Comments for October 17

43:4  in vision Ezekiel saw the glory of God leave the temple going out towards the east –11:22-23 – so Ezekiel is seeing a reversal of what he saw in vision earlier. This must have been quite a comfort to him.

43:3 the time when the angel came to destroy the city is recorded in  9:2-5. But now it is a place of glory.

43:2 Ezekiel had, in vision, seen the glory of God depart from off the temple – Eze 11:23. As soon as he had seen the glory of God leave the temple the vision that commenced in Eze 8 ends. But now in vision he sees the glory of God return to the temple. Doubtless Ezekiel was aware that God had not cast off His people when he saw the glory depart. However to see it returning would serve to confirm Ezekiel’s confidence in his God.

A lesson for us is that when things look very bleak the promises of God should serve as encouragement to think about the future glory of the kingdom.

43:2  In vision – Ezekiel 11:23 –had seen the glory of God depart from the temple prior to the destruction of the city by the Babylonians. He doubtless wondered where it would all end. But now he sees, in vision, the glory returning. That must have been a great comfort to him.

43:11 Being “ashamed” will be a pre-requisite for Israel when they see Messiah. We should be asking ourselves whether we are ashamed of our previous way of life.

10:9 - The concept of entering in through Jesus is brought out quite a lot in the NT. The following passages make good and exciting exhortation in this context. John 14:6, Rom.5:1,2, Eph.2:18, Heb.10:19-22

9:38 When men and women came and worshipped Jesus they were giving him esteem. They were not worshipping like one worships God. Matthew 8:2 9:18 14:33 15:25 18:26 Mark 5:6 John 9:38 12:20
It was a mark of respect to one in authority.
10:16 The mention of 'one shepherd' probably caused the disciples to think of Ezekiel 34:23 37:24 So maybe they would have thought that the 'other sheep' were the kingdom of Israel who were taken captive by the Assyrians. However Jesus clearly is thinking about the way in which the gentiles would be incorporated into his name.

9:40-41 The Pharisees were actually 'blind' as they were unable to see that Jesus was the Messiah despite having seen all the miracles that he had performed. However because they claimed to have understanding they were responsible for their situation. They would be judged according to their own assessment of themselves. They were, in fact, unteachable through their arrogance. Is this a lesson for us?

10:16 In saying that the sheep 'shall hear my voice' Jesus is quoting Psalm 95:7. This Psalm reminds Israel how they fell in the wilderness even though they had been delivered from Egypt. Very appropriate when we realise that he is calling for commitment close to the time of his death. Some would have continued with him for most if not all of his ministry and were liable to fall away just as Jesus effected the real work of redemption through his death and resurrection.

ch 9 - Continuing the theme seen the first time we read John this year the blind man was healed in contrast to the leaders who were blind. The detail is interesting :6 'anointed' literally is 'daubed' or 'spread'. Israel, In Isaiah's day (Isaiah 44:18) had their eyes shut because they had been 'shut' - Hebrew 'daubed'.

10:25 So again, as we have commented twice before, we see that Jesus shows his utter dependence on his Father.

9:1-7 Jesus had just left the temple and encountered the man blind from birth. The Lord could have healed the man on the spot. Instead, He put a clay solution on his eyes and sent him to wash in the pool of Siloam.

The clay was significant of man's decaying constitution that could only be overcome by baptism (washing) through faith.

But the Pool of Siloam was not near the temple. It was situated to the south in the Lower City. This meant that the blind man would have to negotiate the narrow, busy streets half-way across town. That would indeed be a journey of faith. After successfully being guided to his journey's end he would be able to see perfectly.

We were blind from birth and doomed because of our disposition in Adam. Yet through belief, baptism, and a faithful walk, under guidance, we may yet be able to see perfectly in the Kingdom (1Cor 13:12).

ch 9 The whole episode with the man born blind, relates wonderfully to the teaching of Jesus in Luke 14 and 15. In 14v34-35 Jesus introduces his comments in chapter 15 by asking about the salt which has lost its saltiness. This salt wasn't even fit for the dunghill, but "men throw it out". This is interesting. Not "God throws it out", but "men throw it out". This is what we see in John 9v34 "and they cast him out". Why did the Pharisees do it? Because "you were completely born in sins".

