24 August 2025

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Overview

Week 1 of a 3-week mini-series in John 9 (“Sight That Leads to Surrender”). The whole chapter follows a man born blind who receives sight—the first recorded case of congenital blindness healed. Today (John 9:1–12): Jesus sees him, reframes suffering, acts with a strange sign (mud + Siloam), the man obeys, and his changed life becomes a public witness—even when neighbours doubt.

Big Idea

Jesus doesn’t start with blame; He starts with grace. He reframes suffering from “who sinned?” to “how will God’s work be revealed?” He initiates, we respond. Obedient faith doesn’t earn grace—it activates our participation in it. A transformed life is a compelling (though not always accepted) witness.

Passage

John 9:1–12 (supporting: Matt 5:38–41; Phil 4:8; Rom 6:23; John 9:5; Gen 3/Rom 8 theme—creation groans).

Flow / Movements
1. Jesus sees (v.1)
• “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man blind from birth.”
• Grace initiates (prevenient grace). Our stories begin with His seeing, not our striving.
2. Reframing suffering (vv.2–3)
• Disciples: “Who sinned—this man or his parents?”
• Jesus: “Neither… this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
• Moves us from fault-finding to grace-seeking; from punitive math to redemptive purpose.
3. Urgency & Identity (v.4–5)
• “Night is coming… While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
• In our shadowed places, the Light aims to reveal God’s work—not simply explain causes.
4. Strange means, simple obedience (vv.6–7)
• Spit + mud + command: “Go, wash in Siloam (‘Sent’).”
• He went, washed, came back seeing.
• Principle: Obedient faith doesn’t earn grace; it steps into what grace has initiated.
5. Public fallout (vv.8–12)
• Neighbours debate identity: “Is this the same man?”
• The man’s clear testimony: “The man called Jesus… I went and washed, and now I see.”
• Not everyone will accept your change. Live the change anyway.

Key Truths
• Not blame but glory: Jesus redirects from “why me?” to “watch Him.” (v.3)
• Law fulfilled by love: From “eye for eye” to mercy (Matt 5:38–41).
• Grace initiates; faith participates: Jesus saw… then the man went. (vv.1,7)
• Methods may be odd; the Messiah is sure: Don’t stumble over the mud.
• Witness is visible: A changed life will be noticed—and contested.

Applications
• Trade fault-finding for grace-seeking. Catch yourself when assigning blame (to self or others). Ask: “How might God display His work here?”
• Name your ‘Siloam’ step. What simple, practical obedience is Jesus asking this week? (Apology, generosity, reconciliation, serving, confession.) Do it.
• Practice your 60-second story.
• Before: “Here’s where I was blind.”
• Jesus: “Here’s what He said/did.”
• After: “Here’s what’s changed.”
• Confront prejudice. Where are pride or assumptions limiting your love? Repent; choose mercy. (Phil 4:8—renew your mind.)
• Stay faithful when fruit is slow. Not all healings are immediate; not all neighbours believe. Keep witnessing through consistent transformation.

#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

Find out more about Jesus here

Find the answers to life’s biggest questions. Try Alpha

Can we pray for you? Request prayer and click ‘Prayer Request’ Button.

To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, click here.

#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon