His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!” But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!” John 9:8-9
In our Bible study together this week, we have been studying the healing of a man who was blind from birth, which is recorded in John 9. According to this passage of Scripture, Jesus told His disciples that this man was born blind "so the power of God could be seen in him" (verse 3). Then, Jesus displayed His power by healing him. As a result of Jesus' healing power, this formerly blind man was radically transformed by the power of Jesus from the inside out.
John 9 reveals an immediate transformation that the formerly blind man underwent after Jesus healed him. Scripture reveals that this man’s neighbors and acquaintances could hardly recognize him after his healing encounter with Jesus. When they saw him, they were puzzled and said to each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” (verse 8). Some agreed that he was, while others said, “No, he just looks like him!” (verse 9). People had difficulty recognizing this man because his encounter with Jesus transformed him. Yes, it transformed him physically, but it also transformed him spiritually. Throughout this chapter, his faith in Jesus can clearly be seen. He boldly stood up to the Pharisees who were questioning him about Jesus, the man who had healed him.
When Christ changes our lives, and we have genuine faith in Him, we, too, are transformed. We find joy and peace that surpasses our understanding. We have a desire to spread His hope to everyone around us. We also have a desire to turn away from our sins and live differently. This kind of faith changes us so that we look different from the rest of the world.
Take a few moments to think about your own life. How has God transformed your life since you placed your faith in Him? As you remember how He changed your life, write out a prayer thanking God for the way that he has changed your life. Thank Him for the transformation that has taken place in your life since you began following Him. Ask Him to continue to change your life and heart every day so that you look more and more like Him.
26 “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?”
27 “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
28 Then they cursed him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! 29 We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”
30 “Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? 31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. 32 Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.”
34 “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.
