --> 00:11:19.100
 and his spiritual sight

00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:20.420
 in order that we might

00:11:20.420 --> 00:11:21.680
 use our bodies

00:11:21.680 --> 00:11:22.100
 well

00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:23.420
 to worship him.

00:11:26.400 --> 00:11:27.200
 That is

00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:28.740
 all about him

00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:29.940
 worshipping

00:11:29.940 --> 00:11:31.120
 him.

00:11:32.139 --> 00:11:32.680
 This world

00:11:32.680 --> 00:11:33.180
 this life

00:11:33.180 --> 00:11:34.420
 exists for his glory

00:11:34.420 --> 00:11:36.220
 and as we align

00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.140
 with that purpose

00:11:37.140 --> 00:11:38.180
 as we see clearly

00:11:38.180 --> 00:11:39.060
 that purpose

00:11:39.060 --> 00:11:40.520
 we can do that

00:11:40.520 --> 00:11:41.120
 for our joy

00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:41.660
 as well then

00:11:41.659 --> 00:11:42.579
 as we live

00:11:42.579 --> 00:11:43.139
 in this world

00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:43.719
 that is his.

00:11:44.899 --> 00:11:45.719
 This is what

00:11:45.719 --> 00:11:46.459
 Jesus has come

00:11:46.459 --> 00:11:46.919
 to do.

00:11:47.319 --> 00:11:48.639
 This is the beauty

00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:49.360
 of the sign

00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:49.839
 that we see

00:11:49.839 --> 00:11:50.959
 here in John 9.

00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:53.699
 And so we

00:11:53.699 --> 00:11:54.279
 who are aware

00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:55.399
 that like the blind man

00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:56.379
 we need our own

00:11:56.379 --> 00:11:57.120
 sight restored

00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:57.639
 we can

00:11:57.639 --> 00:11:59.000
 have hope

00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:00.579
 that we will

00:12:00.579 --> 00:12:01.459
 see things clearly

00:12:01.459 --> 00:12:02.819
 and worship.

00:12:04.839 --> 00:12:05.459
 But as mentioned

00:12:05.459 --> 00:12:05.740
 earlier

00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:06.279
 this miracle

00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:07.220
 also serves

00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:07.799
 as a warning

00:12:07.799 --> 00:12:08.819
 an indictment

00:12:08.819 --> 00:12:09.579
 upon those

00:12:09.579 --> 00:12:09.899
 who would

00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:10.319
 choose to

00:12:10.319 --> 00:12:11.019
 turn away

00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:12.919
 from the light.

00:12:13.719 --> 00:12:14.240
 And so secondly

00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:14.539
 we are going to

00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:15.139
 look at this miracle

00:12:15.139 --> 00:12:15.859
 as a warning.

00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:17.519
 So just after

00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:18.059
 the blind man

00:12:18.059 --> 00:12:18.959
 has received sight

00:12:18.959 --> 00:12:19.799
 people start

00:12:19.799 --> 00:12:20.819
 seeing him

00:12:20.819 --> 00:12:21.120
 right

00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.439
 walking the streets

00:12:22.439 --> 00:12:23.059
 this man

00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:23.639
 who was once

00:12:23.639 --> 00:12:24.240
 blind

00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:24.879
 who was once

00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:26.019
 sitting by the road

00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:26.620
 all the days

00:12:26.620 --> 00:12:27.299
 of his life

00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:28.419
 is now walking

00:12:28.419 --> 00:12:29.179
 around looking

00:12:29.179 --> 00:12:29.839
 at things

00:12:29.839 --> 00:12:31.259
 amazed by what

00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:31.659
 he sees

00:12:31.659 --> 00:12:32.379
 and people are going

00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:33.439
 is this the same

00:12:33.439 --> 00:12:33.879
 person?

00:12:34.039 --> 00:12:35.059
 What is going on here?

00:12:35.219 --> 00:12:35.939
 They ask him

00:12:35.939 --> 00:12:36.539
 what happened?

00:12:36.619 --> 00:12:37.319
 He says this guy

00:12:37.319 --> 00:12:37.939
 called Jesus

00:12:37.939 --> 00:12:39.779
 he washed my eyes

00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:41.179
 and now I can see.

00:12:42.239 --> 00:12:43.059
 And they're still

00:12:43.059 --> 00:12:43.939
 utterly confused

00:12:43.939 --> 00:12:44.759
 by what's going on

00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:45.239
 perplexed

00:12:45.239 --> 00:12:45.819
 so they bring him

00:12:45.819 --> 00:12:46.519
 to the Pharisees

00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:47.039
 the people

00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:47.659
 who know

00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:48.639
 are in the know

00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:49.319
 what's going on

00:12:49.319 --> 00:12:49.839
 in these kinds

00:12:49.839 --> 00:12:50.479
 of situations.

