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March 19, 2023

In a Different Light

Mandy Sayers   |   Read John 9:24-41

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Lectionary Week
March 13–19, 2023
Scripture Overview

The two readings from the Hebrew scriptures focus on the life of David. In First Samuel, the prophet is sent to anoint the next king of Israel. God chooses David not because of outward appearance but because of his heart. David is not perfect, nor is his life always easy. Psalm 23 declares David’s trust in God in good times and bad times. Just as Samuel has anointed David with oil, so does the Lord anoint him. The New Testament readings both employ images of light and darkness. Ephesians instructs us to live as children of light, not darkness. In John, Jesus heals a blind man and brings him from darkness into light. Some religious leaders protest because although their physical eyes can see, their spiritual vision is darkened.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. How often do you judge others by outward appearances or worldly successes? How can you “look upon the heart” to judge leaders in your community?Read Psalm 23. When have you experienced Jesus’ presence with you in the wilderness?Read Ephesians 5:8-14. How does God’s light help you persist through struggles within yourself or in the world around you?Read John 9:1-41. What questions does Jesus ask you? How do your questions of Jesus help you understand him?

Respond by posting a prayer .

John 9:24-41

24 Therefore, they called a second time for the man who had been born blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know this man is a sinner.” 25 The man answered, “I don’t know whether he’s a sinner. Here’s what I do know: I was blind and now I see.” 26 They questioned him: “What did he do to you? How did he heal your eyes?” 27 He replied, “I already told you, and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” 28 They insulted him: “You are his disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but we don’t know where this man is from.” 30 The man answered, “This is incredible! You don’t know where he is from, yet he healed my eyes! 31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners. God listens to anyone who is devout and does God’s will. 32 No one has ever heard of a healing of the eyes of someone born blind. 33 If this man wasn’t from God, he couldn’t do this.” 34 They responded, “You were born completely in sin! How is it that you dare to teach us?” Then they expelled him. 35 Jesus heard they had expelled the man born blind. Finding him, Jesus said, “Do you believe in the Human One?” 36 He answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” 37 Jesus said, “You have seen him. In fact, he is the one speaking with you.” 38 The man said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshipped Jesus. 39 Jesus said, “I have come into the world to exercise judgment so that those who don’t see can see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard what he said and asked, “Surely we aren’t blind, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you wouldn’t have any sin, but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

This story appears to be about a man born blind and the Pharisees who can see just fine. However, we discover that the man who physically cannot see has more insight than these scholars who could perfectly read an eye chart.

The Pharisees believe the man’s infirmity is caused by...

Lord, forgive us for the times we think our vision is better than yours. Touch our hearts and lives today to help us see more clearly who you are. Help us see one another more clearly as brothers and sisters. Send us to the world’s broken and blind places and situations with your loving light and a testimony about Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.


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