A Handful Of Mud

Jesus and His disciples are out and about, and while they are walking they see a man who has been blind all his life, as you can read in John 9:1

As He (Jesus) went along He saw a man blind from birth.

To Jesus’ disciples, the fact that this man is blind and has always been must be because of a sinful condition of either this man himself, or of his parents, as you can read in John 9:2

His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

According to them, that is the only logical explanation for this man’s situation. Blindness to them is a curse, and this man is under a curse because of someone’s sin. They may well have remembered the words in Exodus 20:5b

….. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me.

The question is: Will Jesus as a good Jew agree with them? Let’s listen to Jesus' answer in John 9:3-5

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no-one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”

Jesus’ answer is not what His disciples expect to hear. However, Jesus helps His disciples to see beyond their narrow understanding. He wants them to understand that the purpose of this man’s blindness is not to show up anyone’s sinfulness, but rather to demonstrate the power of God in this man’s life. And so Jesus goes to work, as you can read in John 9:6-7

Having said this, He spat on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” He told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed and came home, seeing.

Why does Jesus spit on the ground, make mud with his saliva, and then put the mixture on the man’s eyes? Because, according to Jewish Tradition, the saliva of the first born son contained healing power. However, none of us, whether or not you are a first born son, should make a practice of it thinking that is the proper formula to heal someone’s blindness, for that is not the case.

Please remember as well, that the man is not yet healed at the time that Jesus puts mud on his eyes. It is only after he has obeyed Jesus fully, and has gone to the Pool of Siloam to wash his eyes, that he is healed. This shows us that it is important to obey Jesus fully in order to receive what God has promised us. You can see that principle taught in I Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

No doubt, you will expect all those who learn that this man is no longer blind to be very happy for him. Let’s read John 9:8-12 to find out if that is so

His neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging, asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was.  Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” “How then were your eyes opened?” they demanded. He replied, “The Man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” “Where is this Man?” they asked him. “I don’t know” he said.

His neighbours are somewhat puzzled by what has happened to this man, and rather than rejoicing with him over the miracle that has taken place, they seem suspicious of his healing, and suspicious of the Person responsible for the miracle. Not knowing what to believe, the neighbours decide to take him to the Pharisees, the religious leaders of their day. Surely they will know what to do with this man’s claim, that he has been miraculously healed, as you can read in John 9:13-17

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.”  But others asked, “How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?” So they were divided. Finally, they turned again to the blind man. “What have you to say about Him? It was your eyes He opened.” The man replied, “He is a Prophet.”

Unfortunately, the religious leaders are not much help either. Their stumbling block is the fact that the healing has taken place on the Sabbath. Jesus seems to have a habit of healing people on a Sabbath, as you can read in Luke 6:6-11

On another Sabbath He went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus so they watched Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand. “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath; to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?’ He looked round at them all, and then said to the man,” Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

And Luke 13:10-13

On a Sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity. Then He put His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

And Luke 14:1-4

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, He was being carefully watched. There in front of Him was a man suffering from dropsy.

Jesus asked the Pharisees and the experts in the law, “It is lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But they remained silent.  So taking hold of the man, He healed him and sent him away.

Matthew gives us some insight into why Jesus is performing miracles on the Sabbath, when he writes in Matthew 12:8

For the Son of Man (Jesus) is Lord of the Sabbath.

Jesus, as the Lord of the Sabbath, is not bound by the religious rules of men, even if these men are the religious leaders of His day. And, these men are so bound up by their religious rules and regulations, that they are not able to recognise that this miracle has been performed by a Man sent by God. This whole event leaves these religious leaders totally confused. In their confusion, they again turn to the previously blind man, and ask Him for his opinion about the One who has healed him. The man declares that He must be a Prophet. The religious leaders are clearly blind to the truth about Jesus, even though they are supposed to know, and are supposed to be the ones to help the blind man understand who has healed him. Instead, it is the blind man who gives them further insight into Jesus. Not having the knowledge of Scripture, he is already at a place of understanding where he recognises Jesus as a Prophet. Jesus is indeed a Prophet, but He is so much more, as this man will soon find out. Not being satisfied with the man’s answer, the religious leaders speak to him once again, as you can read in John 9:24-34

A second time they summoned the man who had been born blind. “Give glory to God,” they said. “We know this Man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether He is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know, I was blind but now I see.” Then they asked him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?” Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this Fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this Fellow, we don’t even know where He comes from.” The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does His will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us.” And they threw him out.

These religious leaders want the previously blind man to agree with them that Jesus is a sinner, because He has not followed their rules with regard to the Sabbath. Their hearts are so hardened that they cannot receive the simple testimony of the man that once he was blind but now he can see, because of what Jesus has done for him. However, their questioning has the opposite effect, for it awakens in him a strong faith in the Person who has healed him, because he knows that this Man cannot be a sinner, no matter what these religious leaders claim. As for these religious leaders, in their pride, they are unwilling to humbly accept the truth who Jesus is and where He has come from. Consequently, they throw the man out of the synagogue. The blind man has received his sight, but it has cost him dearly, for he can now no longer worship in the synagogue because of his testimony about Jesus. However, Jesus, when He learns what has happened to the man, goes to look for him, as you can read in John 9:35-38

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when He found him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is He, Sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in Him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen Him; in fact He is the One speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped Him.”