00:12:51.859 --> 00:12:52.279
 Now

00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:53.559
 have you ever been

00:12:53.559 --> 00:12:54.119
 in a conversation

00:12:54.119 --> 00:12:54.939
 with someone

00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:56.259
 where the conversation

00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:57.019
 just seems to be

00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:57.699
 going nowhere?

00:12:58.479 --> 00:12:59.039
 You're trying to

00:12:59.039 --> 00:12:59.799
 get a point across

00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:00.159
 you're trying to

00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:00.799
 explain something

00:13:00.799 --> 00:13:01.279
 to them

00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:02.159
 you're trying to

00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:02.899
 help understand

00:13:02.899 --> 00:13:03.379
 something

00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:04.359
 but it's just

00:13:04.359 --> 00:13:05.039
 not getting through

00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:06.399
 and you think

00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:07.219
 this is just

00:13:07.219 --> 00:13:08.179
 going absolutely

00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:08.620
 nowhere.

00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:10.019
 I used to work

00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:10.599
 for an office

00:13:10.599 --> 00:13:11.199
 store about

00:13:11.199 --> 00:13:11.919
 a few years ago

00:13:11.919 --> 00:13:12.419
 I used to manage

00:13:12.419 --> 00:13:13.039
 a store in

00:13:13.039 --> 00:13:13.879
 the Hills District

00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:15.059
 and I remember

00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:15.819
 a customer coming

00:13:15.819 --> 00:13:16.620
 in one time

00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:17.620
 and he came up

00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:18.579
 to our little kiosk

00:13:18.579 --> 00:13:19.259
 and I was there

00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:20.079
 and he said to me

00:13:20.079 --> 00:13:20.620
 now

00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:22.399
 I'm looking for

00:13:22.399 --> 00:13:23.179
 an iTablet

00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:24.799
 and that moment

00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:25.240
 I'm thinking

00:13:25.240 --> 00:13:26.199
 I have no idea

00:13:26.199 --> 00:13:26.919
 what an iTablet is

00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:27.500
 but before I could

00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:28.519
 ask him to clarify

00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:29.039
 do you mean

00:13:29.039 --> 00:13:29.399
 iPad?

00:13:29.719 --> 00:13:30.240
 Do you mean

00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:31.699
 a Samsung Galaxy

00:13:31.699 --> 00:13:32.079
 tablet?

00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:32.719
 Do you mean

00:13:32.719 --> 00:13:33.379
 this or that?

00:13:33.679 --> 00:13:34.279
 He says now

00:13:34.279 --> 00:13:34.939
 don't tell me

00:13:34.939 --> 00:13:35.639
 it doesn't exist

00:13:35.639 --> 00:13:37.139
 I know it exists

00:13:37.139 --> 00:13:38.240
 now Apple

00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:38.860
 didn't make it

00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:39.579
 and it's not an iPad

00:13:39.579 --> 00:13:41.319
 I want an iTablet

00:13:41.319 --> 00:13:41.639
 and you're going

00:13:41.639 --> 00:13:42.259
 to give it to me

00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:44.179
 and from there

00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:45.279
 we had this conversation

00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:45.819
 where I was trying

00:13:45.819 --> 00:13:46.620
 to convince him

00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:47.620
 perhaps he may

00:13:47.620 --> 00:13:48.220
 have made a mistake

00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:49.559
 perhaps there's no such thing

00:13:49.559 --> 00:13:50.159
 as an iTablet

00:13:50.159 --> 00:13:50.720
 and you actually

00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:51.139
 are thinking

00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:51.679
 of an iPad

00:13:51.679 --> 00:13:53.419
 and back and forth

00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:53.839
 we went

00:13:53.839 --> 00:13:54.699
 he kept telling me

00:13:54.699 --> 00:13:55.639
 no you're wrong

00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.259
 I'm right

00:13:56.259 --> 00:13:57.439
 I know there's such

00:13:57.439 --> 00:13:58.419
 thing as an iTablet

00:13:58.419 --> 00:13:59.220
 and I want it

00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:00.240
 and I'm sitting there

00:14:00.240 --> 00:14:00.759
 on my computer

00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:02.000
 googling iTablet

00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:02.899
 trying to show him

