WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.000 Please open your Bibles to John chapter 9. We're going to look at the whole chapter tonight. 00:00:07.060 --> 00:00:11.120 John chapter 9. If you've not got a church Bible, they're just on the table as you come in. 00:00:13.240 --> 00:00:27.620 When I went to summer camps as a young teenager, in the evening of those camps, we would sometimes play wide games on the big sports field in the dark, in pitch black. 00:00:27.620 --> 00:00:37.560 Everyone before the camp was told to bring a torch so that they could join in in the night time games. It was great fun. 00:00:38.640 --> 00:00:47.679 If somebody had been watching from far or you were able to put a drone up in the sky, it would have looked like a large dark space with little specks of light. 00:00:48.540 --> 00:00:54.380 Kids running around trying to spot each other or capture a flag or whatever the game was that evening. 00:00:54.380 --> 00:01:04.620 The torches made the game possible. They brought light to a place which was otherwise dark. 00:01:05.500 --> 00:01:09.640 On those evenings, the torch was your friend. 00:01:09.640 --> 00:01:21.659 But on the very same camp, I've got vivid memories of being woken up in the morning by a camp leader coming into the room and shining his torch into my eyes. 00:01:23.319 --> 00:01:24.939 Switching the ceiling lights on. 00:01:26.219 --> 00:01:27.240 I hated it. 00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:30.560 It was a rude way to wake up. 00:01:31.920 --> 00:01:36.180 At one moment you're asleep. The next moment someone is shining a great big light in your eyes. 00:01:36.180 --> 00:01:40.600 And your first instinct when someone does that is to what? 00:01:41.740 --> 00:01:43.220 It's to turn your face away, isn't it? 00:01:43.840 --> 00:01:48.180 Put your head in your pillow. Pull the top of the sleeping bag up over your face. 00:01:48.660 --> 00:01:52.980 On those mornings, the light was definitely not your friend. 00:01:54.600 --> 00:01:58.740 And I tell those two little anecdotes to illustrate the way that it is with light. 00:01:58.739 --> 00:02:03.280 Sometimes light is wonderful. 00:02:04.500 --> 00:02:07.500 Sometimes light can enable people to see. 00:02:08.979 --> 00:02:13.579 Something that they wouldn't have been able to see without it. 00:02:13.699 --> 00:02:15.379 But sometimes the light is blinding. 00:02:17.099 --> 00:02:19.579 Sometimes you want to turn away and run from the light. 00:02:20.819 --> 00:02:23.479 Sometimes light is not wonderful at all. 00:02:23.479 --> 00:02:27.579 When the light shines, one of those two things happens. 00:02:28.939 --> 00:02:32.620 People can see or people are made blind. 00:02:34.859 --> 00:02:36.399 And that's what John 9 is all about. 00:02:37.919 --> 00:02:43.039 John 9 shows us that is what it is like with Jesus. 00:02:44.199 --> 00:02:45.879 Jesus, the light of the world. 00:02:45.879 --> 00:02:53.120 And so chapter 9 is about Jesus and the blind man and the blind men. 00:02:54.799 --> 00:02:58.460 The chapter begins with the disciples' confusion. 00:02:58.560 --> 00:02:59.439 Can you see it in verse 1? 00:03:00.560 --> 00:03:00.900 They say, 00:03:01.159 --> 00:03:04.400 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 00:03:04.819 --> 00:03:05.960 And his disciples asked him, 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:07.699 Rabbi, which means teacher, who sinned? 00:03:08.359 --> 00:03:09.879 This man or his parents? 00:03:09.879 --> 00:03:13.879 And the disciples assumed, don't they, 00:03:14.039 --> 00:03:17.659 there's got to be a link with this man's blindness 00:03:17.659 --> 00:03:21.359 and some sin that he or his parents have committed. 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:25.539 The theological position is really this. 00:03:25.620 --> 00:03:28.879 It's that God punishes sins with things like disability. 00:03:30.759 --> 00:03:32.879 It's a theological position that Jesus rejects, 00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:34.960 and for good reasons. 00:03:36.460 --> 00:03:37.699 Now, in general terms, 00:03:37.699 --> 00:03:39.799 we know that the Bible establishes, doesn't it, 00:03:39.799 --> 00:03:42.979 a very clear connection between suffering and sin. 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:44.459 Sin has consequences. 00:03:45.599 --> 00:03:49.239 And in God's justice, sin leads to punishment. 00:03:49.679 --> 00:03:50.939 But at many points, 00:03:51.119 --> 00:03:53.839 the Bible resists the kind of connection 00:03:53.839 --> 00:03:55.539 that the disciples are making in verse 1. 00:03:57.299 --> 00:03:58.919 It was the same kind of connection, wasn't it, 00:03:58.939 --> 00:04:00.500 that Job's friends, do you remember them? 00:04:00.819 --> 00:04:01.979 In the book of Job. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:04.159 That when an individual suffers, 00:04:04.719 --> 00:04:06.679 it can only be that that individual 00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:08.680 or someone close to them 00:04:08.680 --> 00:04:10.520 has done something to deserve it. 00:04:11.599 --> 00:04:13.280 And the Bible says no to that. 00:04:14.480 --> 00:04:17.019 That is not the only explanation when you suffer. 00:04:18.319 --> 00:04:20.620 Sometimes suffering is indiscriminate. 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:23.120 Sometimes the righteous suffer. 00:04:23.840 --> 00:04:26.759 Suffering does not just come to those who deserve it. 00:04:26.759 --> 00:04:28.860 And so in John 9, 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:30.420 Jesus is really emphatic. 00:04:31.740 --> 00:04:35.180 God did not allow the suffering into this man's life 00:04:35.180 --> 00:04:37.659 because of some sin that he or his family had committed. 00:04:38.060 --> 00:04:39.980 He allowed this disability into his life 00:04:39.980 --> 00:04:41.399 for a different purpose altogether. 00:04:41.779 --> 00:04:42.719 Can you see it in verse 3? 00:04:42.879 --> 00:04:43.560 There's the purpose. 00:04:44.680 --> 00:04:46.399 So that the works of God might be displayed. 00:04:48.639 --> 00:04:50.920 In fact, that is precisely what we're about to see. 00:04:50.920 --> 00:04:53.660 In verse 4, Jesus makes it very clear 00:04:53.660 --> 00:04:56.580 that the works of God are going to be done 00:04:56.580 --> 00:04:58.060 in this man's life. 00:04:58.220 --> 00:04:59.120 They're going to be done by him. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:02.000 It's another, isn't it, 00:05:02.020 --> 00:05:04.140 very strong claim from Jesus 00:05:04.140 --> 00:05:05.439 to be equal with God. 00:05:06.819 --> 00:05:09.060 Who does God's work in the world? 00:05:10.020 --> 00:05:10.819 Jesus says, I do. 00:05:12.379 --> 00:05:13.000 And he adds, 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:14.800 we must work while it is still day 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:15.780 before the night comes. 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:17.480 And then he makes this staggering claim. 00:05:17.480 --> 00:05:18.500 It's not a new claim. 00:05:19.660 --> 00:05:21.040 He's already said it before, 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:22.660 but he reiterates it here 00:05:22.660 --> 00:05:25.759 at a very deliberate moment. 00:05:25.900 --> 00:05:27.800 He says, as long as I am in the world, 00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:29.140 I am the light of the world. 00:05:31.280 --> 00:05:32.780 He's claiming to be the one 00:05:32.780 --> 00:05:35.620 who shines God's salvation light 00:05:35.620 --> 00:05:36.600 upon the world. 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:39.420 He is the one who reveals God's glory, 00:05:39.900 --> 00:05:41.319 who leads God's people, 00:05:41.800 --> 00:05:43.040 who shows them the way. 00:05:43.560 --> 00:05:44.840 He's the one, he says, 00:05:44.900 --> 00:05:47.200 who holds the answer to the world's darkness. 00:05:48.259 --> 00:05:50.259 The darkness of sin and death. 00:05:50.360 --> 00:05:51.700 It's a very big claim. 00:05:53.480 --> 00:05:54.660 And what we see here is that 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:56.460 Jesus immediately takes steps 00:05:56.460 --> 00:05:58.020 to validate that claim. 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:01.340 His staggering words about himself 00:06:01.340 --> 00:06:04.060 are instantly followed by a staggering sign. 00:06:05.319 --> 00:06:08.180 He meets a man born blind. 00:06:09.580 --> 00:06:11.540 And then he spits on the ground 00:06:11.540 --> 00:06:12.780 to make some mud. 00:06:12.779 --> 00:06:15.799 And then he rubs the mud in the man's eyes. 00:06:16.979 --> 00:06:17.939 And he tells him, 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:19.719 go and wash it off in the pool of Siloam. 00:06:20.899 --> 00:06:22.719 And when the man does that, 00:06:23.819 --> 00:06:25.179 does what Jesus says, 00:06:25.299 --> 00:06:26.219 the man begins to see. 00:06:28.039 --> 00:06:29.419 He'd been blind from birth 00:06:29.419 --> 00:06:32.739 his whole life up to this point. 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:36.600 His whole life had been filled with darkness. 00:06:38.460 --> 00:06:40.420 But as that man walked home 00:06:40.420 --> 00:06:41.660 from the pool of Siloam, 00:06:42.519 --> 00:06:44.139 for the first time in his life, 00:06:44.259 --> 00:06:46.340 this man saw where he was placing his feet. 00:06:46.339 --> 00:06:50.299 He saw green leaves on the tree. 00:06:52.579 --> 00:06:54.419 He saw the distant horizon. 00:06:54.839 --> 00:06:57.319 He saw the looks on people's face. 00:06:57.859 --> 00:06:58.699 He saw it all. 00:06:58.919 --> 00:06:59.439 He saw everything. 00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:03.399 He must have been reeling with surprise 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:05.660 and gratitude and happiness. 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:08.939 And what is more, 00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:12.240 he wasn't just seeing people for the first time. 00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:13.740 The people were seeing him 00:07:13.740 --> 00:07:15.000 and coming to terms with it. 00:07:16.600 --> 00:07:18.259 The public's reaction is varied. 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:20.139 His neighbours see him walking around 00:07:20.139 --> 00:07:20.959 and think, 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:23.540 he looks like the one who used to sit 00:07:23.540 --> 00:07:24.379 by the road begging. 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:24.959 Do you remember him? 00:07:26.779 --> 00:07:28.139 Some thought it was him. 00:07:28.139 --> 00:07:29.839 Others couldn't believe their eyes 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:30.979 and they were convinced 00:07:30.979 --> 00:07:32.079 it must be someone else. 00:07:32.159 --> 00:07:33.419 He must have a twin or something. 00:07:33.800 --> 00:07:35.479 It must be someone that looked like him. 00:07:37.360 --> 00:07:38.779 But the blind man 00:07:38.779 --> 00:07:40.860 says, no, it's really me. 00:07:42.759 --> 00:07:44.180 And he tells them what happened. 