Jesus, knowing that the man is in need of His support, goes out of His way to find him, so that He can minister to him. And the man, already realising that Jesus is a Prophet, now understands that Jesus is not merely a Prophet, but is in fact the Son of Man, who has come to die for the sins of all mankind, including his sins. He believes and worships Him, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

This man was not only physically blind but spiritually blind, and Jesus takes the time to open not just his physical eyes but, more importantly, to open his spiritual eyes.

That shows us that this man matters very much to God, even though he is barely known by his neighbours, and is certainly not known by the religious leaders. This, despite the fact that they are supposed to take care of his spiritual wellbeing. Likewise, you matter to God, even though you may not be known to those who are in authority over you, and who are supposed to take care of you. So, take heart, for God knows you and knows your needs. And just as He opened the spiritual eyes of this man, so He wants to open your spiritual eyes. Moreover, just as this man got to know Jesus more and more, so you can get to know Jesus more and more, as you spend time reading God’s Word and praying. You may not be able to be physically in the presence of Jesus as this man was, but you can be in the presence of Jesus because, once your spiritual eyes have been opened and you have become a child of God, the Spirit of God will help you understand God’s Word as you read it, and He will help you to pray, as you can read in Romans 8:26

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Studying God’s Word and praying to God will help you to know God as your heavenly Father. Isn’t that wonderful? And He will show you the things that He has for you to do, since He has a plan and a purpose for you to be and to do all that He has prepared for you to do, as you can read in Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: Who do Jesus and His disciples see when they are walking?                       Answer: Jesus and His disciples see a blind man when they are walking.

Question 2: How long has this man been blind?

Answer: This man has been blind all his life.

Question 3: According to John 9:1 who did Jesus see?

Answer: According to John 9:1 Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth.

Question 4: Why do Jesus’ disciples think this man has always been blind?

Answer: Jesus’ disciples think this man has always been blind because of a sinful condition                   of either the blind man or of his parents.

Question 5a:  According to John 9:2 how did Jesus’ disciples address Him?                           Answer: According to John 9:2 Jesus’ disciples addressed Jesus as Rabbi.

Question 5b: According to John 9:2 what did Jesus’ disciples ask Him?

Answer: According to John 9:2 Jesus’ disciples asked Him if either the blind man or his                           parents had sinned.

Question 5c: According to John 9:2 why did Jesus’ disciples ask Him if either the blind man                       or his parents had sinned?                                                                           Answer: According to John 9:2 Jesus’ disciples asked Him if either the blind man or his                           parents had sinned because he was born blind.

Question 6: How do Jesus’ disciples view blindness?

Answer: Jesus’ disciples view blindness as a curse.

Question 7: What do Jesus’ disciples believe about the blind man?

Answer: Jesus’ disciples believe the blind man is under a curse because of someone’s sin.

Question 8: What bible passage may Jesus’ disciples have remembered?

Answer: Jesus’ disciples may well have remembered Exodus 20:5b                                       ….. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me.

Question 9: According to Exodus 20:5b what does God do to those who hate Him?

Answer: According to Exodus 20:5b God punishes the children for the sins of the fathers                       to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him.

Question 10a: According to John 9:3-5 did Jesus agree with His disciples that either the                                   blind man or his parents had sinned?

Answer: According to John 9:3-5 Jesus said that neither the blind man or his parents had                       sinned.

Question 10b: According to John 9:3-5 why had God allowed this man to be born blind?

Answer: According to John 9:3-5 the blind man was born blind so that the work of God                           might be displayed in his life.

Question 10c: According to John 9:3-5 how long must Jesus and His disciples do the work of                           Him who had sent Jesus?                                                                                       Answer: According to John 9:3-5 Jesus and His disciples must do the work of Him who had                   sent Jesus as long as it is day.

Question 10d: According to John 9:3-5 when can Jesus and His disciples no longer work?

Answer: According to John 9:3-5 neither Jesus nor His disciples can work when night comes.

Question 10e: According to John 9:3-5 Who is Jesus?                                                           Answer: According to John 9:3-5 Jesus is the Light of the world.

Question 11: Is Jesus’ answer in accordance with what His disciples expect to hear from                             Him?                                                                                                                         Answer: Jesus’ answer is not in accordance with what His disciples expect to hear from Him.

Question 12: What does Jesus do for His disciples?

Answer: Jesus helps His disciples to see beyond their narrow understanding.

Question 13: What does Jesus want His disciples to understand?

Answer: Jesus wants His disciples to understand that the purpose of this man’s blindness                      is not to show up anyone’s sinfulness.