00:14:02.899 --> 00:14:04.980
 look iTablet there

00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:05.940
 and everything else

00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:07.299
 that kept coming out

00:14:07.299 --> 00:14:07.899
 was just

00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:08.500
 iPad

00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:09.320
 iPad

00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:10.039
 iPad

00:14:10.039 --> 00:14:10.539
 iPad

00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:11.740
 so I'm thinking

00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:12.879
 come on man

00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:13.559
 surely you see

00:14:13.559 --> 00:14:14.259
 that you're wrong here

00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:15.240
 but he was adamant

00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:16.779
 he was adamant

00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:17.600
 that it existed

00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:18.279
 he went away

00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:19.159
 upset at me

00:14:19.159 --> 00:14:20.220
 and I went away

00:14:20.220 --> 00:14:20.980
 just confused

00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:22.659
 it just went nowhere

00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:23.960
 and I feel like

00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:24.840
 that's what's going on here

00:14:24.840 --> 00:14:25.639
 with the Pharisees

00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:26.399
 this conversation

00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:26.960
 this dialogue

00:14:26.960 --> 00:14:27.399
 they have

00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:28.259
 with the blind man

00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:29.320
 the formerly blind man

00:14:29.320 --> 00:14:30.420
 just goes nowhere

00:14:30.420 --> 00:14:31.780
 doesn't seem to be

00:14:31.780 --> 00:14:32.440
 going anywhere

00:14:32.440 --> 00:14:33.840
 and it leaves us

00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:34.540
 perplexed

00:14:34.540 --> 00:14:35.080
 as well as the

00:14:35.080 --> 00:14:36.020
 formerly blind man

00:14:36.020 --> 00:14:37.440
 and confused

00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:38.280
 and we kind of laugh

00:14:38.280 --> 00:14:39.100
 and think it's a bit silly

00:14:39.100 --> 00:14:40.840
 but it's also

00:14:40.840 --> 00:14:41.600
 quite telling

00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.780
 as to

00:14:42.780 --> 00:14:44.800
 the power of sin

00:14:44.800 --> 00:14:46.720
 how it's so

00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:47.420
 tight

00:14:47.420 --> 00:14:49.060
 around our sight

00:14:49.060 --> 00:14:51.260
 in verse 15

00:14:51.260 --> 00:14:51.560
 it says

00:14:51.560 --> 00:14:52.100
 the Pharisees

00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:52.760
 asked again

00:14:52.760 --> 00:14:53.360
 me and they've

00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:54.260
 already heard once

00:14:54.260 --> 00:14:54.900
 what has happened

00:14:54.900 --> 00:14:55.900
 they don't want to

00:14:55.900 --> 00:14:56.420
 hear it again

00:14:56.420 --> 00:14:57.320
 from the blind man

00:14:57.320 --> 00:14:58.480
 he answers them

00:14:58.480 --> 00:14:58.980
 by saying

00:14:58.980 --> 00:14:59.680
 he put mud

00:14:59.680 --> 00:15:00.399
 on my eyes

00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:01.180
 the man replied

00:15:01.180 --> 00:15:02.259
 and I washed

00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:03.560
 and now I see

00:15:03.560 --> 00:15:05.240
 explanations

00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:06.080
 don't get much

00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:06.960
 clearer than that

00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:08.460
 simpler than that

00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:10.019
 and so anyone

00:15:10.019 --> 00:15:10.580
 there would be like

00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:11.039
 yep that's

00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:11.659
 what happened

00:15:11.659 --> 00:15:12.440
 yep you were once

00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:13.139
 blind I know that

00:15:13.139 --> 00:15:13.779
 I saw you begging

00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.940
 and now you can see

00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:15.759
 that's quite obvious

00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:16.680
 you're looking at us

00:15:16.680 --> 00:15:17.720
 you're walking around

00:15:17.720 --> 00:15:18.680
 you know what's going on

00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:20.259
 but instead of being

00:15:20.259 --> 00:15:21.720
 amazed at what took place

00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:23.460
 they began to judge

00:15:23.460 --> 00:15:24.920
 what Jesus did

00:15:24.920 --> 00:15:25.560
 and how he did it

00:15:25.560 --> 00:15:26.420
 and why he did it

00:15:26.420 --> 00:15:28.100
 and they questioned him

00:15:28.100 --> 00:15:28.920
 in a number of ways

00:15:28.920 --> 00:15:29.360
 the validity

00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:30.240
 of what happened

00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:31.580
 they were firstly