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:48.979 All that Jesus has said and done to heal him. 00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:52.159 And the people wanted to see this Jesus 00:07:52.159 --> 00:07:52.979 who'd done this. 00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:55.039 But the formerly blind man 00:07:55.039 --> 00:07:56.300 didn't know where Jesus was. 00:07:58.139 --> 00:08:00.519 So the people take him to the Pharisees 00:08:00.519 --> 00:08:01.360 to get their verdict 00:08:01.360 --> 00:08:02.180 on what's just happened 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:03.740 in this most astonishing event. 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:04.560 Look at verse 13. 00:08:06.399 --> 00:08:07.659 And they brought to the Pharisees 00:08:07.659 --> 00:08:08.979 the man who'd formerly been blind. 00:08:10.599 --> 00:08:12.219 Now it was a Sabbath day 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:13.379 when Jesus made the mud 00:08:13.379 --> 00:08:13.939 and opened his eyes. 00:08:14.019 --> 00:08:15.339 So the Pharisees again asked him 00:08:15.339 --> 00:08:16.500 how he'd received his sight. 00:08:16.779 --> 00:08:17.579 And he said to them, 00:08:18.579 --> 00:08:20.079 he put mud on my eyes 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:21.360 and I washed and I see. 00:08:21.360 --> 00:08:24.879 Some of the Pharisees said, 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.300 this man is not from God 00:08:26.300 --> 00:08:28.319 for he does not keep the Sabbath. 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:31.500 You notice, 00:08:31.580 --> 00:08:32.600 and I think it's really interesting 00:08:32.600 --> 00:08:33.560 that up to this point, 00:08:33.940 --> 00:08:35.080 John hasn't told us 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:36.379 when this miracle took place. 00:08:37.960 --> 00:08:39.039 He hadn't told us 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:40.300 that it took place on the Sabbath 00:08:40.300 --> 00:08:41.480 and that is because 00:08:41.480 --> 00:08:42.840 it wasn't relevant until now. 00:08:44.419 --> 00:08:46.340 The day on which this occurred 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:48.580 was only important to the Pharisees. 00:08:48.580 --> 00:08:50.820 and they are outraged 00:08:50.820 --> 00:08:52.160 because of what Jesus has done 00:08:52.160 --> 00:08:53.680 by healing this man on that day. 00:08:56.500 --> 00:08:58.620 I hope you never get used to the fact 00:08:58.620 --> 00:09:00.980 that they are more concerned 00:09:00.980 --> 00:09:04.000 with their distorted interpretation 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:04.759 of God's law 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:06.240 than they are with the man's new sight. 00:09:08.340 --> 00:09:09.480 It's tragic, isn't it, 00:09:09.480 --> 00:09:10.040 to say the least. 00:09:11.620 --> 00:09:13.120 And because they are obsessed 00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:14.740 with the Sabbath rule, 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:17.140 they are unable to see past this 00:09:17.140 --> 00:09:18.520 to who Jesus must be. 00:09:18.580 --> 00:09:21.440 Some of them think 00:09:21.440 --> 00:09:23.120 that obedience to their rules 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:24.500 is a better indication 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:26.420 of divine origin 00:09:26.420 --> 00:09:27.580 than a display of power. 00:09:30.100 --> 00:09:30.820 There are others 00:09:30.820 --> 00:09:31.500 who are not so sure. 00:09:32.460 --> 00:09:34.080 They think this power suggests 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:35.420 that he must come from God. 00:09:35.680 --> 00:09:37.280 So verse 16 tells us, 00:09:37.320 --> 00:09:37.900 can you see that? 00:09:38.180 --> 00:09:38.980 They were divided 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:41.379 because of Jesus. 00:09:41.500 --> 00:09:42.360 Well, we've seen that before. 00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:44.580 So again, 00:09:44.660 --> 00:09:46.120 they ask the blind man 00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:47.640 what he thinks. 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:49.759 And he says 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:51.059 that he thinks 00:09:51.059 --> 00:09:52.120 Jesus must be a prophet. 00:09:54.059 --> 00:09:55.059 The Pharisees, 00:09:55.059 --> 00:09:56.379 they display their stubborn 00:09:56.379 --> 00:09:57.559 characteristic, 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:58.139 stubbornness. 00:09:58.220 --> 00:09:59.139 Once more, verse 18, 00:09:59.240 --> 00:09:59.580 they say, 00:09:59.840 --> 00:10:02.840 the Jews did not believe 00:10:02.840 --> 00:10:05.100 that he'd been born blind 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:07.379 and he'd received sight. 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:08.720 So they call for his mom and dad. 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:11.740 And they ask mom and dad 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:12.840 to explain what's happened. 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:16.460 And the parents are very nervous. 00:10:16.580 --> 00:10:17.240 Can you pick that up? 00:10:18.720 --> 00:10:19.700 And they confirm, 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:21.080 this is our son 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:22.060 who was born blind 00:10:22.060 --> 00:10:22.980 and they confirm 00:10:22.980 --> 00:10:24.080 that he can now see. 00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:26.259 They admit that, 00:10:26.340 --> 00:10:27.660 but they hedge their bets 00:10:27.660 --> 00:10:28.700 when it comes to explaining 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:29.300 how it happened. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:32.319 They simply 00:10:32.319 --> 00:10:34.299 tell the Pharisees, 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:34.599 well, 00:10:34.959 --> 00:10:36.159 let him speak for himself. 00:10:37.579 --> 00:10:38.279 Verse 22, 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:39.679 his parents said these things 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:41.120 because they feared the Jews 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:41.979 for the Jews 00:10:41.979 --> 00:10:42.759 had already agreed 00:10:42.759 --> 00:10:43.419 that if anyone 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:44.599 should confess Jesus 00:10:44.599 --> 00:10:45.500 to be the Christ, 00:10:45.959 --> 00:10:46.559 he was to be put out 00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:46.939 of the synagogue. 00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:49.419 That's why his parents said, 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:50.099 well, he's of age, 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:50.479 ask him. 00:10:52.639 --> 00:10:53.359 Talk about having 00:10:53.359 --> 00:10:54.219 your mind made up. 00:10:54.340 --> 00:10:54.920 The Jews, 00:10:55.060 --> 00:10:55.379 it seems, 00:10:55.460 --> 00:10:56.300 were so stubborn 00:10:56.300 --> 00:10:57.740 in their unwillingness 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:59.240 to hear Jesus 00:10:59.240 --> 00:11:00.620 that they've already decided 00:11:00.620 --> 00:11:02.320 to persecute, 00:11:02.420 --> 00:11:03.860 to exclude anyone 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:04.940 who accepted Jesus 00:11:04.940 --> 00:11:05.580 as the Messiah. 00:11:06.660 --> 00:11:07.460 And they make 00:11:07.460 --> 00:11:08.139 their decision known. 00:11:08.360 --> 00:11:09.300 So resolute 00:11:09.300 --> 00:11:10.160 was their opposition 00:11:10.160 --> 00:11:11.019 to Jesus 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:13.320 that people are already 00:11:13.320 --> 00:11:14.560 living in fear 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:15.759 of coming to a conclusion 00:11:15.759 --> 00:11:16.500 about Jesus, 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:18.399 which would be unpopular 00:11:18.399 --> 00:11:19.180 with the Pharisees. 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:22.340 Well, 00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:23.180 having been sidestepped 00:11:23.180 --> 00:11:23.980 by the parents, 00:11:23.980 --> 00:11:24.519 the Pharisees 00:11:24.519 --> 00:11:25.420 called the man back 00:11:25.420 --> 00:11:26.300 for even more questions. 00:11:26.460 --> 00:11:26.920 Amazingly, 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:27.740 in verse 24, 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:29.440 they equate giving glory 00:11:29.440 --> 00:11:30.019 to God 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:30.519 with admitting 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:31.860 that Jesus is evil. 00:11:34.060 --> 00:11:36.000 The irony of verse 24 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:37.139 is too thick for words. 00:11:38.940 --> 00:11:40.220 The very opposite 00:11:40.220 --> 00:11:41.019 is the truth. 00:11:42.560 --> 00:11:43.820 By their refusal 00:11:43.820 --> 00:11:45.100 to acknowledge Jesus 00:11:45.100 --> 00:11:46.480 for who he really was, 00:11:46.860 --> 00:11:47.680 they are the ones 00:11:47.680 --> 00:11:48.279 that are refusing 00:11:48.279 --> 00:11:49.259 to give God glory. 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:53.180 And the blind man's response 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:54.299 cuts right to the heart 00:11:54.299 --> 00:11:54.779 of the matter. 00:11:54.779 --> 00:11:56.039 It's almost certainly 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:56.620 the high point 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:57.159 of the chapter. 00:11:57.500 --> 00:11:57.979 Listen again 00:11:57.979 --> 00:11:58.899 to the simplicity 00:11:58.899 --> 00:12:00.059 with which he speaks. 00:12:00.479 --> 00:12:01.120 He replied, 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:02.659 whether he is a sinner, 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:03.899 I do not know. 00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:06.879 One thing I do know, 00:12:08.339 --> 00:12:09.479 that though I was blind, 00:12:10.239 --> 00:12:11.799 I now see. 00:12:11.799 --> 00:12:16.919 this is what he is saying, 00:12:16.919 --> 00:12:17.519 he is saying, 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:18.319 you can take your 00:12:18.319 --> 00:12:19.559 theological jargon 00:12:19.559 --> 00:12:21.599 and your animosity 00:12:21.599 --> 00:12:22.219 to Jesus 00:12:22.219 --> 00:12:23.819 and you can shove it. 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:27.580 what I know is this, 00:12:28.060 --> 00:12:29.040 I used to be blind, 00:12:29.720 --> 00:12:30.960 but now I see. 00:12:34.040 --> 00:12:34.660 Don't you see 00:12:34.660 --> 00:12:35.340 what's happened here? 00:12:37.140 --> 00:12:38.480 I don't know anyone else, 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:38.780 he says, 00:12:38.800 --> 00:12:39.340 who's got the power 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:39.760 to do this. 00:12:40.040 --> 00:12:41.280 No one in my whole life 00:12:41.280 --> 00:12:42.280 has been able to help me 00:12:42.280 --> 00:12:43.220 until I met this guy. 00:12:43.280 --> 00:12:44.140 You're missing the obvious. 