Question 14: What is the purpose of this man’s blindness?

Answer: The purpose of this man’s blindness is to demonstrate the power of God in this          

                blind man’s life.

Question 15a: According to John 9:6-7 what did Jesus do?

Answer: According to John 9:6-7 Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud with His saliva                   and put it on the blind man’s eyes.

Question 15b: According to John 9:6-7 what did Jesus tell the man to do after He had put                               mud on the blind man’s eyes?

Answer: According to John 9:6-7 Jesus told the blind man to go and wash in the Pool of                       Siloam after He had put mud on the blind man’s eyes.

Question 15c: According to John 9:6-7 how did the blind man respond to Jesus’ words                                   to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam?

Answer: According to John 9:6-7 the blind man responded to Jesus’ words to go to the                           Pool of Siloam by going there.

Question 15d: According to John 9:6-7 what did the blind man do once he went                                              to the Pool of Siloam?

Answer: According to John 9:6-7 the blind man washed himself once he got to the                                   Pool of Siloam as instructed by Jesus.

Question 15e: According to John 9:6-7 where did the blind man go after he had been to                                  the Pool of Siloam?

Answer: According to John 9:6-7 the blind man went home after he had been to the                               Pool of Siloam.

Question 15f: According to John 9:6-7 what was the condition of the blind man when he got                          home?

Answer: According to John 9:6-7 the blind man could see when he got home.

Question 16: Why does Jesus spit on the ground, make mud with His saliva, and then put                              the mixture on the man’s eyes?

Answer: Jesus spits on the ground, makes mud with His saliva and puts the mixture on the                   man’s eyes because, according to Jewish Tradition, the saliva of the first born son                   contained healing power.

Question 17: Should you make spitting on the ground, making mud with your saliva and     

                     putting the mixture on a blind person’s eyes a practice?

Answer: None of us, whether or not you are a first born son, should make a practice of it

               thinking that it is the proper healing formula to heal someone’s blindness for that is

               not the case.

Question 18: What do you need to remember as well?

Answer: You need to remember as well that the blind man is not yet healed at the time that                   Jesus puts mud on his eyes.

Question 19: When is the blind man healed?

Answer: The blind man is only healed after he fully obeys Jesus.

Question 20: In what way does the blind man fully obey Jesus?                                       Answer: The blind man fully obeys Jesus by going to the Pool of Siloam to wash his eyes.

Question 21: What happens to the blind man after he has washed himself at the Pool of                                 Siloam?                                                                                                                     Answer: The blind man is healed after he has washed himself at the Pool of Siloam.

Question 22: What does the story of the blind man being healed after he has fully obeyed                             Jesus show us?

Answer: The story of the blind man being healed after he has fully obeyed Jesus shows us                   that it is important to obey Jesus fully.

Question 23: Why is it important for us to obey Jesus fully?                                                         Answer: It is important for us to obey Jesus fully in order to receive what God has promised                   us.

Question 24a: According to I Samuel 15:22 what does the Lord delight in the most?

Answer: According to I Samuel 15:22 the Lord delights more in us obeying Him than in                         burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Question 24b: According to I Samuel 15:22 what is better than sacrifice?

Answer: According to I Samuel 25:22 to obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better                      than the fat of rams.

Question 25: What will you expect after this man who had been born blind is no longer blind?

Answer: You will expect all those who learn that this man who had been born blind is no                       longer blind to be very happy for him.

Question 26a: According to John 9:8-12 what did the neighbours and those who had                                       formerly seen him begging ask the man who had been born blind?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the neighbours and those who had formerly seen him                       begging asked  the man who had been born blind if he was the same man who                       used to sit and beg.

Question 26b: According to John 9:8-12 who did some claim the man who had been born                               blind was?                                                                                                                Answer: According to John 9:8-12 some claimed that the man who had been born blind                           was the man who used to sit and beg.

Question 26c: According to John 9:8-12 what did others say about the man who had been                              born blind?                                                                                                              Answer: According to John 9:8-12 others said that the man who had been born blind was                      not the man who used to sit and beg but he only looks like him.

Question 26d: According to John 9:8-12 who did the man who had been born blind insist he                           was?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the man who had been born blind insisted he is the man                   that used to sit and beg.

Question 26e: According to John 9:8-12 what did the neighbours and those who had                                       formerly seen the man who had been born blind begging demand to know?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the neighbours and those who had formerly seen the                       man who had been born blind begging demanded to know how his eyes were                           opened.

Question 26f: According to John 9:8-12 how did the man who had been born blind respond                             to the demands of his neighbours and those who had formerly seen him                                  begging?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the man who had been born blind responded to the                           demands of his neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging by                           replying to them that the Man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on his eyes.

Question 26g: According to John 9:8-23 what did the man who had been born blind say to                               his neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging Jesus had told                           him to do?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the man said to his neighbours and those who had                           formerly seen him begging that Jesus had told him to go to Siloam and wash.