Jesus goes on to talk about the same thing in Luke 15. The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost man, are the same as the salt that has lost it's saltiness, or the man who had sinned. The message of Jesus is that though men would cast this out, he on the other hand would restore it and make it salty. He would be the good shepherd, and the loving father in the parables. He demonstrated this exact thing in John 9v 35 "and when he had found him". Jesus searched for that lost man, found him, and showed him the way to restoration, which was by faith in the Christ (v35-39).

This episode is an acting out of the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost man. Jesus highlights this by saying in v39 exactly that which he had said about the parables. The lost son had understood the parable. The blind man knew he was a sinner, and was the one who understood the gospel. The Pharisees who believed they had no sin (I think we can assume this from v34) didn't understand. They were the son who remained with his father, or the sheep who were in the pen. They said "we see", therefore their sin remained (v41).

ch 10 A shepherd risks his life to protect the sheep from being taken (v11). If the shepherd is already dead, and it was because he was protecting the sheep (v15), then logically the thing he was fighting must be gone, or else he was not a very good shepherd. What I mean to say is this; the battle is over, and there are no more wild animals. The shepherd has already died in protecting us sheep. This means that there is nothing more for him to fight (Romans 8v1). Our only fight now is for us to follow on behind him, as he leads us in and out. If we do this, sin has no more hold on us.

9:33 In saying 'If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.' The man who was born blind is simply restating what Nicodemus said (John 3:2)

10:39Jesus is seen in John to be in danger a number of times.(John 7:30,44, 8:59) where his enemies wanted either to capture or kill him.

10:11  Though this may be said of literal shepherds who, even for their flock, have, like David, encountered "the lion and the bear". Yet here, it points to the struggle which was to issue in the willing surrender of the Redeemer's own life, to save His sheep from destruction.

9:17 We see here a spiritual development within the man that had been born blind at this point. When first asked how his eyes were opened, he answered that he knew him not(Christ), (V.12) Now, when asked the third time, he answers that Jesus was a prophet. For God had revealed himself to him through Jesus. Another thing we must not discount,is the fact that this would have taken a lot of courage. An example for all.

10:11-14 Jesus talks about two classes of leaders: shepherds and hirelings.  The shepherd puts the needs of his sheep first; a hireling seeks his own welfare first.  Such was the difference between the first king (the people's choice) Saul, and the second king (God's choice) David.  David, of course, foreshadowed the Lord Jesus. 

We should consider of which class we are.  Do we put the needs of our brethren first, or are they secondary?  This consideration is important on both an individual level and an ecclesial leadership level.  Shepherds are the only acceptable leaders to the Lord.

9:16 The division caused by Jesus’ healing is what the gospel is all about. It causes division – or at least it should – between those who see Jesus as Messiah and those who do not. It should not cause division between them who do see Jesus as Messiah.

10:37  In claiming, by implication, that he was doing ‘the works of his Father’ he was doing no more than the Pharisees would have claimed – or at least should have been doing. It was the fact that Jesus’ actions condemned them because they were not doing God’s will that caused them to hate Jesus.

LISTEN TO THE SHEPHERD
 
In describing himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus said this: "The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:2-4)
 
One of the most special things we can do for anyone is to learn their name. Having someone know our name makes us feel special and important to them. It tells us that we are more than just another face or another number, but that we mean something to them. Of all the millions of people in the world, Jesus knows our name personally. What an awesome privilege it is to be known and cared for by the Son of God.
 
For our part, we need to get to know his voice so that we can follow him. We need to come to trust him, as sheep know the voice of their shepherd, trust him and follow him. The more we listen to him and hear what he has to say, the easier it will be for us to recognise him by what we hear. We have no pictures that accurately tell us what Jesus looked like, and neither do we have voice recordings. But what we do know is what he says, how he thinks and what he does.
 
As loyal sheep, let's follow the good Shepherd.

10:27 We learn from hearing, not seeing. How many times do we read God said? We use more and more visual aids than ever, but it is still by hearing that one learns.

10:16 Jesus' first obligation was to save His people Israel (Matt 15:24).  He makes it clear, though, that His mission was to eventually include the Gentiles also.

10:41 John was revered as a prophet even though he never performed a single miracle (John 21:25).  Jesus underscored His credibility by performing miracles and yet many would not accept Him (John 14:11). 

FOUR DIFFERENT REACTIONS TO JESUS

1. The neighbours revealed surprise and scepticism (v.8)

2. Some Pharisees showed disbelief and prejudice (v.16)

3. The parents believed but kept quiet for fear of excommunication (v.20-21)

4. The healed man showed consistent and growing faith (A champion for the Lord)

"Where there is no vision, the people perish" Prov 29:18

Vision is the world's most desperate need. There are no hopeless situations, only people who think hopelessly. Heb 12:2

9:11-12 That the man did not know who Jesus was highlights the fact that Jesus did not perform miracles to elevate himself in the eyes of the people.

10:12 So how do we react when there are attacks made upon the gospel and ‘sheep’ run the risk of being taken from the flock – the community of believers? It is all too easy to keep silent and do nothing to defend the faith. As such are we not being like the hireling?

9:5 In speaking of himself as ‘the light of the world’ Jesus is returning to a point he has already made – John 8:12. But it is not just Jesus who is the light of the world. We are, likewise to be lights – Matt 5:14. It is not good enough looking to Jesus and to sit back and relax. He is our example. We must imitate him.

10:2,34 There was a common belief among the Jews that any misfortune was the result of sin. But, Jesus dispels such a notion (Luke 13:1-4).

10:18 The Greek word exousia is translated power (KJV) but could just as easily been translated authority. The ESV and other modern versions do translate it as authority. That takes the sting out of the Trinitarian claim that Jesus is God.

9:3 Jesus dispels the Jewish notion that infirmities were the result of sin (9:34). 

10:20 Jesus’ detractors said that he had a devil (KJV), or more correctly a demon (ESV).  Being possessed by a demon was attributed to those having a mental incapacity.  In Jesus’ case, he was thought to be insane.

10:22 The Feast of Dedication (ESV), which we know today as Hanukkah, was introduced by Judas Maccabeus to commemorate the cleansing of the temple after Antiochus Epiphanes (215 BC-164 BC) had defiled it.

Judas Maccabeus led a successful revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes from 167 BC-160 BC. It was in 165 BC that Judas established the feast in December of that year.  The feast ran for eight days.

9:11 The reaction of the Pharisees to the man who had been cured of his blindness is an awful parable of the nation of Israel. They could ‘see’ but were blind in that they could not ‘see’ their Messiah. The man had been bind but now recognised Jesus as a prophet. –Isa 6:9-10

FIGHTING WOLVES

Jesus describes himself as the "Good Shepherd." (John 10:11) He explains how he lays down his life for the sheep. They are his sheep and he is committed to them, to keep them safe and together.

As part of his description as the Good Shepherd, he contrasts his role with that of a hired hand who also looks after the sheep. "The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for he sheep." (v.12-13) From this it is obvious that the Good Shepherd is the opposite of the hired hand. When he sees the wolf coming, the Good Shepherd will stay and fight for it.

Let us fill in the picture a little bit more. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We are the sheep and together we make up his flock. The wolf is temptation and sin, because it is sin that causes death. If Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are his sheep, then from this we know that when we are tempted, he is there to help us fight the temptation before it becomes sin and death in us. Our role is to bleat for help. Like helpless sheep we have no strength against the wolf. So let us call out to the Good Shepherd because only he can successfully fight off the wolves of sin.

When Jesus says "I am the good shepherd" 10v1-11, he means to contrast himself with the Jews, who he calls thieves, robbers, strangers or wolves. They had cast the man out (9:34) and would have cast out his family too (9:22). Whereas Jesus specifically went to find him (9:35). We should examine ourselves to see whether we're acting more like the good, or the bad shepherds.

10:16 Jesus draws together three areas of Scripture here.

Isa 56:7      them also must I bring

Psa 95:7      they shall hear my voice

Eze 34:23    One shepherd

Jesus, by use of the Old Testament is showing that he is the fulfilment of the prophecies of the coming of Messiah as a shepherd.

PREDETREMINED CONCLUSIONS

It wasn't until relatively recently that the world of science concluded that the earth is a sphere. Up until that time all the men of knowledge had convinced themselves that the world was flat and that if you sailed too far you would fall off the edge. Even if there had been a satellite up above the atmosphere to take a photo of the earth, they still would have looked at the photo from their own point of view and concluded that the earth was a flat disc. They were not prepared to change their minds, no matter what their investigations proved.

The same thing happened with the Pharisees in the days of Jesus. Jesus had healed a man who was born blind. This healing caused a bit of a sensation among the people which Pharisees decided to investigate. The problem with their investigation, though, was that they had already made up their minds what the conclusion would be before they started. They refused to see or acknowledge the truth even though they had gone out to investigate it.

I wonder whether we do the same things sometimes? As we study the Bible, are we looking to consolidate our own conclusions, or are we looking to learn what God has to say to us?

Let's turn off our own point of view for a moment and actually listen to what God's word tells us.

John 10:11,27

“I am the good shepherd…My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

The most universally known image of Jesus is that of the good Shepherd. Throughout the Centuries, the theme of the good shepherd has been the motif for sublime music, magnificent art, exquisite poetry, stirring exhortations, and moving literature. From earliest childhood, it has captured our imaginations and comforted our spirits.

In the book, “The 100 Greatest Advertisements” by Julian Watkins, Julian attributes the following ad in an English newspaper to the Irish Explorer, Ernest Shackleton: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.” Shackleton received 5,000 replies, and 27 men were chosen to begin a trial of physical endurance of wind, ice, and snow in trekking the Antarctica as they set sail from England on the Endurance in August 1914. Shackleton pledged: “Follow as I lead, do what I say must be done, and I’ll get you home.” Amazingly he did, being rescued by the Chilean ship, Yelcho on August 30, 1916. It is a riveting story, and the American Museum of Natural History documented their journey as one of the greatest tales of survival in expedition history!

Jesus said his sheep would hear (listen to) his voice and follow him (John 12:26), do what he says (Luke 10:25-28), and promises to lead them home, honouring them with an incorruptible crown of eternal life (John 14:2,3,19) if they follow his instructions. Yet, despite the many who accept the call, only few will be chosen (Matt 22:14). Our good Shepherd wants us to entrust our lives to him, and he will give us strength for the journey. Christ, matchless in goodness, protects, feeds, leads, and nurtures his followers. Why is it that people will sign up for such hazardous causes, but reluctant to sign up and totally commit their lives to Christ? Only Christ is able to lead us from death to life, from bondage to freedom, from loneliness to friendship, from aimless wandering to a life of meaning and purpose.

John 9:6-7

“When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go wash in the pool of Siloam…He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”

The water from the pool of Siloam was the only water used in the ordinance of the red heifer (see Num 19:17). The “running water,” chay, # <2416>, is literally “living water,” or fresh water that is able to impart life. This mixture of living water with the ashes of the red heifer purified those who had become “unclean.” Only pure water can purify.

The “last day” in John 7:37, is the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and ties in with the pool of Siloam! The Feast of Tabernacles began on the fifteenth day of the seventh month (Lev 23:34), during which there was the sin offering, burnt offering and drink offering.

Alfred Edersheim in his book, The Temple: It’s Ministry and Services, wrote: “…The Pool of Siloam was fed by the living spring farther up in the narrowest part of the Kedron Valley, which presently bears the name of ‘the Virgin’s Fountain,’ but represents the ancient En-Rogel and Gihon…The Pool of Siloam is the same as ‘the King’s Pool’ of Neh. ii.14. It was made by King Hezekiah… While the morning sacrifice was being prepared a Priest accompanied by a joyous procession with music went down to the Pool of Siloam whence he drew water into a golden pitcher…When the Temple-procession had reached the Pool of Siloam, the Priest filled his golden pitcher from its waters. Then they went back to the Temple, so timing it, that they should arrive just as they were laying the pieces of the sacrifice on the great Altar of Burnt offering, towards the close of the ordinary Morning-Sacrifice service…” Edersheim explains that water was poured into silver basins the first seven days from the 15^thto the 21^stday, but on the eighth, or last day, that great day of the Feast, a priest was sent (Siloam means sent) for a different type of water, which he was to pour into a golden pitcher. When Jesus cried out, “…If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me…out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38); he was talking about the water from the pool of Siloam poured out on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles. He typified the “pool of Siloam” on the eighth day as referred to in the prophecy of Isa 12:2-3! Those in whom Christ dwells are, “wells of salvation,” or the “pool of Siloam,” by which those who hear us can draw from us and receive life (John 4:14).

The “pool of Siloam” brings light and understanding to all those blind to the will and purpose of God. The healing of the blind man (the clay, Isa 64:8) in contact with this purifying water was his eye-salve (Rev 3:18). Those who are blinded by the veil of religious legalism need to be "washed" to see the light of God’s Word. The spit revealed he was not just physically blind, but also spiritually blind, and, therefore, “unclean” (see Num 12:10,13-14 cp. Lev 13:45; Deut 25:8-9), and needed to be washed, but not just by any water! It is a prophetic allegory.

