Bible Pathway - Nov. 4, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Has Jesus changed you? The power of a changed life vs. spiritual blindness (9:1-41). The Good Shepherd and His sheep (10:11). Jesus, the Father, the sheep, and eternal life (10:23-30). False accusations against Jesus; the enemy tries to kill Him (10:31-42).
As Jesus went His way, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him (9:1-3). Jesus made clay of the spittle (saliva), and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (9:6-7). The blind man, in faith, was obedient and came (returned) seeing — for not only did he see physically, but he could see Jesus, the prophesied Messiah-King — the Light of the World (8:12; 9:5). And he worshipped Him (9:38).
But to the Pharisees, this miracle only became another occasion for critical questioning — of Jesus and of the man who had been blind. With great joy, he told them the wonderful miracle of his healing and added: One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. . . . Herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes (9:25,30).
Indignant, the religious authorities cast him out of the synagogue (9:34). Jesus found him (9:35) and revealed Himself as the Son of God (9:35-41). What a thrilling experience!
This man, blind from his birth, accurately illustrates the terrible condition of everyone without Jesus Christ. Until we see Christ as our Savior we are spiritually blind, nor can we see our need of a Savior, due to the hardness of our hearts (Eph. 4:18).
All who believe that Christ died on the cross to save them from eternal hell, have prayed for the Lord to forgive their sins and have, by faith, accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord are born again (John 3:3). This man who was born blind illustrates that the eternal purpose of God can use every sorrow, every suffering, every handicap, and every tragedy for our good and for His glory. It may not come at the moment we desire, just as this man had waited for 30 years; but, in His time, the Lord will be glorified through it all (9:24,30-33,38). As we read our Bible every day, we need to pray for more light — we need the miracle of spiritual sight.
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28).
Thought for Today:
For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in Truth (Ps. 33:4).
Word Studies:
10:3 porter =b> doorkeeper; watchman; 10:41 resorted unto Him =b> came to Him.
Cross Reference:
For John 10:34: See Ps. 82:6.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Official: Rep. John Yarmuth (KY) • Country: Jordan (5 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Religious tolerance • 93% Muslim; 5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His mercy and loving-kindness (Ps. 86:15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24