Question 26h: According to John 9:8-12 did the man who had been born blind tell his                                       neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging that he had gone to                           Siloam?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the man who had been born blind told his neighbours                       and those who had formerly seen him begging that he had gone to Siloam and                          had washed himself.

Question 26i: According to John 9:8-12 did the man who had been born blind tell his                                      neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging what happened to                          him after he had washed himself at Siloam?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the man who had been born blind told his neighbours                          and those who had formerly seen him begging that he could see after he had                           washed himself at Siloam.

Question 26j: According to John 9:8-12 what did the neighbours and those who had                                      formerly seen the man who had been born blind begging next asked him?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the neighbours and those who had formerly seen the                       man who had been born blind begging next asked him where the Man Jesus is.

Question 26k: According to John 9:8-12 could the man who had been born blind tell his                                   neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging where this Man                              Jesus is?

Answer: According to John 9:8-12 the man who had been born blind could not tell his                           neighbours and those who formerly had seen him begging where the Man Jesus is.

Question 27: How do the neighbours of the man who had been born blind feel about his                                 healing?

Answer: The neighbours of the man who had been born blind are somewhat puzzled about                    his healing.

Question 28: Do the neighbours of the man who had been born blind rejoice over the                                     miracle that has taken place?

Answer: The neighbours of the man who had been born blind seem suspicious of his                              healing and suspicious of the Person responsible for the healing.

Question 29: What do the neighbours of the man who had been born blind decide to do?

Answer: The neighbours of the man who had been born blind decide to take him to the                           Pharisees, the religious leaders of their day.

Question 30: Why do the neighbours of the man who had been born blind decide to take him                        to the Pharisees?

Answer: The neighbours of the man who had been born blind decide to take him to the                            Pharisees because they will know what to do with the man’s claim that he has                            been miraculously healed.

Question 31a: According to John 9:13-17 to whom did the neighbours and those who had                               formerly seen the man who had been born blind begging bring him?

Answer: According to John 9:13-17 the neighbours and those who had formerly seen the                       man who had been born blind begging brought him to the Pharisees.

Question 31b: According to John 9:13-17 on what day has Jesus opened the eyes of the                               man who had been born blind?

Answer: According to John 9:13-17 Jesus has opened the eyes of the man who had been                       born blind on a Sabbath.

Question 31c: According to John 9:13-17 what did the Pharisees ask the man who had been                           born blind?                                                                                                              Answer: According to John 9:13-17 the Pharisees asked the man who had been born blind                   how he had received his sight.

Question 31d: According to John 9:13-17 what did the man who had been born blind tell the                           Pharisees?

Answer: According to John 9:13-17 the man who had been born blind told the Pharisees                       that the Man who has healed him had put mud on his eyes and that he had gone                       to wash his eyes and now he can see.

Question 31e: According to John 9:13-17 what did some of the Pharisees say?

Answer: According to John 9:13-17 some of the Pharisees said that the Man who has healed                the man who had been born blind is not from God.

Question 31f: According to John 9:13-17 why did the Pharisees say that the Man who has                              healed the man who had been born blind is not from God?

Answer: According to John 9:13-17 the Pharisees said that the Man who has healed the man                who had been born blind is not from God because He does not keep the Sabbath.

Question 31g: According to John 9:13-17 what did others say?

Answer: According to John 9:13-17 others asked how a sinner can do such miraculous signs.

Question 31h: According to John 9:13-17 what did the Pharisees ask the man who had been                           born blind?

Answer: According to John 9:13-17 the Pharisees asked the man who had been born blind                   what he has to say about the Man who has healed him.

Question 31i: According to John 9:13-17 what did the man who had been born blind say                                  about the Man who has opened his eyes?                                                               Answer: According to John 9:13-17 the man who had been born blind said that the Man                       who has opened his eyes is a Prophet.

Question 32: Are the religious leaders much help?                                                               Answer: Unfortunately, the religious leaders are not much help.

Question 33: What is the stumbling block for the religious leaders?                                   Answer: The stumbling block for the religious leaders is the fact that the healing has taken                   place on the Sabbath.

Question 34: What habit does Jesus seem to have?

Answer: Jesus seems to have a habit of healing people on a Sabbath.

Question 35a: According to Luke 6:6-11 where did Jesus go on another Sabbath?           Answer: According to Luke 6:-11 Jesus went into the synagogue on another Sabbath.

Question 35b: According to Luke 6:6-11 who was at the synagogue that Jesus had gone to?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 a man whose right hand was shriveled was at the                               synagogue Jesus had gone to.

Question 35c: According to Luke 6:6-11 who were as well as the synagogue Jesus had gone                           to?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were at the                       synagogue that Jesus had gone to.

Question 35d: According to Luke 6:6-11 why were the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law                           at the synagogue Jesus had gone to?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were at the                       synagogue Jesus had gone to because they were looking for a reason to accuse                       Him.