00:12:45.560 --> 00:12:46.640 This guy has the power 00:12:46.640 --> 00:12:47.740 to give sight to the blind. 00:12:47.940 --> 00:12:49.040 I can see, 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:50.460 I can see. 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:51.740 The tragedy is 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:52.300 that they can't. 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:55.240 He used to be 00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:56.220 a blind man 00:12:56.220 --> 00:12:59.060 and now they are 00:12:59.060 --> 00:12:59.920 the blind man. 00:13:02.680 --> 00:13:03.639 Verse 26, 00:13:04.280 --> 00:13:05.000 we discover 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:05.720 that they haven't changed 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:06.420 their tune at all. 00:13:08.800 --> 00:13:09.700 They asked him, 00:13:09.780 --> 00:13:10.360 what did he do? 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:13.440 How did he open your eyes? 00:13:13.540 --> 00:13:14.000 He answered, 00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:15.180 I've told you already 00:13:15.180 --> 00:13:16.280 and you didn't listen. 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:17.460 Why do you want 00:13:17.460 --> 00:13:18.220 to hear it again? 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:19.519 Do you also want 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.440 to become his disciple? 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:22.580 You can hear his exasperation 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:23.720 with these Pharisees growing. 00:13:25.420 --> 00:13:26.660 Now he's gone and done it. 00:13:28.200 --> 00:13:29.200 He may have just 00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:30.580 pushed them over the edge. 00:13:30.660 --> 00:13:31.940 He's caused the greatest 00:13:31.940 --> 00:13:32.660 offence 00:13:32.660 --> 00:13:33.660 that he could have 00:13:33.660 --> 00:13:34.540 possibly caused. 00:13:35.900 --> 00:13:36.680 It's as if 00:13:36.680 --> 00:13:37.560 the blind man, 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:38.460 the former blind man 00:13:38.460 --> 00:13:38.940 is saying, 00:13:39.440 --> 00:13:40.460 secretly, 00:13:40.600 --> 00:13:41.120 you like him, 00:13:41.180 --> 00:13:41.519 don't you? 00:13:43.400 --> 00:13:44.680 There's no other 00:13:44.680 --> 00:13:45.300 explanation 00:13:45.300 --> 00:13:46.400 for your obsession 00:13:46.400 --> 00:13:46.759 with him. 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:48.060 You love him. 00:13:48.059 --> 00:13:51.019 You want to follow him, 00:13:51.099 --> 00:13:51.639 don't you? 00:13:52.559 --> 00:13:53.439 And he's toying 00:13:53.439 --> 00:13:54.019 with them now. 00:13:54.079 --> 00:13:54.679 You've got to love 00:13:54.679 --> 00:13:55.259 this man. 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:57.079 And so the Pharisees' 00:13:57.299 --> 00:13:58.119 outrage becomes 00:13:58.119 --> 00:13:59.139 the Pharisees' fury 00:13:59.139 --> 00:13:59.879 and they turn 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:00.659 on the healed man 00:14:00.659 --> 00:14:02.119 and they revile him 00:14:02.119 --> 00:14:02.399 saying, 00:14:02.519 --> 00:14:03.059 verse 28, 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:04.439 you are his disciples 00:14:04.439 --> 00:14:05.659 but we are 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:06.319 the disciples 00:14:06.319 --> 00:14:06.859 of 00:14:06.859 --> 00:14:08.959 Moses. 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:12.100 We know that 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:12.580 God has spoken 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:12.960 to Moses 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.360 but as for this man 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:14.680 we don't know 00:14:14.680 --> 00:14:15.500 where he comes from. 00:14:15.780 --> 00:14:16.379 It's fascinating, 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:16.700 isn't it? 00:14:16.720 --> 00:14:17.259 Who do they choose 00:14:17.259 --> 00:14:18.120 to identify with? 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:19.519 Moses. 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:23.160 They don't say God. 00:14:26.259 --> 00:14:26.620 Tellingly, 00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:27.860 they choose to line up 00:14:27.860 --> 00:14:28.560 behind the one 00:14:28.560 --> 00:14:29.139 who has given them 00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:29.500 the law. 00:14:31.720 --> 00:14:32.700 But their fury 00:14:32.700 --> 00:14:34.019 only exasperates 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:34.860 the healed man 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:35.240 further 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:35.879 and he's not going 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:36.900 to take it lying down. 00:14:37.040 --> 00:14:38.160 Verse 30, 00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:39.219 why this is 00:14:39.219 --> 00:14:40.100 an amazing thing. 00:14:40.500 --> 00:14:41.019 You do not know 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:41.839 where he comes from 00:14:41.839 --> 00:14:42.919 and yet he opened 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:43.620 my eyes. 00:14:44.439 --> 00:14:45.219 We know that God 00:14:45.219 --> 00:14:45.799 does not listen 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:46.299 to sinners 00:14:46.299 --> 00:14:47.079 but if anyone 00:14:47.079 --> 00:14:48.019 is a worshipper of God 00:14:48.019 --> 00:14:48.559 and does his will 00:14:48.559 --> 00:14:49.579 God listens to him. 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:51.019 Never since the world 00:14:51.019 --> 00:14:52.179 begun has it been 00:14:52.179 --> 00:14:52.819 feared that anyone 00:14:52.819 --> 00:14:53.360 opened the eyes 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:54.360 of a man born blind. 00:14:54.679 --> 00:14:55.419 If this man 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:56.740 were not from God 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.779 he could do 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:58.779 nothing. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:01.939 That's a pretty 00:15:01.939 --> 00:15:03.039 penetrating 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:03.819 expose 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:05.579 of the Pharisees' 00:15:05.679 --> 00:15:05.980 blindness. 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:09.879 but blind 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.639 to the bitter end 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:11.199 the Pharisees 00:15:11.199 --> 00:15:11.819 of the last word. 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:12.419 Verse 34, 00:15:14.419 --> 00:15:15.219 you were born 00:15:15.219 --> 00:15:16.039 in utter sin. 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:18.679 You were born 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:19.500 in utter sin 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:21.579 and you 00:15:21.579 --> 00:15:22.699 would teach us. 00:15:23.699 --> 00:15:24.699 How dare you 00:15:24.699 --> 00:15:25.379 lecture us. 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:27.100 They throw him out. 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:31.360 In actual fact 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:31.720 they don't have 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:32.240 the last words 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:32.500 do they? 00:15:34.279 --> 00:15:35.000 Not as far as 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.620 the apostle John 00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:36.259 is concerned. 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:36.920 The last word 00:15:36.920 --> 00:15:37.360 in the chapter 00:15:37.360 --> 00:15:38.100 belongs to Jesus 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:38.600 himself. 00:15:40.259 --> 00:15:40.639 And Jesus 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.519 re-enters the 00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:41.980 narrative in 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:42.620 verse 37 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:43.139 where he 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:44.060 seeks out 00:15:44.060 --> 00:15:44.440 the man 00:15:44.440 --> 00:15:44.740 that he'd 00:15:44.740 --> 00:15:44.920 healed 00:15:44.920 --> 00:15:45.180 and he 00:15:45.180 --> 00:15:45.879 asks him 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:47.480 if he 00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:47.879 believes in 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:48.159 the son 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:48.600 of man. 00:15:50.200 --> 00:15:50.920 It's Jesus' 00:15:51.180 --> 00:15:52.040 most common 00:15:52.040 --> 00:15:52.759 way of 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.340 referring to 00:15:53.340 --> 00:15:53.620 himself. 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:53.860 It's from 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:54.720 Daniel chapter 7. 00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:56.600 the man 00:15:56.600 --> 00:15:57.120 responds 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.300 by saying 00:15:58.300 --> 00:15:58.560 that he 00:15:58.560 --> 00:15:59.200 wants to 00:15:59.200 --> 00:15:59.600 believe in 00:15:59.600 --> 00:15:59.879 the son 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:00.420 of man 00:16:00.420 --> 00:16:01.000 if only 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:01.279 he knew 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:01.779 who he 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:02.060 was. 00:16:03.420 --> 00:16:03.779 Listen to 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:04.120 what Jesus 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:04.560 says. 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:07.759 Verse 37, 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:08.920 you have 00:16:08.920 --> 00:16:10.399 seen him 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:12.820 and it is 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:13.460 he who is 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:13.920 speaking to 00:16:13.920 --> 00:16:14.080 you. 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:18.279 I hope 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:18.899 you didn't 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:20.320 miss the 00:16:20.320 --> 00:16:21.019 most significant 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:21.920 of all the 00:16:21.920 --> 00:16:22.399 words in 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:22.940 verse 37. 