biblestudy: John (Part 16)
John 9:8-10:14 Spiritual Blindness/ Hearing the Master's Voice
John W. Ritenbaugh
Given 19-Jan-87; Tape #BS-JO16
Description: In this sixteenth installment expounding the book of John, John Ritenbaugh focuses upon the episode of the healing of the man blind from birth and the resultant threats imposed upon the man and his family by the Pharisees who accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath by this act of mercy. The man, healed by Jesus but persecuted and disfellowshipped by the Pharisees, realized God was responsible for the miracle. One can conclude that the closer we get to God, the more likely we will have persecution; but the closer we get to Him, the greater and more real He becomes and the more likely we will serve Him correctly. The blind man can analogically represent the entire world blinded by Satan. When Christ (the Light of the world) opens our eyes and cleanses us from our impurities, our behavior impacts those around us, leading to some bewilderment and persecution, but incrementally toward greater knowledge of God. Seemingly, only a person conscious of his blindness (weakness or lacks) will make an effort to overcome. In chapter ten, the shepherd/sheep analogy demonstrates the importance of the sheep "knowing the Master's voice" in the midst of a community corral having many diverse flocks. The gate or door of the corral (as symbolized by Christ) connotes security, tranquility, and order, protecting the flock from thieves and predators (metaphorically representing false prophets and false doctrine). Christ takes responsibility for caring for His flock (who over the years have become His intimate companions), including laying down His very life. (82 minutes)
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Sermons in the John series:
John (Part 1)
Distinctions Between John and the Other Gospels
John (Part 2)
Jesus Christ as the Reality and the Manifestation of God in the Flesh
John (Part 3)
Biblical and Secular Testimonies to Jesus Christ's Divinity
John (Part 4)
Fulfilled Prophecies Establishing Christ's Messiahship
John (Part 5)
Choosing Disciples; Beginning Signs; Expelling Moneychangers
John (Part 6)
Signs Reveal that God Alone Can Supply Our Every Need
John (Part 7)
Born Again/ Bearing Ones Cross / The Power of Choice
John (Part 8)
Jesus Christ's Encounter with the Woman of Samaria
John (Part 9)
God the Father and Jesus Christ Work Ceaselessly to Relieve Burdens
John (Part 10)
Identity with God Requires Unconditional Submission to His Will
John (Part 11)
The Impossibility of Satisfying a Spiritual Need with a Physical Solution
John (Part 12)
What We Believe Determines What We Do
John (Part 13)
The Need for Removing the Blinders of Tradition
John (Part 14)
God's Approach to Judgment/ Jesus as the Light of the World
John (Part 15)
John 8:30-9:7 Liberation from Bondage to Sin through God's Spirit
John (Part 16)
John 9:8-10:14 Spiritual Blindness/ Hearing the Master's Voice
John (Part 17)
Love produces Unity/ Self centeredness Produces Anarchy
John (Part 18)
John 11:1-57 Conquering the Debilitating Fear of Death
John (Part 19)
John 12:1-36 A Sublime Sacrifice of Love and Devotion
John (Part 20)
John 12:24-John 13:1-17 The Essence of Love is Sacrifice
John (Part 21)
John 13:15-14:6 Jesus' New Commandment : Love Others More Than Self
John (Part 22)
John 14:7-15:6 Promise of the Holy Spirit to lead us to Truth
John (Part 23)
John 15:7-25 Our Organic Connection with the True Vine
John (Part 24)
Christ's Departing Instructions to His Disciples
John (Part 25)
John 17:6-21 Eternal Life is Knowing God: Living Life as God Does
John (Part 26)
John 17:22-18:28 Jesus Christ's Purposeful and Voluntary Sacrifice
John (Part 27)
John 18:29-19:24 Pilate?s Futile Attempts at Acquitting an Innocent Man
John (Part 28)
John 20:24-end The Dramatic Conclusion to the Book of John