Question 35e: According to Luke 6:6-11 why did the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law                           who were at the synagogue that Jesus had gone to watch Him closely.               Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law who were at                       the synagogue that Jesus had gone to watched Him closely to see if He would heal                   on the Sabbath.

Question 35f: According to Luke 6:6-11 what did Jesus tell the man with the shriveled hand?    Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 Jesus told the man with the shriveled hand to get up and                   stand in front of everyone.

Question 35g: According to Luke 6:6-11 what question did Jesus ask the Pharisees and the                           teachers of the Law?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 Jesus asked the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law                   if it is lawful to do good or to do evil, to save life or destroy it on the Sabbath.

Question 35h: According to Luke 6:6-11 what did Jesus tell the man with the shriveled hand?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 Jesus told the man with the shriveled hand to stretch out                   his hand.

Question 35i: According to Luke 6:6-11 what did the man with the shriveled hand do?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 the man with the shriveled hand stretched out his hand.

Question 35j: According to Luke 6:6-11 what happened to the shriveled hand of the man?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 the shriveled hand of the man was completely restored.

Question 35k: According to Luke 6:6-11 how did the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law                           react to the healing of the man’s shriveled hand?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious                       with Jesus for healing the man’s shriveled hand on the Sabbath.

Question 35l: According to Luke 6:6-11 what did the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law                          discuss with one another?

Answer: According to Luke 6:6-11 the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law discussed with                   one another what they might do to Jesus.

Question 36a: According to Luke 13:10-13 what was Jesus doing on a Sabbath day?

Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on a                       Sabbath day.

Question 36b: According to Luke 13:10-13 who was at the synagogue Jesus was teaching?

Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen                years was at the synagogue Jesus was teaching.

Question 36c: According to Luke 13:10-13 what was the condition of the woman who had                               been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years?

Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 the woman who had been crippled by a spirit for                           eighteen years was bent over and could not straighten up at all.

Question 36d: According to Luke 13:10-13 what did Jesus do when He saw the woman                                   who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years?                                            Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 when Jesus saw the woman who had been crippled                       by a spirit for eighteen years, He called her forward.

Question 36e: According to Luke 13:10-13 what did Jesus tell the woman who had been                                   crippled by a spirit for eighteen years?

Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 Jesus told the woman who had been crippled by                            a spirit for eighteen years that she was set free from her infirmity.

Question 36f: According to Luke 13:10-13 what did Jesus do after He had told the woman                              who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years that she was set free from                          her infirmity?                                                                                               Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 after Jesus told the woman who had been crippled by                  a spirit for eighteen years that she was set free from her infirmity, He put His hands                   on her.

Question 36g: According to Luke 13:10-13 what did the woman who had been crippled by                               a spirit for eighteen years do after Jesus had put His hands on her?                     Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 the woman who had been crippled by a spirit for                           eighteen years straightened up and praised God after Jesus had put His hands on                   her.

Question 36h: According to Luke 13:10-13 who was indignant?

Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 the synagogue ruler was indignant.

Question 36i: According to Luke 13:10-13 why was the synagogue ruler indignant?

Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 the synagogue ruler was indignant because Jesus had                   healed on the Sabbath.

Question 36j: According to Luke 13:10-13 what did the synagogue ruler tell the people?

Answer: According to Luke 13:10-13 the synagogue ruler told the people that there are six                   days for work so they should come and be healed on those days and not on the                       Sabbath.

Question 37a:  According to Luke 14:1-4 what did Jesus do one Sabbath?

Answer: According to Luke 14:1-4 Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee                      one Sabbath.

Question 37b: According to Luke 14:1-4 who was being watched when he was in the house                           of a prominent Pharisee one Sabbath?

Answer: According to Luke 14:104 Jesus was carefully being watched when He was in the                   house of a prominent Pharisee one Sabbath.

Question 37c: According to Luke 14:1-4 who was in front of Jesus when He was in the                                   house of a prominent Pharisee one Sabbath?

Answer: According to Luke 14:1-4 a man who was suffering from dropsy was in front of                           Jesus when He was in the house of a prominent Pharisee one Sabbath.

Question 37d: According to Luke 14:1-4 what did Jesus ask the Pharisees and the                                           experts in the law when He was in the house of a prominent Pharisee                                       one Sabbath?

Answer: According to Luke 14:1-4 Jesus asked the Pharisees and the experts in the                               law if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not when He was in the house of a                           prominent  Pharisee one Sabbath.

Question 37e: According to Luke 14:1-4 how did the Pharisees and the experts in the law                               respond when Jesus asked them if it is lawful or not to heal on the Sabbath?      Answer: According to Luke 14:1-4 the Pharisees and the experts in the law remained silent                   when Jesus asked them if it is lawful or not to heal on the Sabbath.

Question 37f: According to Luke 14:1-4 what did Jesus do for the man who was suffering                              from dropsy when He was in the house of a prominent Pharisee one Sabbath?