10:7  Jesus is the ‘door of the sheep’ – the sheep gate. It is instructive to notice in  Neh 3:1 that the sheep gate is the only gate repaired which is not  mentioned as having bars and locks. Indicating that the way in through Jesus is not barred to anyone who has the right frame of mind.

John 10:33.

9:19-22        The discussion between the Jewish leaders and the parents of the one who was blind is instructive. It shows how men and women can avoid telling the truth or speaking that which they know to be true because of fear of what others will say or do.  We must never fall into the trap of being so compromised.

10:30  In saying that again they took up stones to stone Jesus we are reminded that they did the same in John 8:59

9:13   The neighbours of the man who had been healed took him to the Pharisees. The reason, it seems, being the neighbours did not want to appear to be associated with Jesus lest they be put out of the synagogue. We learn in John 9:22 that this was the threat made against those who confessed that Jesus was Christ.

HOW DARE YOU LECTURE US!

They were the ones who knew their Bibles better than anyone else. They were supposed to have been the spiritual leaders of Israel. They were the teachers in Israel, the ones the average person thought they would be able to get answers from. And then they came across the man born blind. All their lofty arguments and great ideals seemed to come to nothing in the presence of his simple logic.

He had no training in theology or the law and traditions, yet his simple trust and lessons in faith learned over the past twenty-four hours ran rings around the teachers and their superior knowledge. In the end the teachers of the law got so frustrated with the blind man's faithful logic that they yelled at him, "'You were steeped in sin at birth. how dare you lecture us!' And they threw him out." (John 9:34).

The lesson I learn from this is that we need, like the blind man, to have our minds and hearts open to the words and work of God in our lives. We need to develop a simple and humble faith, no matter how much we have learned. We need to be sure that we don't rely on our own knowledge or status.

Let's make sure our faith is as strong as the blind man's faith, and that it is used in a powerful way.

The bad shepherd. We see a great example of a good shepherd in this chapter in one who takes care of his sheep, goes out and searches for lost sheep.

What about bad shepherds?

Well in John 9:32 we see the blind man put out, in John 10:4 we see Jesus also puts out his sheep but the difference is he goes before them to show the way where ever we go, whatever sufferings we will endure he has been there in fact he gave his life for his sheep.

Exo 34:2

When i read that chapter I was thinking of those Pharisee’s. Those Pharisee’s had better watch out, I thought to myself their bad shepherding is pointed out here, Prophecy is wonderful isn’t it? But do we ever think those prophetic words are aimed at us?

I didn’t, I thought that’s the Pharisee’s Ezekial is writing about, these words were not so exciting when I thought it could be myself!  We must remember that Prophecy isn’t so much as telling what will happen in the future but what we should do in regard of the future! Ez 34 is that part of the prophecy entitled “the time of the restoration of Israel and preparation of the glorious return, precisely the time we are now living in. So these words are also a warning to us.

So where doesn’t the responsibility of a shepherd lie?Well the Rec bro. should be a shepherd, so should his A.b’s, The point is we all look at someone else and think they should be shepherds don’t we?

The fact is we All should be as shepherds tending to each other pasturing each other, and to assosciate as friends. If we keep expecting someone else to be a shepherd eventually no one will be a shepherd, in turn the sheep are not cared for and That is what Ezekial 34 is warning us about.

In ex 34 we see six problems which arise when shepherds stop caring or feeding a flock. And this is the real warning to us.

Eze 34:3-4

All these 6 points warn us of the progression an ecclesia or indeed an individual will go through if the flock isn’t fed spiritually, notice the increase in intensity, if there were no diseased ones there would be no sick ones, if there were no sick ones there would have been no broken ones if there were no broken ones there would be none to drive away, if you hadn’t driven them away, there would be no straying ones.  But these shepherds decided the best way to keep the ecclesia together was to run it by force, and as Rotherham tranlates by rigourous rules, rules alone are not the things which keep an ecclesia together. (but of course required with love).

So what does that mean to us? Well we should be seeking out those who are sick, for if we don’t get sick ones we don’t get broken ones, and so on.

When do we notice someone is sick? Normally when they haven’t been to the meeting for a few weeks isn’t it? Someone who is struggling doesn’t just wake one morning and say, I feel like straying or leaving the truth it is a steady downward spiral like what we have just read about.It starts off with being starved of food. 