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:23.420 Just look 00:16:23.420 --> 00:16:23.700 down. 00:16:23.820 --> 00:16:24.040 Can you 00:16:24.040 --> 00:16:24.420 spot the 00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:24.579 most 00:16:24.579 --> 00:16:24.959 significant 00:16:24.959 --> 00:16:25.279 word? 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:31.620 What's 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:31.819 the most 00:16:31.819 --> 00:16:32.139 significant 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:32.639 word there? 00:16:34.019 --> 00:16:34.539 Seen. 00:16:36.719 --> 00:16:37.240 Seen. 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:41.779 I 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:42.240 suspect the 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:42.879 healed man 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:43.620 didn't miss 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.219 the significance 00:16:44.219 --> 00:16:44.599 of that. 00:16:46.319 --> 00:16:46.799 Jesus 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:47.539 said to 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:47.679 him, 00:16:47.839 --> 00:16:48.179 you are 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:48.839 looking at 00:16:48.839 --> 00:16:49.039 him. 00:16:51.459 --> 00:16:52.240 Up until 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:52.799 a few 00:16:52.799 --> 00:16:53.740 hours ago 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:54.460 this man 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:54.960 couldn't 00:16:54.960 --> 00:16:55.279 look at 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:55.720 anyone 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:56.159 or 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:56.620 anything 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.240 but now 00:16:57.240 --> 00:16:57.519 he's 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:57.899 looking at 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:58.180 the son 00:16:58.180 --> 00:16:58.519 of man. 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:01.220 Up until 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:01.500 a few 00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:02.039 hours ago 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:02.620 this man 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:03.000 had never 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:03.580 seen anything 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:03.899 in his 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:04.740 entire life 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:06.039 and now 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:06.380 he is 00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:06.779 seeing the 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.240 Christ, 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:08.960 God's 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:09.180 king. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:09.220 man. 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:12.759 And John 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:13.259 to prove 00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:13.259 00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:13.620 that this 00:17:13.620 --> 00:17:13.880 man 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:14.240 can see 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.600 not only 00:17:14.600 --> 00:17:14.980 physically 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:15.220 but 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:15.700 spiritually 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:17.039 tells us 00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:17.259 what he 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:17.779 did next. 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:19.580 And what 00:17:19.580 --> 00:17:19.860 he did 00:17:19.860 --> 00:17:20.620 next tells 00:17:20.620 --> 00:17:21.080 you and 00:17:21.080 --> 00:17:21.420 I 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:22.940 emphatically 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:23.600 and beyond 00:17:23.600 --> 00:17:24.279 doubt that 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:24.759 this man 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:25.460 could really 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.019 see who 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:26.680 Jesus was. 00:17:26.840 --> 00:17:27.519 Verse 38, 00:17:27.519 --> 00:17:28.000 then the 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:28.740 man said 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:31.299 Lord I 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:31.700 believe 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:34.319 and he 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:34.700 worshipped 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:34.900 him. 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:39.980 The two 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:40.920 indispensables 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:41.319 tonight, 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:42.400 faith and 00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:42.740 worship. 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:45.639 Faith and 00:17:45.639 --> 00:17:45.980 worship, 00:17:46.119 --> 00:17:46.819 they are all 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:48.619 that Jesus 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:49.139 requires 00:17:49.139 --> 00:17:51.700 and they 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.599 are all that 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:53.639 Jesus deserves 00:17:53.639 --> 00:17:54.180 and he 00:17:54.180 --> 00:17:54.859 deserves them 00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:55.359 because they 00:17:55.359 --> 00:17:55.920 are what God 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:56.820 himself deserves, 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.500 faith and 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:57.840 worship. 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:00.320 And this 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:00.880 guy gets 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:01.080 it, 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:01.680 he sees 00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:01.920 it. 00:18:04.860 --> 00:18:05.480 And so 00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:06.120 he bows 00:18:06.120 --> 00:18:06.880 down in 00:18:06.880 --> 00:18:07.440 reverence 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:08.259 and awe 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.039 and humble 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.660 gratitude 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:11.740 and so 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:12.360 do all 00:18:12.360 --> 00:18:13.039 people who 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:14.200 see Jesus 00:18:14.200 --> 00:18:14.940 properly. 00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:18.100 He 00:18:18.100 --> 00:18:18.620 worships 00:18:18.620 --> 00:18:18.980 Jesus. 00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:22.759 Then Jesus 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:23.100 makes it 00:18:23.100 --> 00:18:23.700 very explicit, 00:18:23.880 --> 00:18:24.380 he speaks of 00:18:24.380 --> 00:18:24.860 his authority 00:18:24.860 --> 00:18:25.320 to judge, 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:25.960 he reveals 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:26.359 what it 00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:26.839 means for 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:27.179 him to 00:18:27.179 --> 00:18:27.460 be the 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:27.819 light of 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:28.119 the world. 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:28.519 He says 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:28.980 some will 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:29.659 see and 00:18:29.659 --> 00:18:30.000 some will 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:30.599 be blinded. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:33.299 Verse 39, 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:34.139 for judgment, 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:34.980 I came into 00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:35.419 this world, 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:37.759 that those 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.460 who do not 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:38.859 see may 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:41.319 see and 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:41.779 those who 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:42.399 see may 00:18:42.399 --> 00:18:43.059 become blind. 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:45.460 Before 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:46.279 Jesus is 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:46.939 a blind 00:18:46.939 --> 00:18:48.220 man who 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:49.059 now sees. 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:50.059 man who 00:18:50.059 --> 00:18:51.500 see and 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:51.960 that man 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:52.359 has just 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:52.720 come from 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.099 a group 00:18:53.099 --> 00:18:53.639 of men 00:18:53.639 --> 00:18:54.440 who think 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:54.720 that they 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.179 can see 00:18:55.179 --> 00:18:55.519 but they're 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:55.819 spiritually 00:18:55.819 --> 00:18:56.240 blind. 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.919 The Pharisees 00:18:59.919 --> 00:19:00.579 have got a 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.379 lot to say 00:19:01.379 --> 00:19:01.980 about Jesus 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.720 in this 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.279 chapter but 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:03.899 all of it 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:04.220 has been 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:04.619 wrong. 