Blindness is not only a physical ailment. Sometimes we fail to see God’s presence even when our eyes are working properly. What gets in the way of our seeing, and acting, in love towards those around us?
Worship this weekend with Holy Communion: Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in Chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
9:30 a.m. – Thank you reception for Pastor Hans and Connie Floan – join us in fellowship hall for refreshments and a time to say thank you to Pastor Hans for his service to ELC
March 2, 2014
John 9:1-41
Key Verse: “Jesus said, ‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’” John 9:5
Time: 27-30 CE
Background: At the time of Jesus, people believed that physical or mental disabilities or challenges were caused by sin, either of the disabled or their parents. Jesus started the conversation in today’s reading by stating the man’s blindness was not caused by sin, but could be used to show the power of God’s goodness. Many of Jesus’ words and actions were to show how God’s people had misinterpreted God’s intentions for God’s people over the years. Jesus came to help people come to right relationship with God.
The Pharisees were confused by Jesus’ works because he healed on the Sabbath, which was contrary to God’s law. How could a man of God break God’s law? They didn’t understand that the Sabbath was to serve humanity, not the other way around.
Community: Are there people today who are still blamed for their misfortune (poverty, addiction, homelessness)? How might we become instruments of healing for those people?
At Home: What stands in your way of being able to see clearly God’s intention for you and your life? Ask God to remove all barriers so that you can see God’s light in your life and follow God.
Read This Week:
Monday, Mar 3, Jesus Heals on the Sabbath, John 5:1-18
Tuesday, Mar 4, The Authority of the Son, John 5:19-29
Wednesday, Mar 5, Good Shepherd, John 10:1-18
Thursday, Mar 6, Witnesses to Jesus, John 5:30-47
Friday, Mar 7, Feeding the Five Thousand, John 6:1-15
Saturday, Mar 8, Jesus Walks on Water, John 6:16-21
Next Week: Sunday, Mar 9, Raising Lazarus, John 11:1-44