00:15:31.580 --> 00:15:32.639
 concerned by the fact

00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.620
 that he performed

00:15:33.620 --> 00:15:34.340
 a miracle

00:15:34.340 --> 00:15:35.460
 on the Sabbath day

00:15:35.460 --> 00:15:36.240
 a day in which

00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:36.860
 you should not

00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:37.879
 perform any work

00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:39.300
 and so they said

00:15:39.300 --> 00:15:40.399
 well this man

00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:41.240
 can't be from God

00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:41.899
 he does not keep

00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:42.300
 the Sabbath

00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:43.700
 then they began

00:15:43.700 --> 00:15:44.620
 to doubt the credibility

00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:45.759
 of the man's story

00:15:45.759 --> 00:15:46.879
 of being born blind

00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:47.779
 so they brought

00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:48.680
 in his parents

00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:50.100
 and they asked them

00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:51.220
 was this your son

00:15:51.220 --> 00:15:52.180
 was he born blind

00:15:52.180 --> 00:15:53.240
 and they said

00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:54.220
 yes of course he is

00:15:54.220 --> 00:15:54.820
 don't ask us

00:15:54.820 --> 00:15:55.360
 ask him

00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.840
 then they even

00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:58.659
 tried to manipulate him

00:15:58.659 --> 00:16:00.139
 put words in his mouth

00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:00.759
 by saying

00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:02.440
 give glory to God

00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:04.340
 we know this man's a sinner

00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:05.940
 it's almost as if

00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:07.060
 they're trying to coerce him

00:16:07.060 --> 00:16:07.600
 to say

00:16:07.600 --> 00:16:09.360
 what they want him to say

00:16:09.360 --> 00:16:11.800
 and we sit here

00:16:11.800 --> 00:16:12.100
 and go

00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:13.860
 don't you get it

00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:15.419
 can't you see

00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:17.820
 how amazing this is

00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:19.080
 he was blind

00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:21.039
 born blind

00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:23.019
 and now he sees

00:16:23.019 --> 00:16:24.939
 how do you not see

00:16:24.939 --> 00:16:27.960
 they fail to perceive

00:16:27.960 --> 00:16:28.860
 what has happened here

00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:29.699
 because they refuse

00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:31.139
 to look closely

00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:32.819
 they refuse to look

00:16:32.819 --> 00:16:33.860
 because they believe

00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:34.860
 they already see

00:16:34.860 --> 00:16:35.539
 things clearly

00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:37.240
 for them

00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.419
 Jesus is just

00:16:38.419 --> 00:16:38.960
 an anomaly

00:16:38.960 --> 00:16:39.659
 something that doesn't

00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:41.100
 fit into their

00:16:41.100 --> 00:16:41.620
 perception

00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.799
 and view of things

00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:44.000
 it's far too

00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:45.000
 confronting for them

00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:45.860
 to even consider

00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:47.639
 what it all might mean

00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:48.819
 it's far easier

00:16:48.819 --> 00:16:50.220
 for them to pick up

00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:50.720
 and judge

00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:51.639
 anything that is

00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:52.340
 inconsistent

00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:53.060
 to the way

00:16:53.060 --> 00:16:53.560
 they see

00:16:53.560 --> 00:16:54.120
 things are

00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:55.379
 they believe

00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:56.259
 they see clearly

00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:57.660
 but in reality

00:16:57.660 --> 00:16:59.160
 they are the ones

00:16:59.160 --> 00:17:00.639
 who just want to see

00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.040
 what

00:17:01.040 --> 00:17:02.460
 they want to see

00:17:02.460 --> 00:17:04.200
 and they refuse

00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:04.759
 to look

00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:06.100
 at what's truly

00:17:06.100 --> 00:17:06.819
 obviously

00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:07.740
 in front of them

00:17:07.740 --> 00:17:10.039
 the formerly blind man

00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:10.920
 is perplexed as well

00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:11.940
 he can't believe

00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:13.180
 they don't understand

00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:13.920
 and when the Pharisees

00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:14.360
 tell him

00:17:14.360 --> 00:17:14.840
 it's because

00:17:14.840 --> 00:17:15.579
 that we don't know

00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:16.500
 who this man is

00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:17.519
 and where he comes from

00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.779
 he replies

00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:20.000
 with this amazing response

00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.500
 he says

00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:21.480
 now that

00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.200
 is remarkable

00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:23.839
 you don't know

00:17:23.839 --> 00:17:24.660
 where he comes from

00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.880
 yet he opened my eyes

00:17:25.880 --> 00:17:27.620
 we know that God

00:17:27.620 --> 00:17:28.700
 does not listen to sinners

00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:29.880
 he listens

00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:31.319
 to the godly person

00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:32.940
 who does his will

00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:35.420
 nobody has ever heard

00:17:35.420 --> 00:17:36.360
 or opened the eyes

00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:37.360
 of a man born blind

00:17:37.360 --> 00:17:38.120
 if this man

00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:38.860
 were not from God

00:17:38.860 --> 00:17:39.819
 he could do nothing

00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.920
 these are things

00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:42.779
 the Pharisees

00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.319
 should have known

00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:45.319
 obvious

00:17:45.319 --> 00:17:46.980
 to a man born blind

00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:47.839
 who has never read

00:17:47.839 --> 00:17:48.720
 any scripture

00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.319
 in his life

00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:49.960
 who has never been

00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:50.519
 in the temple

00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:51.600
 and yet it's obvious

00:17:51.600 --> 00:17:52.140
 to him

00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:52.740
 what has happened

00:17:52.740 --> 00:17:53.019
 to you

00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:53.819
 and who this man

00:17:53.819 --> 00:17:55.180
 might possibly be

00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:59.059
 the man who was born blind

00:17:59.059 --> 00:18:00.120
 shows that he's got

00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:00.740
 a clearer

00:18:00.740 --> 00:18:01.740
 and sharper vision

00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:03.220
 than the Pharisees

00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.180
 who should be able

00:18:04.180 --> 00:18:04.900
 to see clearly

00:18:04.900 --> 00:18:07.259
 the Pharisees

00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:08.640
 response to this statement

00:18:08.640 --> 00:18:10.420
 characterizes the depth

00:18:10.420 --> 00:18:12.700
 of how tight

00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:13.759
 sin's grip

00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.360
 can be

00:18:14.360 --> 00:18:15.519
 on our sight

00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.859
 as they say

00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:17.319
 to him

00:18:17.319 --> 00:18:18.539
 you were steeped

00:18:18.539 --> 00:18:19.420
 in sin at birth

00:18:19.420 --> 00:18:20.160
 how dare you

00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:20.819
 lecture us

00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:22.480
 and they threw him out

00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:25.019
 at the heart

00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.500
 of the issue

00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:28.200
 is their pride

00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:30.200
 their unwilliness

00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:31.879
 to let go

00:18:31.879 --> 00:18:33.079
 and to simply admit

00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:34.940
 no we don't see properly

00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:36.160
 we don't understand

00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:36.819
 what's going on

00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:37.599
 maybe we should look

00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.200
 into this

00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:40.839
 when it's plainly

00:18:40.839 --> 00:18:41.720
 explained to them

00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.839
 not only what happened

00:18:42.839 --> 00:18:44.240
 but what it all might mean

00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.059
 they refuse

00:18:45.059 --> 00:18:46.279
 to look closely

00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:50.220
 sin is so

00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:51.519
 planted itself deep

00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.799
 in the heart

00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:53.659
 of the Pharisees

00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:54.919
 that they are convinced

00:18:54.919 --> 00:18:56.819
 they see things clearly

00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:57.839
 they are convinced

00:18:57.839 --> 00:18:59.099
 they know what's going on

00:18:59.099 --> 00:18:59.799
 when in fact

00:18:59.799 --> 00:19:00.359
 they don't

00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:02.419
 you can have all the knowledge

00:19:02.419 --> 00:19:03.379
 in the world

00:19:03.379 --> 00:19:05.099
 you can be known

00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:05.859
 as the wisest

00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:07.220
 the smartest person

00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:08.259
 you can be seen

00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:08.699
 as someone

00:19:08.699 --> 00:19:10.139
 who sees things clearly

00:19:10.139 --> 00:19:11.079
 who's self-aware

00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:12.500
 and yet you still

00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.240
 could be blind

00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:15.439
 as there are many

00:19:15.439 --> 00:19:16.279
 many people today

00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:18.240
 who are smart

00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:20.720
 who are self-aware

00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:22.059
 who we give awards to

00:19:22.059 --> 00:19:23.439
 for being smart

00:19:23.439 --> 00:19:24.539
 and yet they are

00:19:24.539 --> 00:19:26.000
 blind spiritually

00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:27.759
 blind to what is

00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.419
 the real purpose

00:19:28.419 --> 00:19:29.139
 of this world

00:19:29.139 --> 00:19:30.779
 blind to their God

00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:31.439
 and their creator