We must also remember that just because a brother or sister is attending a meeting doesn’t mean he or she is not sick or weak, broken or straying. They may be here seeking spiritual food, while in the week straying, we must make sure those who are struggling get the food they need. We must make sure we recognize those who need feeding spiritually.

So what does this feeding require how can we tell if someone is sick?

Most importantly we have to attend don’t we?

Would a shepherd expect his sheep to go off on their own? No he would go with the flock, why? to feed the flock! How does he feed the flock?

Have a look at these verses Heb 10:25

9:35   It would appear that when Jesus heard of the fate of the man who he had given sight to had been ostracised by the Jewish leaders that Jesus sought him out. Herein is a lesson for us. It is not enough to simply meet a need when it is seen but to continue to care for the individual we have helped. Seeking them out to find how things are with them if necessary.

9:16     Nicodemus – John 3:2 – has already sad that the Jewish leaders recognised that God was with Jesus because of his miracles. But now the same people actually deny that!

John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

The beautiful theme of shepherding is read throughout the Bible. We read it concerning, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, etc. Christ, as the good Shepherd, cares for his flock, so much so, that he gave his life for them (cf. Psa 100:3; Isa 53:6).

In Heb 13:20, Christ is referred to as the “great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.” Christ satisfied the terms of his covenant being obedient unto death (Phil 2:8). He gave his life that we may have life! At baptism, we enter into covenant relationship with him; we become his sheep over which he resides. We too must satisfy the terms of our covenant if we are to enter into eternal life.

In 1Pet 5:4, Christ, the King of Glory, is referred to as “the chief Shepherd” who will return for his sheep and give them a crown of life (Col 3:4). The immortalized saints will be his under-shepherds. These sheep heard his voice and followed him (Matt 16:24).

Are we sheep who care for one another, try to help one another in love, or do we go about beating the flock, gossiping about the flock, criticizing, slandering the flock for not believing exactly like we do, and somehow seem to think our sins are not as bad as theirs? This is the manifestation of the flesh, and such are not fit for being shepherds. How beautifully Christ manifested to us the Christ-Way in these progressions, as compared to the Flesh-Way, which is nothing short of ugly!

John 9:6

“When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.” (cf. Mark 8:23-25).

Clay is very hard when dry. Water must be added to be able to make a paste out of it. In this case, Jesus used his spittle. Jesus did not need physical props to work miracles. He merely spoke and healings followed (cf. Matt 15:28; Luke 17:12-14). So why did Christ use this form of demonstration?

One explanation may be that in the ancient world, saliva was considered a treatment for blindness. Christ, recognizing their spiritual need, he offered this physical action in hopes of their focusing their faith on him. The physical action was to draw their attention to something deeper - his Father’s original creation of man from clay (Gen 2:7; cp. Isa 64:8; Jer 18:1-6). In so doing, Jesus showed the miracle he was about to perform came from God; that he truly was their Messiah, the legitimate Son of God.

When I was a teenager, blind people scared me. I avoided them like the plague, and if they walked on one side of the sidewalk, I would cross the street to the other side. Then, one winter’s afternoon, I took Public Transportation to visit my grandmother in the hospital. She was dying of cancer. When I left her, it was snowing, but ever so lightly.

I boarded the bus back home and as I sat down, I noticed a blind man on the bus. My heart began to beat rapidly and I kept hoping the blind man would get off soon. One by one, the people disembarked, but not the blind man. Fright seized me when only he and I were left on the bus. I have no explanation for this irrational fear, but it was very real.

Meanwhile, the snow fall turned into a blizzard! The bus halted; visibility was almost nil! The bus driver could not go further and asked the blind man where he lived and for me to walk him home! Imagine my horror! I froze when I had to take the blind man’s arm, and my heart raced so hard and my breathing became so heavy that he asked me if I was alright. He felt and/or heard it. Well, I wasn’t, but I would not tell him about my fear. We walked close to two miles in that heavy blizzard when we arrived to his home. His family looked very worried, but that turned quickly into smiles. They were so happy and so grateful when they saw me lead him safely home that this moment is still etched in my mind. Later that evening my grandmother died. I thought to myself, what a horrible day I had! I lost my grandmother and I had to walk a blind man home in the blizzard. This is how the carnal mind works.

Jesus tried to take those he healed from one way of thinking to another way of thinking in hopes of a more beautiful way of seeing things. I learned this lesson several years later. That horrible day became a spiritually moving day, in that I got to see and kiss my grandmother one last time. This meant a lot to me. Then, what a difference I made in helping the blind man safely home and the relief and joy I brought to his family. I no longer fear blind people. What a fulfilling day it truly was, but I was too blind to see it then. Since then, I have learned to go beyond the physical actions and think differently about my circumstances. To see life through Jesus’ eyes and feel with his heart makes everything look so differently and brings with it despite all the storms of life, a peace so beautiful and satisfying. What a lesson Jesus taught and how sad if we overlook it!

9:16   We have seen already that the Jewish leaders knew that Jesus came from God – John 3:2 – but now they deny that. Their denial is because, even though they recognised his miracles as special his behaviour did not conform to their expectation. So they rejected him – there was a conflict between their knowledge and expectations. Rather than trust what they knew they relied on their assumptions. A warning to us to trust facts, not assumptions.

John 9:4

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

It is somewhat of a metaphor to speak of life and death as day and night. We all have our days; some shorter, some longer and, therefore, we must put our day to good account. In John 17:4, we read Christ confidently saying, “… I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” His life, though short, was full and he left nothing undone. No matter where we are in the day, we have no time to lose.

The world as a whole is in great darkness, but the Word of God is a lamp, which enables us to walk in light in the midst of the surrounding darkness (Psa 119:105). Christ’s enemies were not able to stop him until he completed his work, and so no one can stop our course before the work allotted to us is accomplished. “When the Deity has a purpose to perform or develop, He lays hold of any of His creatures whose peculiarity He requires in the operation.” Dr. John Thomas, 1860.

Of course, there is the possibility of our leaving undone the work allotted to us by Deity’s wisdom. If we do for whatever reason, we shall forfeit our reward for faithful service, whilst others will be raised up to do the work we have forsaken and take the crown which might have been ours. Had Esther, in fear for her own life, refused to attempt to save her people from destruction, deliverance would have come in another way.

“'Knowing neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man Cometh.’ This conclusion cannot have a slackening effect on those who rightly estimate the solid and far-reaching scheme of truth to which the gospel has introduced them, and who recognize that the Lord’s judgment will be brought to bear, not on the state and attitude of his servants at the moment of his arrival, but on the part they have sustained during the weary days of his absence.” Robert Roberts, Christadelphian, 1884 (Emphasis added).

May we continue to work while we can for the night comes when we shall no longer be able to work. If we are true servants, we will work because that’s what servants do and occupy ourselves in Christ’s service until he comes (Luke 19:13).  All that we go through in the process of faithfulness will not have been in vain. What satisfaction it will be then to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt 25:23).

9:7         We should try to put ourselves in the place of the man. “Go wash in the pool of Siloam” was a major event for him. He had to find his way, being still blind. He would have needed to ask for help, all the time believing that what Jesus had said would come to pass.

John 9

A reader writes: “How did you find your way to the blind man’s home and how did you get from there to your home? I was brought up in Alberta Canada and never experienced this drama.”

My reply: I was brought up in Montreal, Canada, and they did and do get some pretty fierce winters at times! The blind man could talk and he told me where he lived and with every street corner he wanted to know the name of the street. It wasn't always easy to see, but not impossible. This gave him a good idea where we were. Ironically, he guided me; I just led him!

As it turned out, he lived but a few blocks away from where I lived. I recognized the area, as by this time (about two hours later, maybe longer) the blizzard had eased up enough so I could "see," for myself, where I was. Recognizing the neighbourhood, I knew the rest of the way home. God was with us every step of the way, and I wasn't short of prayer! All public transportation was halted, not that I saw any cars on the road, either.

My left eardrum froze and burst, and I'm almost deaf in that ear, as a result. It was anything, but drama! It was a real life incidence that brought good out of the bad, and an ear drum was well worth helping the blind man in the process, not to mention the change it brought in me.

Interestingly, my granddaughter lives in Alberta, Canada, and they do get some fierce winters at times. She sends me beautiful pictures of the Rocky Mountains in Banff. Be glad you didn’t have to walk through a blizzard, although I have no regrets it happened to me.

10:28   Jesus’ promise here matches what is recorded in 3:15.

