February 6, 2023
Loved | John 9
WHEN YOU’RE AN OUTCAST
What’s it like to be loved by Jesus and to love him back? Or put another way, what’s it like to believe Jesus? John tells the story of the blind man healed by Jesus to help us imagine this. He wants this story to be our story: one where in love Jesus transforms us, sends us, and includes us.
Listen to an audio version of the message
Songs for this week: Spotify
John 9
- The disciples ask Jesus to explain why bad things, like blindness, happen to people. How would you respond to that question? Is there anything in Jesus’ response that makes you think about this differently?
- The man’s first encounter with Jesus is initiated by Jesus, who in love reaches out to heal the blindness that kept him on the margins. Tell the story of your first encounter with Jesus.
- This healing requires trust and obedience. Where in your life might Jesus be inviting you to greater trust and obedience so that he can heal you of an area of shame or sin or brokenness?
- The man is called to witness when he doesn’t even know who Jesus is! Where are you being called to witness? Have you felt like you knew what you were doing?
- The man’s understanding of who Jesus is grows throughout this story. How has your vision of Jesus changed over time? What have been the points that most changed it?
Bonus: Through this story, the man’s vision of Jesus progressively improves. He “sees” more and more. There’s another progression that’s happening, of the Pharisees’ blindness. How do they refuse the light?
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
Psalm 129 is a bit of a nasty Psalm! The writer has been oppressed and doesn’t hold back in expressing what that feels like. You might think being a believer means your troubles disappear, but that has never been the case. The good news is that God is neither blind nor indifferent to our struggles.
Psalm 131 - The Psalms of Ascent have it all: anguish, anger, encouragement, and wild joy. Psalm 131 is all about contentment. Where does contentment come from? What ruins it? What does it feel like? How can I be content in an age where marketing, social media and mirrors breed discontent?
Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they travelled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship.
Psalm 104 is a song of praise that marvels at the beauty and order of God’s creation. From mountains to seas, seasons to creatures great and small, it reveals a world sustained by His power and care. This psalm invites us to stand in awe, give thanks, and consider our role as stewards of His handiwork.
Psalm 121 - We humans need help! The question is, where will we turn for it? Psalm 121 invites us to look to God for true help.