00:19:31.439 --> 00:19:35.099
 the Pharisees

00:19:35.099 --> 00:19:35.599
 were the people

00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:36.139
 who were supposed

00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:37.000
 to see clearly

00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:38.199
 but they didn't

00:19:38.199 --> 00:19:39.220
 they were blind

00:19:39.220 --> 00:19:40.779
 the irony as well

00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:41.940
 is that they would

00:19:41.940 --> 00:19:42.920
 have this formerly

00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:43.680
 blind man

00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.539
 give glory

00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.539
 to God

00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:47.339
 by declaring Jesus

00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:48.399
 who is God

00:19:48.399 --> 00:19:49.519
 a sinner

00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:51.539
 that just shows

00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:52.160
 the depth

00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:53.740
 of their blindness

00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:56.119
 and how tight

00:19:56.119 --> 00:19:57.259
 sin's grip is

00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:57.819
 over them

00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:59.359
 all because

00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:00.119
 of their pride

00:20:00.119 --> 00:20:00.639
 all because

00:20:00.639 --> 00:20:01.299
 they refuse

00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.319
 to look closely

00:20:02.319 --> 00:20:03.440
 at what has happened

00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:03.799
 here

00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:04.920
 believing that the way

00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:06.299
 they see things

00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:06.759
 is enough

00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:09.599
 there are those

00:20:09.599 --> 00:20:10.619
 who ridicule Christianity

00:20:10.619 --> 00:20:11.259
 and the Bible

00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:11.859
 believing

00:20:11.859 --> 00:20:13.079
 they see things

00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:13.460
 clearer

00:20:13.460 --> 00:20:14.220
 than those

00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:14.740
 who would devote

00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:15.279
 themselves

00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:16.579
 to the teachings

00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:18.180
 that are so archaic

00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:19.160
 and so backwards

00:20:19.160 --> 00:20:20.440
 all the while

00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:21.519
 not realising

00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:22.720
 the power

00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.680
 of sin

00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:25.119
 has over them

00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:26.660
 and how it's corrupted

00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:27.619
 and distorted

00:20:27.619 --> 00:20:28.220
 their vision

00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:29.960
 if only people

00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:30.720
 would just look

00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.379
 closer

00:20:31.380 --> 00:20:33.460
 and not be so

00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:33.860
 narrow

00:20:33.860 --> 00:20:34.540
 at the one

00:20:34.540 --> 00:20:35.180
 who is the light

00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:35.620
 of the world

00:20:35.620 --> 00:20:36.480
 maybe they would

00:20:36.480 --> 00:20:37.260
 understand

00:20:37.260 --> 00:20:39.160
 to realise

00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:40.300
 that as human beings

00:20:40.300 --> 00:20:42.060
 deeply affected

00:20:42.060 --> 00:20:42.660
 by sin

00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:43.580
 there is no hope

00:20:43.580 --> 00:20:44.180
 in ourselves

00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:44.940
 to overturn

00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.580
 those effects

00:20:45.580 --> 00:20:46.320
 there's no hope

00:20:46.320 --> 00:20:46.840
 in ourselves

00:20:46.840 --> 00:20:47.380
 to overturn

00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:47.900
 the power

00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:48.340
 of sin

00:20:48.340 --> 00:20:49.860
 only in Jesus

00:20:49.860 --> 00:20:50.900
 who is the light

00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:51.320
 of the world

00:20:51.320 --> 00:20:52.000
 who can bring

00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:52.840
 sight to the blind

00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:53.700
 is there hope

00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:54.720
 for us

00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:55.940
 to see clearly

00:20:55.940 --> 00:20:57.780
 for those

00:20:57.780 --> 00:20:58.540
 who remain blind

00:20:58.540 --> 00:20:59.380
 who in their

00:20:59.380 --> 00:21:00.720
 stubborn arrogance

00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:02.779
 choose to not

00:21:02.779 --> 00:21:03.480
 look closely

00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.460
 this miracle

00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:05.660
 this wonderful miracle

00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:06.819
 we have before us

00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:08.980
 that would encourage us

00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.799
 that gives us hope

00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:10.660
 for us who see

00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:11.880
 ends up being

00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:12.539
 a warning

00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.500
 an indictment

00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:14.120
 and a judgement

00:21:14.120 --> 00:21:14.839
 upon those

00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.460
 who refuse

00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:16.319
 to see

00:21:16.319 --> 00:21:17.980
 as Jesus says

00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.920
 in verse 39

00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:19.640
 for judgement

00:21:19.640 --> 00:21:20.259
 I have come

00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:21.100
 into this world

00:21:21.100 --> 00:21:21.839
 so the blind

00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:22.360
 will see

00:21:22.360 --> 00:21:23.600
 and those who see

00:21:23.600 --> 00:21:24.579
 will become blind

00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:26.799
 it's a scary thought