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:07.980 And thus 00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:08.279 they've 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:08.899 confirmed 00:19:08.899 --> 00:19:09.200 their 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:09.639 darkness. 00:19:11.639 --> 00:19:12.119 They've 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:12.799 confirmed the 00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:13.500 darkness that 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.159 has engulfed 00:19:14.159 --> 00:19:14.599 their minds. 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.539 Some Pharisees 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.419 in verse 40 00:19:16.419 --> 00:19:17.179 sense that 00:19:17.179 --> 00:19:17.599 Jesus might 00:19:17.599 --> 00:19:18.019 be talking 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:18.339 about them. 00:19:18.579 --> 00:19:18.819 So they 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:19.159 ask, 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:20.199 do you 00:19:20.199 --> 00:19:20.480 think we're 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:20.759 blind? 00:19:22.899 --> 00:19:23.500 And Jesus' 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.619 spine tingling 00:19:24.619 --> 00:19:25.319 reply comes 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.219 in verse 41. 00:19:26.439 --> 00:19:27.079 Jesus said, 00:19:28.719 --> 00:19:29.019 if you were 00:19:29.019 --> 00:19:29.500 blind you'd 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:30.079 have no guilt 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:31.779 but now 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:32.099 that you 00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:32.599 see we 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:33.359 see your 00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:33.980 guilt remains. 00:19:34.099 --> 00:19:34.419 And what I 00:19:34.419 --> 00:19:35.099 think Jesus 00:19:35.099 --> 00:19:35.599 is saying 00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:36.219 there is 00:19:36.219 --> 00:19:37.439 if they 00:19:37.439 --> 00:19:38.159 really were 00:19:38.159 --> 00:19:39.019 incapable of 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:39.799 spiritual insight 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:40.219 for some 00:19:40.219 --> 00:19:41.000 reason then 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:41.799 their blindness 00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:42.419 would come 00:19:42.419 --> 00:19:43.039 without guilt. 00:19:44.599 --> 00:19:45.339 But that's 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:46.079 not the 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:46.679 situation. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.279 They are 00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:47.899 not incapable 00:19:47.899 --> 00:19:48.500 of spiritual 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:48.859 sight. 00:19:49.139 --> 00:19:49.419 They are 00:19:49.419 --> 00:19:50.199 just stubborn 00:19:50.199 --> 00:19:50.740 in their 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:51.179 rejection 00:19:51.179 --> 00:19:51.599 aren't they? 00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:53.719 They are 00:19:53.719 --> 00:19:54.639 hard hearted 00:19:54.639 --> 00:19:55.219 and so they 00:19:55.219 --> 00:19:55.779 are guilty. 00:19:55.899 --> 00:19:56.199 That's what 00:19:56.199 --> 00:19:56.779 Jesus says. 00:19:59.659 --> 00:20:00.399 And so 00:20:00.399 --> 00:20:01.039 these words 00:20:01.039 --> 00:20:01.699 from Jesus' 00:20:01.879 --> 00:20:02.339 lips should 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:02.579 have been 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.319 frightening for 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:03.500 them. 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:04.059 They were 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:04.740 in danger 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:05.899 of dying 00:20:05.899 --> 00:20:06.459 in their 00:20:06.459 --> 00:20:07.099 sins as 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.359 we've 00:20:07.359 --> 00:20:07.559 heard. 00:20:07.679 --> 00:20:07.959 They were 00:20:07.959 --> 00:20:08.959 in danger 00:20:08.959 --> 00:20:09.679 of God's 00:20:09.679 --> 00:20:10.079 wrath 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:10.699 remaining 00:20:10.699 --> 00:20:11.119 upon 00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:11.439 them. 00:20:12.959 --> 00:20:13.519 They 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.259 refused 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:14.720 to come 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.200 to Jesus 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:15.660 to have 00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:16.059 life. 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:16.759 So they 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:17.059 were in 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:17.859 great danger 00:20:17.859 --> 00:20:18.279 of that 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:18.799 same 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:19.500 Jesus 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.319 pronouncing 00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:20.799 the sentence 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:21.240 of death 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.720 upon them. 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:25.519 John 9 00:20:25.519 --> 00:20:26.339 is a very 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:27.019 vivid 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:27.660 explanation 00:20:27.660 --> 00:20:28.200 of what 00:20:28.200 --> 00:20:28.539 is going 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:28.799 on 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.140 throughout 00:20:29.140 --> 00:20:29.460 Jesus' 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:29.960 ministry. 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:32.640 Jesus 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:33.160 is the 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:33.559 light of 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:33.960 the world 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.359 and when 00:20:34.359 --> 00:20:34.819 the light 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.460 shines 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:36.359 some are 00:20:36.359 --> 00:20:37.160 blinded 00:20:37.160 --> 00:20:37.640 by it 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:39.279 but others 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:39.579 see. 00:20:39.579 --> 00:20:43.480 some are 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:43.879 like what 00:20:43.879 --> 00:20:44.139 I was 00:20:44.139 --> 00:20:44.519 like on 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:45.099 that camp 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:46.339 when the 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:46.639 leader 00:20:46.639 --> 00:20:47.659 flicked his 00:20:47.659 --> 00:20:48.199 torch into 00:20:48.199 --> 00:20:48.699 my eyes 00:20:48.699 --> 00:20:48.960 and put 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:49.419 the ceiling 00:20:49.419 --> 00:20:49.879 light on. 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:50.359 They turn 00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:50.759 away from 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:51.179 the light. 00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:53.139 They refuse 00:20:53.139 --> 00:20:53.679 to see 00:20:53.679 --> 00:20:54.199 the light 00:20:54.199 --> 00:20:57.759 but others 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:58.079 are like 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.419 those 00:20:58.419 --> 00:20:58.799 delighted 00:20:58.799 --> 00:20:59.439 young boys 00:20:59.439 --> 00:20:59.799 running 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:00.199 around 00:21:00.199 --> 00:21:01.779 with 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:02.379 abandon 00:21:02.379 --> 00:21:03.119 and confidence 00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:03.500 in the 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:03.879 middle of a 00:21:03.879 --> 00:21:04.559 dark field 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.480 because they've 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:06.119 got a torch 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.759 light to see 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:07.559 by and the 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:08.119 light is their 00:21:08.119 --> 00:21:08.559 friend. 00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:10.919 some are 00:21:10.919 --> 00:21:11.579 blinded by 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:11.939 the light 00:21:11.939 --> 00:21:12.379 others 00:21:12.379 --> 00:21:13.039 see 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:13.919 by it. 00:21:17.179 --> 00:21:17.460 And in 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:17.960 particular here 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:18.259 it's the 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:18.720 Pharisees 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.199 who are 00:21:19.199 --> 00:21:19.639 blind. 00:21:20.419 --> 00:21:20.819 It's been a 00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:21.240 significant 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:21.879 theme throughout 00:21:21.879 --> 00:21:22.220 John's 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:22.539 Gospel. 00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:24.740 In their 00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:25.299 blindness 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:26.179 they oppose 00:21:26.179 --> 00:21:26.619 Jesus 00:21:26.619 --> 00:21:27.279 and they 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:27.559 oppose 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:28.179 others who 00:21:28.179 --> 00:21:28.500 follow 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:28.919 Jesus 00:21:28.919 --> 00:21:29.799 and they 00:21:29.799 --> 00:21:30.179 look to 00:21:30.179 --> 00:21:30.559 attack 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:30.960 Jesus. 00:21:31.139 --> 00:21:31.319 They're 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:31.679 angry 00:21:31.679 --> 00:21:31.919 with 00:21:31.919 --> 00:21:32.240 Jesus. 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:32.759 They 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:33.099 want to 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:33.399 kill 00:21:33.399 --> 00:21:34.019 Jesus. 