9:7-8 See the uncertainty amongst the people. Some said that he was the blind man, others were not sure. So amazing was the fact that he had been healed the people found it hard to believe. This contrasts with other occasions when the miracle was actually seen,

John 9:39
A reader writes: “A sister sends out a text each day on the Bible readings. Today she had questions, and I thought you would be a good resource... 'Can anyone explain the seeming contradiction of John 9:39 and John 12:47?' … I have come to rely on your comments in the daily Bible Readings. The depth of your answers and references shows how hard you have worked to study and show yourself approved… I look forward to your response…"

My reply: In John 3:17,18, we read that God did not send His Son to condemn (<2919>, krino) the world, but to save it (cf. John 3:16). Then in v. 18, not to be omitted, he goes on to say that there is no condemnation to those who believe in him. Even without Scripture verification, we may still deduce that those who don’t will be condemned (John 5:22,24).

In John 12:47, as above, deals with unbelievers who refuse to see and hear and follow Jesus as his disciples. Jesus said he does not judge (<2919>, krino) them. They already live under condemnation. He came to save those who would accept him (cf. John 3:3, and vv. 44-50).

In John 9:39, we read that Jesus came for judgment (<2917>, krima) against those who think they see, yet are spiritually blind. Jesus was specifically referring to the Pharisees (vv. 15,34,35,40,41). The Pharisees claimed to see, but were blind. They claimed to follow Moses (John 9:28; cf. Matt 23:2), but in reality did not (Matt 23:3 cf. v. 1), and never accepted Jesus as the Messiah and, therefore, they will be judged to condemnation. Furthermore, Jesus will judge the nations at his Second Coming (Matt 25:31,32).

Christ’s mission was to save as many as he could. It was the purpose of his First Coming. This he did in lovingly teaching the words of eternal life, but this did not exclude the inevitable - that it is only to those who accept him will be accepted by him (John 1:12).

It is about accountability and responsibility. It is important to compare Scripture with Scripture, and do so in context! John 9:39 and John 12:47 were spoken in different contexts. They do not contradict each other.

10:28    Jesus’ promise here matches what is recorded in  3:15.

10:33-36 “The Jews answered him, ‘For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy; and because you, being a man, make yourself out to be God’. 

Jesus answered them ‘If he called them gods to whom the word of God came … do you say of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world ‘You are blaspheming’ because I said, I am the son of God’?”

When Jesus was accused of claiming that he was God, he corrected his accusers by claiming

HOW TO BE A GOD

If you are going to be a god, act like one.

Speaking to the Jews, Jesus reminded them that God wrote in their law, “I said, you are gods.” (John 10:34). God called the rulers of his people, gods. They had been given power and authority over God’s people to look after them on behalf of God himself. They were the people the rest of us would look to when we needed to see or to hear from God.

Jesus took the quote he used from Psalm 82, which gives us a picture of God presiding over a board meeting with his executive council. “God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgement.” (Psa 82:1). But God’s councillors were not doing their job properly. Listen to what God says as he addresses his councillors: 

“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Give justice to the weak and fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psa 82:3-4). Those were the things they were not doing. They were not acting like the gods they were supposed to be. They were not representing God like they should have been doing. They were acting like selfish, power hungry and evil men.

Because they were not acting as they should, God decreed, “I said, ‘You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.’” (Psa 82:7).

God’s councillors were not living up to their responsibilities, so their high position as ‘gods’ was to be taken away and they were to die as men in the carnage of battle.

We too can be gods. How do we become gods? Don’t do what they did. Instead, listen to the Most High God, judge justly, be impartial, care for others – especially for the weak, and rescue those who are oppressed by wickedness. When we act like gods, we will not die like men. When we act like gods, we will live with God for ever.

9:29 the way that the Jews “knew not” Jesus’ origins was a sad admission that they did not believe he was Messiah despite the miracles that he performed.

John 9:11 the man born blind reports that Jesus had said to him:-
“Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight”  

The EXACT Greek for ‘I received sight’ only appears in one other place (although translated slightly differently in English)

Acts 22:13 Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

Directed to link the two scriptures in this way we might be encouraged to think of John 9 as a parable of the life of Paul, a man born spiritually blind to the truth of the Gospel. In order for Paul to see, he has to made literally blind, by the light of Jesus before he can have his sight restored and appreciate the gospel.
Examples, but please add more.
Paul and the man were both blind
Both receive their sight
Both Paul and the man are spoken to by Jesus
Both were told to wash

Both were ‘sent’ (apostle word)
Jesus sends the man to wash
Paul was sent to the Gentiles (apostle)

3 times the man was asked how he was healed
3 times Paul tells of his Damascus Road experience