Answer: According to Luke 14:1-4 Jesus healed the man who was suffering from dropsy                       and sent him away when He was in the house of a prominent Pharisee one Sabbath.

Question 38: Who gives us some insight into why Jesus is performing miracles on the 

                     Sabbath?                                                                                                              Answer: Matthew gives us some insight into why Jesus is performing miracles on the 

               Sabbath.

Question 39: According to Matthew 12:8 who is Lord of the Sabbath?                                         Answer: According to Matthew 12:8 the Son of Man (Jesus) is Lord of the Sabbath.

Question 40: Who is not bound by the religious rules of men?

Answer: Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath is not bound by the religious rules of men.

Question 41: Is Jesus bound by the rules of the religious leaders of His day?

Answer: Jesus is not bound by the rules of the religious leaders of His day.

Question 42: How much are the religious leaders in the time of Jesus bound up by their rules                         and regulations?                                                                                                      Answer: These religious leaders are so bound up by their rules and regulations that they                       are not able to recognise that the miracle of the healing of the blind man has been                   performed by a Man sent by God.

Question 43: How do the religious leaders feel about the healing of the man who had                                     been born blind?

Answer: The religious leaders are totally confused about the healing of the man who had                       been born blind.

Question 44: What do the religious leaders do next?

Answer: The religious leaders next turn to the man who had been born blind and ask him for                    his opinion about the One who has healed him.

Question 45: What does the man who had been born blind declare about the One who                                 has healed him?

Answer: The man who had been born blind declares that the One who has healed him must                    be a Prophet.

Question 46: What is the spiritual condition of the religious leaders?

Answer: The religious leaders are clearly blind to the truth about Jesus.

Question 47: Who are supposed to know and are supposed to be the ones to help the                                  previously blind man understand who has healed him?

Answer: The religious leaders are supposed to know and are supposed to be the ones to                       help the previously blind man understand who has healed him.

Question 48: Who gives further insight into Jesus to the religious leaders?                       Answer: The previously blind man gives further insight into Jesus to the religious leaders.

Question 49: What does the previously blind man understand about Jesus?                               Answer: The previously blind man understands that Jesus is a Prophet.

Question 50: Is Jesus a Prophet?

Answer: Jesus is a Prophet but He is so much more than a Prophet.

Question 51: Are the religious leaders satisfied with the answer of the man who had been                             born blind that Jesus is a Prophet?

Answer: The religious leaders are not satisfied with the answer of the man who had been                        born blind that Jesus is a Prophet.

Question 52a: According to John 9:24-34 who summoned the man who had been                                           born blind or the second time?

Answer: According to John 9:24-234 the religious leaders summoned the man who                               had been born blind for the second time.

Question 52b: According to John 9:24-34 what did the religious leaders say to the man who                           had been born blind about this Man Jesus?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders said to the man who had been                           born blind about this Man Jesus that He is a sinner.

Question 52c: According to John 9:24-34 how did the man who had been born blind reply to                           the religious leaders who told him that this Man Jesus is a sinner?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind replied to the                              religious leaders that he does not know whether or not this Man Jesus is a sinner.

Question 52d: According to John 9:24-34 what does the man who had been born blind know?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind knows that he was                       blind but now he sees.

Question 52e: According to John 9:24-34 what did the religious leaders ask the man who                               had been born blind?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders asked the man who had been born                   blind what this Man Jesus had done to him.

Question 52f: According to John 9:24-34 what did the religious leaders ask the man who                              had been born blind ask him as well?                                                                      Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders asked the man who had been born                   blind how this Man Jesus had opened his eyes,

Question 52g: According to John 9:24-34 how did the man who had been born blind answer  the religious leaders?                                                                                                         Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind replied to the                  religious leaders that he had already told them how this Man Jesus had opened his eyes.

Question 52h: According to John 9:24-34 what did the man who had been born blind ask the                           religious leaders?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind asked the religious                       leaders why they wanted to hear again how this Man Jesus had opened his eyes.

Question 52i: According to John 9:24-34 who did the man who had been born blind think                               might become disciples of this Man Jesus?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind thought that the                           religious leaders may want to become disciples of this Man Jesus.

Question 52j: According to John 9:24-34 how did the religious leaders respond to the man                              who had been born blind?                                                                                        Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders responded by hurling insults at the                   man who had been born blind.

Question 52k: According to John 9:24-34 who did the religious leaders say the man who had                           been born blind was a disciple of?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders said that the man who had been                       born blind is a disciple of this Man Jesus. 

Question 52l: According to John 9:24-34 who did the religious leaders tell the man who had                          been born blind they are disciples of?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders told the man who had been born                       blind that they are disciples of Moses.

Question 52m: According to John 9:24-34 what do the religious leaders know about Moses?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders know that God spoke to Moses.