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:36.839 All these 00:21:36.839 --> 00:21:37.240 things are 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:38.639 you can see 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:39.220 from a very 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.079 surface reading 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:40.519 of John's 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:40.819 Gospel. 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:43.839 But Jesus 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.640 offers a 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.940 diagnosis of 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:46.660 the Pharisees 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.420 blindness that 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:47.920 goes beneath 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:48.480 the surface. 00:21:48.620 --> 00:21:48.740 Do you 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:49.200 remember in 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.700 John 8 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:51.200 Jesus tells 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:51.660 us that they 00:21:51.660 --> 00:21:52.220 are destined 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:53.160 to die in 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:53.860 their sins. 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:56.059 Jesus tells 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:56.500 us that they 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:57.319 are slaves 00:21:57.319 --> 00:21:58.400 to sin, 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:58.720 that they're 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.100 children of 00:21:59.100 --> 00:21:59.460 the devil 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:01.140 himself and 00:22:01.140 --> 00:22:01.799 their blindness 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:02.680 places them in 00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:03.180 a desperate 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:04.079 situation before 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:04.420 God. 00:22:04.420 --> 00:22:07.900 and even 00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:08.560 more desperate 00:22:08.560 --> 00:22:09.140 is that they 00:22:09.140 --> 00:22:10.180 are oblivious 00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:10.539 to it. 00:22:13.800 --> 00:22:14.240 These 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:14.500 people, 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:14.860 they think 00:22:14.860 --> 00:22:15.360 they're fine 00:22:15.360 --> 00:22:15.980 with God, 00:22:16.100 --> 00:22:16.500 they think 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:16.880 that they're 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:18.700 alright and 00:22:18.700 --> 00:22:19.400 Jesus is a 00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:19.800 heretic. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:20.259 They think 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:20.940 that all is 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:21.420 well for 00:22:21.420 --> 00:22:21.980 them spiritually 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.779 but Jesus 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.320 says they're 00:22:23.320 --> 00:22:23.800 in serious 00:22:23.800 --> 00:22:25.600 trouble and 00:22:25.600 --> 00:22:25.960 they can't 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:26.279 see it. 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:28.700 And of 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:29.160 course that's 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:29.680 what blindness 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.759 is and that 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.420 is what blindness 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:32.340 is today too. 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:33.160 It is thinking 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:34.019 we're okay 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:36.300 spiritually when 00:22:36.300 --> 00:22:36.759 really you're 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.300 in big trouble. 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:40.060 It is believing 00:22:40.060 --> 00:22:40.920 that you're fine 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:41.779 with God when 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.240 in fact you're 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:42.720 not fine with 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.240 God at all. 00:22:45.320 --> 00:22:46.100 It is being 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:46.580 willing to 00:22:46.580 --> 00:22:47.519 dismiss Jesus 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:49.060 as wrong 00:22:49.060 --> 00:22:50.100 or more 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:50.560 likely 00:22:50.560 --> 00:22:51.560 unimportant 00:22:51.560 --> 00:22:52.779 when in the 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:55.000 end he will 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:55.400 be the one 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:55.660 who could 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.279 dismiss you. 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.600 And we are 00:22:59.600 --> 00:23:00.360 surrounded by 00:23:00.360 --> 00:23:00.700 this. 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:03.980 You are 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:04.740 surrounded by 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.000 it when 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.240 you go 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:05.740 to work 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:08.160 and when 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:08.340 you go 00:23:08.340 --> 00:23:08.840 to school 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:11.019 and you 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:11.660 are surrounded 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:12.259 by it when 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:12.640 you spend 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.200 time with 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:13.900 your friends 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:15.120 and some 00:23:15.120 --> 00:23:15.540 of us are 00:23:15.540 --> 00:23:16.259 surrounded by 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:16.680 it in our 00:23:16.680 --> 00:23:17.360 families and 00:23:17.360 --> 00:23:17.820 if you went 00:23:17.820 --> 00:23:18.380 into Ealing 00:23:18.380 --> 00:23:18.880 tonight and 00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:19.180 you went 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:19.600 to the pub 00:23:19.600 --> 00:23:19.920 you'd be 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.400 surrounded 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:21.080 by that 00:23:21.080 --> 00:23:21.920 too. 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.519 This city 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:25.500 is full of 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:26.100 people who 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:26.920 are spiritually 00:23:26.920 --> 00:23:27.759 blind. 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:30.700 people who 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.420 have dismissed 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:32.799 Jesus and 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:33.079 think that 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:33.480 they have no 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:33.779 spiritual 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.200 problem. 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:36.400 Who believe 00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:36.819 that things 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.359 are fine 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:37.859 between them 00:23:37.859 --> 00:23:38.220 and God 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:38.660 and yet the 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.059 truth is 00:23:39.059 --> 00:23:39.619 things are 00:23:39.619 --> 00:23:40.140 not fine 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:40.579 between them 00:23:40.579 --> 00:23:40.920 and God. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:43.960 And Jesus 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:44.700 pulls no 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.400 punches does 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:45.559 he? 00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:47.640 He says that 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:47.879 they are 00:23:47.879 --> 00:23:48.599 destined to 00:23:48.599 --> 00:23:49.019 die in 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:49.539 their sins 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.279 God's wrath 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:50.940 remains on 00:23:50.940 --> 00:23:51.200 them they 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:51.680 are children 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:52.279 of the devil 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.299 they are in 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:53.799 the darkness 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:54.240 and on the 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.559 light. 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.079 So this 00:23:55.079 --> 00:23:56.059 chapter reminds 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:56.579 you and I 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:57.359 of a great 00:23:57.359 --> 00:23:58.359 reality about 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:58.679 the world 00:23:58.679 --> 00:23:59.079 in which we 00:23:59.079 --> 00:23:59.299 live. 00:24:00.979 --> 00:24:01.579 And it 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:02.219 reminds us 00:24:02.219 --> 00:24:02.619 about a 00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:03.319 truth that 00:24:03.319 --> 00:24:03.799 ought to 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.519 grieve us 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.339 and rest 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:06.459 heavily upon 00:24:06.459 --> 00:24:06.819 us. 00:24:08.459 --> 00:24:09.319 That Jesus 00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:09.819 is the 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:10.319 world's 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:10.979 light and 00:24:10.979 --> 00:24:11.459 yet so 00:24:11.459 --> 00:24:12.299 many around 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:12.699 us are 00:24:12.699 --> 00:24:14.579 blind and 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:14.939 in tragic 00:24:14.939 --> 00:24:15.339 danger. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:18.299 And so 00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:18.599 should we 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:19.079 not live 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:19.879 rightly before 00:24:19.879 --> 00:24:20.459 their eyes 00:24:20.459 --> 00:24:20.719 that they 00:24:20.719 --> 00:24:21.039 might see 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:21.599 the difference? 00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:22.179 Should we 00:24:22.179 --> 00:24:22.859 not explain 00:24:22.859 --> 00:24:23.359 our hope 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:23.699 to them 00:24:23.699 --> 00:24:24.379 whenever 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:25.019 we're given 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:25.659 an opportunity 00:24:25.659 --> 00:24:26.619 and should 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:27.019 we 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:27.759 not 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.059 above 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:28.279 all 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:28.680 pray for 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:28.879 them. 00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:31.519 And pray 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.139 earnestly 00:24:32.139 --> 00:24:32.859 for them 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:35.920 because only 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:36.480 God can 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:36.879 open their 00:24:36.879 --> 00:24:37.259 eyes. 00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:39.940 Only God 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:40.279 can turn 00:24:40.279 --> 00:24:40.879 hard hearts 00:24:40.879 --> 00:24:41.460 into soft 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:41.759 hearts. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.440 Only God 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:43.059 can deliver 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:43.740 people from 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:44.319 spiritual 00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:44.839 blindness. 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:48.400 In the 00:24:48.400 --> 00:24:49.759 end our 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:50.160 ministries 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:50.619 can't do 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:50.740 it. 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:50.980 Can they 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:51.559 little stars 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:51.940 can't do 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:52.000 it. 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:52.359 Language 00:24:52.359 --> 00:24:52.700 class 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:53.039 can't do 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:53.119 it. 00:24:53.180 --> 00:24:53.539 Bible 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:54.379 studies 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:54.759 can't do 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:54.819 it. 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.019 Club 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:55.420 16 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:55.880 Ignite 00:24:55.880 --> 00:24:56.200 can't 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:56.320 do 00:24:56.320 --> 00:24:56.519 it. 00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.860 Courses 00:24:59.860 --> 00:25:00.160 can't 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:00.560 do it. 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:01.539 Getting 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.100 better 00:25:02.100 --> 00:25:02.519 publicity 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.000 and a 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.440 cracking 00:25:03.440 --> 00:25:03.940 website 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:04.340 can't 00:25:04.340 --> 00:25:04.779 do it. 00:25:05.100 --> 00:25:05.680 But God 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.060 can. 00:25:08.060 --> 00:25:08.519 God 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:08.880 wonderfully 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:09.259 uses 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:09.860 those 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:10.220 things. 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:12.720 But at 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:12.980 the end 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:13.160 of the 00:25:13.160 --> 00:25:13.620 day our 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.380 family and 00:25:14.380 --> 00:25:14.560 our 00:25:14.560 --> 00:25:15.000 friends, 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:15.300 our 00:25:15.300 --> 00:25:15.880 colleagues 00:25:15.880 --> 00:25:16.320 and our 00:25:16.320 --> 00:25:16.900 neighbours, 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.380 they need 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:17.800 a miracle. 00:25:19.640 --> 00:25:20.279 They need 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:20.640 the God 00:25:20.640 --> 00:25:20.880 of all 00:25:20.880 --> 00:25:21.519 the universe 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.200 to send 00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:22.400 his 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:22.759 spirit 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.700 to open 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:24.079 blind 00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:24.440 eyes. 00:25:26.680 --> 00:25:27.200 And they 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:27.680 need us 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:28.079 to plead 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:28.519 with God 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:28.960 to do 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.200 that. 00:25:31.059 --> 00:25:31.619 To give 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.220 them sight 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.500 in the 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:32.799 place of 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:33.079 blindness. 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:36.180 And so 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.660 this chapter 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:36.940 is a 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:37.460 reminder to 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:37.779 you and 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.480 I of 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:38.940 the burden 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:39.299 to pray 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:39.539 for the 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:39.839 blind. 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.000 And I 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.220 hope it 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.700 reminds you 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:42.940 of that 00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:43.240 burden 00:25:43.240 --> 00:25:43.420 too. 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:43.720 And I 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:45.140 continue to 00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:45.599 hope and 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:45.900 pray that 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:46.299 God would 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.700 make great 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:48.819 distress for 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:49.339 the spiritually 00:25:49.339 --> 00:25:49.940 blind in 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:50.319 Mark of 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:50.819 IPC. 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:54.079 that an 00:25:54.079 --> 00:25:54.740 earnest 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:56.379 prayerfulness 00:25:56.379 --> 00:25:56.960 for the 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:57.339 lost 00:25:57.339 --> 00:25:58.559 would be 00:25:58.559 --> 00:25:58.819 one of 00:25:58.819 --> 00:25:59.119 the things 00:25:59.119 --> 00:25:59.679 that defines 00:25:59.679 --> 00:26:00.159 us as a 00:26:00.159 --> 00:26:00.559 church. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.759 And this 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:05.500 chapter reminds 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:05.700 us, 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:05.980 doesn't it, 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:06.200 of how 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:06.779 important that 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:06.980 is, 00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:07.319 but the 00:26:07.319 --> 00:26:07.639 chapter, 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:07.980 as I 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:08.220 finish, 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:08.939 reminds us 00:26:08.939 --> 00:26:09.419 of something 00:26:09.419 --> 00:26:10.000 else as 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:10.279 well. 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:12.419 Something that 00:26:12.419 --> 00:26:12.919 comes to you 00:26:12.919 --> 00:26:13.179 and I 00:26:13.179 --> 00:26:13.480 tonight, 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.359 not as a 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:14.759 burden 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:16.500 at all, 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:16.939 but as a 00:26:16.939 --> 00:26:17.559 great delight. 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:21.059 because the 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:21.919 chapter reminds 00:26:21.919 --> 00:26:25.619 me that I 00:26:25.619 --> 00:26:26.099 am like this 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:26.659 healed man. 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.259 Because by 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:30.899 his mercy, 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:31.460 God has 00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:32.179 granted me 00:26:32.179 --> 00:26:33.019 this miracle 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:35.940 that they 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:37.000 really need 00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:38.139 if they are 00:26:38.139 --> 00:26:38.500 to see, 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:38.839 and I 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:39.539 can tonight. 00:26:42.319 --> 00:26:43.159 I can see 00:26:43.159 --> 00:26:44.019 that Jesus 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:45.940 really is 00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:46.599 who he says 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.000 he is. 00:26:47.559 --> 00:26:50.579 I can see 00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:51.019 that Jesus 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:51.960 deserves to 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:53.039 be worshipped. 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:53.679 I can see 00:26:53.679 --> 00:26:54.319 that he has 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:54.980 the power 00:26:54.980 --> 00:26:55.740 to perform 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:56.899 great miracles. 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.200 Because he 00:26:59.200 --> 00:26:59.779 really has 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:00.220 come from 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:00.480 God, 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:00.799 and he 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.539 really is 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:02.099 equal with 00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:02.379 God, 00:27:02.919 --> 00:27:03.679 and greater 00:27:03.679 --> 00:27:04.339 by far 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:04.720 than being 00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:05.139 able to 00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:05.659 see the 00:27:05.659 --> 00:27:06.159 steps that 00:27:06.159 --> 00:27:06.539 I take, 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:06.759 or the 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.319 green leaves 00:27:07.319 --> 00:27:07.599 on the 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:08.000 trees, 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:08.639 or the 00:27:08.639 --> 00:27:09.500 far horizons, 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:09.839 or the 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:10.279 looks on 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:10.619 people's 00:27:10.619 --> 00:27:10.960 faces, 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:11.639 greater 00:27:11.639 --> 00:27:12.179 by far 00:27:12.179 --> 00:27:12.500 is the 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:12.859 ability 00:27:12.859 --> 00:27:13.539 to see 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:15.200 Jesus 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:15.700 for who 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:16.059 he really 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:16.419 is. 00:27:17.559 --> 00:27:21.139 And having 00:27:21.139 --> 00:27:21.579 come to 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:22.019 see him 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.519 properly, 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:25.559 I would 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:26.019 rather, 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:26.799 honestly, 00:27:27.019 --> 00:27:28.359 be physically 00:27:28.359 --> 00:27:30.099 blind than 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:30.440 to lose 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:30.940 this sight, 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.159 wouldn't 00:27:31.159 --> 00:27:31.339 you? 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:34.980 this is 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:35.639 the 2020 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:36.519 vision that 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:36.819 really 00:27:36.819 --> 00:27:37.319 matters. 00:27:38.939 --> 00:27:39.519 I can 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:39.779 see. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.759 It's not 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:43.039 because I'm 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:43.720 smarter or 00:27:43.720 --> 00:27:44.500 more intuitive 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:44.939 than anyone 00:27:44.939 --> 00:27:45.240 else, 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:45.799 it is because 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.139 Jesus, 00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:46.659 the light of 00:27:46.659 --> 00:27:46.919 the world, 00:27:46.959 --> 00:27:47.179 has opened 00:27:47.179 --> 00:27:47.679 my eyes. 00:27:50.679 --> 00:27:51.240 And if 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:51.959 you tonight, 00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:53.019 like me, 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:53.519 can see 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:54.319 Jesus clearly, 00:27:55.319 --> 00:27:57.639 if you, 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:57.959 like me, 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.299 know that 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:58.899 he is worthy 00:27:58.900 --> 00:27:59.220 of our 00:27:59.220 --> 00:27:59.600 faith, 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:01.700 and worthy 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:01.980 of our 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:02.300 worship, 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:04.400 and if 00:28:04.400 --> 00:28:04.500 you, 00:28:04.580 --> 00:28:04.920 like me, 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:05.460 would rather 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.019 see him 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:06.820 than anything 00:28:06.820 --> 00:28:07.200 else, 00:28:07.600 --> 00:28:09.759 it is only 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.340 because God 00:28:10.340 --> 00:28:10.600 has been 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:11.140 merciful to 00:28:11.140 --> 00:28:11.340 you. 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:14.700 Jesus, 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:15.980 the light 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.200 of the 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:16.560 world, 00:28:17.400 --> 00:28:18.580 has opened 00:28:18.580 --> 00:28:19.100 your eyes. 00:28:23.040 --> 00:28:23.560 Amazing 00:28:23.560 --> 00:28:23.980 grace, 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:26.880 how sweet 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:27.320 the sound, 00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:30.539 that saved 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:30.859 a wretch 00:28:30.859 --> 00:28:31.319 like me. 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:33.799 I once 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:34.240 was lost, 00:28:34.339 --> 00:28:34.619 but now 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:35.139 I'm found, 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:38.220 was blind, 00:28:38.439 --> 00:28:38.659 but now 00:28:38.659 --> 00:28:39.000 I see. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.399 With 00:28:42.399 --> 00:28:43.000 incredible 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.639 gratitude, 00:28:43.899 --> 00:28:44.439 we are 00:28:44.439 --> 00:28:46.099 like a 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:46.599 crowd of 00:28:46.599 --> 00:28:47.559 boys running 00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:48.240 around on 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:48.759 a sports 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.179 field, 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.179 surrendered 00:28:51.179 --> 00:28:51.960 to the 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:52.579 sheer pleasure 00:28:52.579 --> 00:28:52.960 of being 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:53.359 able to 00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:53.579 see, 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.200 because of 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:55.539 the light 00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:55.899 that is in 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:56.480 our hands, 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:56.819 and not 00:28:56.819 --> 00:28:57.099 only in 00:28:57.099 --> 00:28:57.519 our hands, 00:28:57.599 --> 00:28:57.799 but in 00:28:57.799 --> 00:28:58.299 our hearts, 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:01.299 with 00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:01.960 humble 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.460 awe, 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:05.400 we are 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:05.759 like that 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.000 man, 00:29:06.059 --> 00:29:06.480 I trust, 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:08.599 that man 00:29:08.599 --> 00:29:09.019 who fell 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.380 at Jesus' 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:10.099 feet and 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:10.620 worshipped, 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.539 and we, 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:14.059 like him, 00:29:14.140 --> 00:29:14.519 can say 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:14.799 tonight, 00:29:14.880 --> 00:29:15.200 can't we, 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:15.339 look, 00:29:15.400 --> 00:29:15.620 there are 00:29:15.620 --> 00:29:16.420 many things, 00:29:16.500 --> 00:29:17.220 many things 00:29:17.220 --> 00:29:17.500 in this 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.000 life I 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:18.160 don't 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:18.640 understand, 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:21.120 and there 00:29:21.120 --> 00:29:21.599 is lots 00:29:21.599 --> 00:29:22.339 about God 00:29:22.339 --> 00:29:22.819 and his 00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:23.720 ways that 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.120 I still 00:29:24.120 --> 00:29:24.519 don't know, 00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:25.839 but there's 00:29:25.839 --> 00:29:26.139 one thing 00:29:26.139 --> 00:29:26.420 I do 00:29:26.420 --> 00:29:26.619 know, 00:29:27.819 --> 00:29:29.720 I was 00:29:29.720 --> 00:29:30.079 blind, 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:33.220 but now 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:33.559 I see, 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:38.599 let's pray.