00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:29.440
 we must constantly

00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:30.339
 check ourselves

00:21:30.339 --> 00:21:32.079
 as to who

00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:32.899
 we are more like

00:21:32.899 --> 00:21:34.519
 the blind beggar

00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.740
 who knows

00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.579
 and acknowledges

00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.359
 that he does not

00:21:37.359 --> 00:21:37.959
 see clearly

00:21:37.959 --> 00:21:38.740
 he needs Jesus

00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:39.659
 to see clearly

00:21:39.659 --> 00:21:41.459
 or like the Pharisees

00:21:41.459 --> 00:21:42.099
 who believe

00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:42.919
 in their arrogance

00:21:42.919 --> 00:21:43.779
 in their pride

00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.899
 that they see

00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:45.599
 clearly

00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:46.939
 that their own sight

00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:47.639
 is sufficient

00:21:47.639 --> 00:21:49.039
 the Pharisees

00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:49.679
 are those

00:21:49.679 --> 00:21:50.639
 who have cemented

00:21:50.639 --> 00:21:51.179
 themselves

00:21:51.179 --> 00:21:52.279
 in judgement

00:21:52.279 --> 00:21:53.399
 they have been

00:21:53.399 --> 00:21:54.259
 handed over

00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.159
 as Romans 1

00:21:55.159 --> 00:21:55.699
 might put it

00:21:55.699 --> 00:21:56.720
 to their own vision

00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.899
 and to their own sights

00:21:57.899 --> 00:21:59.079
 which ironically

00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:00.000
 blinds them

00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:00.939
 to the truth

00:22:00.939 --> 00:22:01.859
 the truth

00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:02.859
 that Jesus

00:22:02.859 --> 00:22:03.319
 is the one

00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:03.740
 who has come

00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.799
 to restore our sights

00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:06.559
 who has come

00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:07.299
 to reorient

00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:07.939
 our hearts

00:22:07.939 --> 00:22:08.480
 and our minds

00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:09.039
 to worship

00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:09.960
 and to love him

00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:12.579
 each and every day

00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:13.439
 we must humbly

00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:15.080
 confess before God

00:22:15.080 --> 00:22:15.680
 and ask him

00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:16.299
 to continue

00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:17.120
 to restore

00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:18.000
 our sight

00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.500
 that we might

00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.279
 continue to

00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:20.180
 worship him

00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:21.140
 Steve mentioned

00:22:21.140 --> 00:22:21.580
 before

00:22:21.580 --> 00:22:23.059
 about New Year's

00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:24.000
 Resolution goals

00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:25.559
 about growing

00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:25.920
 in our

00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:27.160
 treasuring Jesus

00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:28.820
 diverting ourselves

00:22:28.820 --> 00:22:29.299
 to time

00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:29.920
 in the word

00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:30.820
 in the Psalms

00:22:30.820 --> 00:22:33.460
 surely that is

00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:33.779
 the goal

00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:34.460
 of our life

00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:35.140
 to worship

00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:37.340
 it's a good goal

00:22:37.340 --> 00:22:37.720
 to make

00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.360
 for your New Year's

00:22:38.360 --> 00:22:38.840
 Resolution

00:22:38.840 --> 00:22:39.759
 year after year

00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:40.299
 after year

00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:43.399
 indeed

00:22:43.399 --> 00:22:43.899
 worship

00:22:43.899 --> 00:22:44.759
 is the goal

00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.879
 worship is the goal

00:22:45.879 --> 00:22:46.480
 as we see

00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:47.399
 here in John 9

00:22:47.399 --> 00:22:48.980
 in verse 5

00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:49.779
 Jesus says again

00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.980
 he says

00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:52.220
 I've come

00:22:52.220 --> 00:22:53.220
 this man was born blind

00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:54.379
 in order that God's work

00:22:54.379 --> 00:22:55.220
 might be fulfilled

00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:55.659
 in him

00:22:55.659 --> 00:22:57.039
 and it's not until

00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.299
 we get to verse 38

00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.039
 that we see

00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:00.119
 the work fulfilled