Question 52n: According to John 9:24-34 what did the religious leaders not know about this                           Man Jesus?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders did not know where this Man Jesus                                                                                                                                                    Question 52o: According to John 9:24-34 what did the man who had been born blind think was                        remarkable?                                                                                               Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind thought it was                               remarkable that the religious leaders do not know where this Man Jesus, who had                   opened his eyes, comes from.

Question 52p: According to John 9:24-34 what did the man who had been born blind know                               about God?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind knew that God does                   not listen to sinners.

Question 52q: According to John 9:24-34 who did the man who had been born blind say God                           listens to?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind said that God listens                   to the godly man who does His will.

Question 52r: According to John 9:24-34 has anyone ever heard of the opening of the                                  eyes of a man who had been born blind?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 no one has ever heard of the opening of the eyes of a                       man who had been born blind.

Question 52s: According to John 9:24-34 what did the man who had been born blind say                              about this Man Jesus having to have come from God?                                          Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the man who had been born blind said that if this Man                      Jesus were not from God, He could do nothing.

Question 52t: According to John 9:24-34 what did the religious leaders reply to the man who                          had been born blind?                                                                                               Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders replied to the man who had been                       born blind that he was steeped in sin at birth.

Question 52u: According to John 9:24-34 why were the religious leaders angry with the man                           who had been born blind?                                                                                       Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders were angry with the man who had                   been born blind because he dared to lecture them.

Question 52v: According to John 9:24-34 how did the religious leaders respond to                                           the man who had been born blind?

Answer: According to John 9:24-34 the religious leaders responded to the man who had                       been born blind by throwing him out of the synagogue.

Question 53: What do the religious leaders want the blind man who had been born blind                                to agree with them about?

Answer: The religious leaders want the man who had been born blind to agree with them                       that Jesus is a sinner.

Question 54: Why do the religious leaders believe that Jesus is a sinner?

Answer: The religious leaders believe that Jesus is a sinner because He has not followed                       their rules with regard the Sabbath.

Question 55: What has happened to the hearts of the religious leaders?

Answer: The hearts of the religious leaders are hardened.

Question 56: How do the hardened hearts of the religious leaders show?

Answer: The hardened hearts of the religious leaders show when they cannot receiv                              the simple testimony of the man who had been born blind that once he was blind                       but now he can see because of what Jesus has done for him.

Question 57: What does the questioning of the religious leaders awaken in the man who                                 had been born blind?                                                                                      Answer: The questioning of the religious leaders awakens in the man who had been                                born blind a strong faith in the Person who has healed him.                                                                                                                                                                                   Question 58: Why does the questioning of the religious leaders awaken in the man who                                  had been born blind a strong faith in the Person who has healed him?       Answer: The questioning of the religious leaders awakens in the man who had been                               born blind a strong faith in the Person who has healed him because he knows                           that this Man cannot be a sinner, no matter what the religious leaders claim.

Question 59: Why are the religious leaders unwilling to accept the truth who Jesus is and                              where He has come from?

Answer: The religious leaders are unwilling to accept the truth who Jesus is and where He                   has come from because of their pride.

Question 60: What do the religious leaders do to the man who had been born blind?       Answer: The religious leaders throw the man who had been born blind out of the synagogue.

Question 61: Why can the man who had been born blind no longer worship in the synagogue?

Answer: The man who had been born blind can no longer worship in the synagogue because                of his testimony about Jesus.

Question 62: Who goes to look for the man who had been born blind?

Answer: Jesus goes to look for the man who had been born blind.

Question 63a; According to John 9:35-38 who has heard that the religious leaders have                                   thrown the man who had been born blind  out?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 Jesus has heard that the religious leaders have thrown                   the man who had been born blind out.

Question 63b: According to John 9:35-38 what did Jesus do after He has heard that the                                   religious leaders have thrown the man who had been born blind out of the                               synagogue?                                                                                                          Answer: Jesus went to look for the previously blind man after He has heard that the                               religious leaders have thrown the man who had been born blind out of the                               synagogue.

Question 63c: According to John 9:35-38 what did Jesus say to the man who had been                                   born blind after He has found him?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 after Jesus has found the man who had been born blind,                   He asked him if he believes in the Son of Man.

Question 63d: According to John 9:35-38 did the man who had been born blind know who                               the Son of Man is?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 the man who had been born blind did not know who the                   Son of Man is because he asked Jesus who the Man is.

Question 63e: According to John 9:35-38 what did the man who had been born blind ask                               Jesus to do?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 the man who had been born blind asked Jesus to tell him                who the Son of Man is.

Question 63f: According to John 9:35-38 why did the man who had been born blind ask                                 Jesus to tell him who the Son of Man is?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 the man who had been born blind asked Jesus to tell                       him who the Son of Man is so that he may believe in Him.

Question 63g: According to John 9:35-38 how did Jesus respond to the question of the man                           who had been born blind that Jesus tell him who the Son of Man is?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 Jesus responded to the man who had been born blind by                saying to him that the One speaking with him is the Son of Man.