00:23:00.119 --> 00:23:01.700
 where he responds

00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:02.359
 in belief

00:23:02.359 --> 00:23:03.519
 and in worship

00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:05.759
 the way in which

00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.259
 we can know

00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:06.879
 who we are

00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:07.659
 is to look at

00:23:07.660 --> 00:23:09.300
 who we worship

00:23:09.300 --> 00:23:10.560
 and what we worship

00:23:10.560 --> 00:23:13.019
 things

00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:14.960
 are not black and white

00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:15.800
 in this world

00:23:15.800 --> 00:23:16.740
 things in Christianity

00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.540
 are not black and white

00:23:17.540 --> 00:23:17.840
 in this world

00:23:17.840 --> 00:23:18.620
 but something that

00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:19.259
 all believers

00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.480
 all we can all know

00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.279
 is that

00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:22.360
 we are designed

00:23:22.360 --> 00:23:23.580
 and our purpose in life

00:23:23.580 --> 00:23:25.160
 when we see clearly

00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:26.279
 is to worship

00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.019
 God

00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:27.880
 and to worship

00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:28.340
 him

00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:29.120
 alone

00:23:29.120 --> 00:23:33.440
 so

00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:34.940
 will you continue

00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:36.460
 to come humbly

00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:37.579
 acknowledging

00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:38.720
 that we only

00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.440
 see clearly

00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:39.960
 when we allow

00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:41.100
 Jesus to restore

00:23:41.100 --> 00:23:41.720
 our eyes

00:23:41.720 --> 00:23:43.759
 that we can only

00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.460
 worship

00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:45.799
 our wonderful

00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:46.660
 and powerful God

00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:47.440
 when he gives

00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:48.000
 our sight

00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:48.779
 to see him

00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.240
 clearly

00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.720
 will you continue

00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:51.720
 to come to him

00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.740
 to worship

00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:54.440
 come to him

00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:55.319
 to have your eyes

00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:55.799
 restored

00:23:55.799 --> 00:23:57.079
 day in day out

00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:57.920
 that we might not

00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.740
 become tainted

00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.579
 by sin

00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:00.700
 and let sins

00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:01.539
 affect us

00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.960
 to see things

00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:04.180
 in a distorted way

00:24:04.180 --> 00:24:06.220
 let's pray

00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:10.339
 heavenly father

00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:11.240
 we thank you so much

00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:11.880
 that you're a God

00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:12.579
 who is gracious

00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:14.279
 and who is merciful

00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:16.299
 that although we were

00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.680
 blind because of sin

00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:19.440
 we lived a way

00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:20.240
 that did not honour

00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.720
 and glorify you

00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:22.360
 did not live a way

00:24:22.360 --> 00:24:23.120
 that was in line

00:24:23.120 --> 00:24:23.960
 of our purpose

00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:25.539
 we used our bodies

00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:26.140
 for sin

00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:27.339
 we thank you father

00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.259
 that through your son

00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:29.700
 and through your mercy

00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.720
 you gave us

00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:32.539
 eyes that could see

00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.600
 by your spirit

00:24:33.599 --> 00:24:35.579
 see the problem

00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:36.079
 of this world

00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:36.659
 see the problem

00:24:36.659 --> 00:24:37.139
 of sin

00:24:37.139 --> 00:24:38.500
 and the hope

00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:39.659
 that comes from

00:24:39.659 --> 00:24:40.219
 knowing you

00:24:40.219 --> 00:24:41.059
 and what you've

00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.719
 done for us

00:24:41.719 --> 00:24:42.639
 we pray Lord

00:24:42.639 --> 00:24:42.980
 that throughout

00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:43.559
 our week

00:24:43.559 --> 00:24:43.899
 and throughout

00:24:43.899 --> 00:24:44.439
 our lives

00:24:44.439 --> 00:24:45.019
 we'll continue

00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:46.099
 to always see you

00:24:46.099 --> 00:24:46.419
 clearly

00:24:46.419 --> 00:24:48.319
 because of your spirit

00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.259
 and because of your word

00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:50.219
 we pray Lord

00:24:50.219 --> 00:24:51.159
 we would be immersing

00:24:51.159 --> 00:24:51.839
 ourselves in it

00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.579
 day by day

00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.459
 trusting

00:24:53.459 --> 00:24:54.959
 in its sufficiency

00:24:54.959 --> 00:24:56.079
 to guide us

00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:57.480
 through our life

00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.719
 that we might

00:24:58.719 --> 00:24:59.679
 continue to worship

00:24:59.679 --> 00:25:00.839
 you all our days

00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:02.599
 we pray this

00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:03.379
 in your son's name

00:25:03.379 --> 00:25:04.179
 Amen