Question 63h: According to John 9:35-38 what did the man who had been born blind say in                           response to the words of Jesus that the One speaking with him is the Son of                           Man?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 in response to the words of Jesus that the One                               speaking with him is the Son of Man, the man who had been born blind said to                          Jesus that he believed.

Question 63i: According to John 9:35-38 with what action did the man who had been born                              blind follow up his words to Jesus that he believed?

Answer: According to John 9:35-38 the man who had been born blind followed up his                           to Jesus that he believed by worshipping Him.

Question 64: What does Jesus know about the man who had been born blind?

Answer: Jesus knows that the man who had been born blind is in need of His support.

Question 65: What does Jesus do because He knows the man who had been born blind is                             in need of His support?

Answer: Jesus goes out of His way to find the man who had been born blind because He                        knows the man needs Him.

Question 66: What does the man who had been born blind now understand about Jesus?         Answer: The man who had been born blind now understands that Jesus is not merely                           a Prophet but is, in fact, the Son of Man who has come to die for the sins of all                           mankind, including his sins.

Question 67: How does the man who had been born blind respond to Jesus?

Answer: The man who had been born blind responds by believing and worshipping Jesus,                   the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Question 68: Was the man who had been born blind only physically blind?

Answer: The man who had been born blind was not only physically blind but was spiritually                   blind as well.

Question 69: What does Jesus take the time to do?

Answer: Jesus takes the time to open not just the physical eyes  of the man who had been                   born blind but, more importantly, to open his spiritual eyes.

Question 70: What does the fact that Jesus takes the time to open the physical eyes of                           the man who had been born blind as well open as his spiritual eyes show us                              about God?

Answer: The fact that Jesus takes the time to open the physical eyes of the man who had                        been born blind as well as open his spiritual eyes shows us that he matters very                        much to God.

Question 71: Is the man who had been born blind known to his neighbours?

Answer: The man who had been born blind is barely known by his neighbours.

Question 72: Is the man who had been born blind knows by the religious leaders?

Answer: The man who has been born blind is not known by the religious leaders.

Question 73: Who are to take care of the spiritual well being of the man who had been born                          blind?

Answer: The religious leaders are to take care of the spiritual well being of the man who had                    been born blind.

Question 74: Like the man who had been born blind, do you matter to God?

Answer: Like the man who had been born blind, you matter to God.

Question 75: Are you known to those who are in authority over you and are supposed to                                 take care of you?

Answer: You may not be known to those who are in authority over you and are supposed to                   take care of you.

Question 76: Does God know you?

Answer: God knows you and knows your needs.

Question 77: Does God want to open your spiritual eyes just as Jesus opened the spiritual                             eyes of the man who had been born blind?

Answer: God wants to open your spiritual eyes just as Jesus opened the spiritual eyes of the                man who had been born blind.

Question 78: How can you get to know Jesus more and more?                                       Answer: You can get to know Jesus more and more as you spend time reading God’s Word                    and praying.

Question 79: Can you physically be in the presence of Jesus as the man who had been born                          blind was?                                                                                                                Answer: You are not able to be physically in the presence of Jesus as the man who had                       been born blind was.

Question 80: How can you be in the presence of Jesus?

Answer: You can be in the presence of Jesus because once your spiritual eyes have been                    opened and you have become a child of God, the Spirit of God will help you                            understand God’s Word as you read it and He will help you to pray.

Question 81a: According to Romans 8:26 Who helps us in our weakness?

Answer: According to Roman 8:26 the Spirit of God helps us in our weakness.

Question 81b: According to Romans 8:26 do we know what we ought to pray for?

Answer: According to Romans 8:26 we do not know what we ought to pray for.

Question 81c: According to Romans 8:26 Who intercedes for us?

Answer: According to Romans 8:26 the Spirit of God intercedes for us.

Question 81d: According to Romans 8:26 how does the Spirit of God intercede for us?

Answer: According to Romans 8:26 the Spirit of God intercedes for us with groans that words                cannot express.

Question 82: What will help you to know God as your heavenly Father?

Answer: Studying God’s Word and praying to God will help you to know God as your                               heavenly Father.

Question 83: What will God show you as you get to know Him as your heavenly Father                                 through studying His Word and praying to Him?

Answer: Through studying God’s Word and praying to Him He will show you the                                        things He has for you to do.

Question 84: Does God have a plan and a purpose for you to be and to do all that He has                             prepared for you to do?

Answer: God has a plan and a purpose for you to be and to do all that He has for you to do.

Question 85a: According to Ephesians 2:10 what are we, as believers?

Answer: According to Ephesians, we, as believers, are God’s workmanship.

Question 85b: According to Ephesians 2:10 in Whom are we, as believers, created?

Answer: According to Ephesians 2:10 we, as believers, are created in Christ Jesus.

Question 85c: According to Ephesians 2:10 what are we, as believers, to do?

Answer: According to Ephesians 2:10 we, as believers, are to do the good works which                         God prepared in advance for us to do.

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