Unit two Study 13

february 24, 2019

Study text for this week's Lesson: mark 8:22-26; 10:46-52; John 9:1-11

Key Verse: mark 10:52 jesus said unto him, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. and immediately he received his sight, and followed jesus in the way (kjv).

Central Truth: jesus can cure physical and spiritual blindness.

Our Focus: to proclaim that jesus is the light of the world.

jesus heals blind people

Introducing the study

In Bible times, blindnes often had dire consequences. It almost always left a person destitute and vulnerable to all kinds of dangers and disasters. As a result, Jesus' miracles of healing the blind had great significance. They showed His great mercy and significance. However, those miracles also provided a powerful confirmation of who He is and what He came to do. As you study the three miracles of restore sight in this lesson, take note of the important spiritual principles Jesus taught spiritual sight into your life, and ponder the ways that this sight has changed your life. At the end of this lesson you wil be able to: 1. Examine three miracles of restored sight, and tell about Jesus' power and mercy, as well as His mission. 2. Appreciate the importance of seeking spiritual as well as physical healing when we pray for the needy. 3. Pray for those in need of miracles, using the opportunity to proclaim the salvation that Jesus brings.

A BLIND MAN BROUGHT TO JESUS ( MARK 8:22-26 )

Mark 8:22-26 describes a healing in a town called Bethsaida. Jesus and His disciples arrived, there and a crowd begged Jesus to help a blind man. Jesus had become well known for His miracles and responded in mercy, leading the blind man out of town and performing three actions. First He spit on the man's eyes. Then He laid His hands on him. And finally, He asked what the man saw. The healing was only partial at this point. Perhaps Jesus was acting according to the man's growing faith. Or maybe He chose this method to demonstrate His authority by doing miracles in a variety of ways. Regardless, Jesus completed what He had begun. He did not leave the man partially healed. ot surprisingly, the man responded in great joy. But then Jesus made a strange command: "Don't tell anyone what happened. Jesus didn't want to stir up the crowds in a way that would make Him seem like a political figure who could challenge Rome. Rather, He declared God's kingdom, opening spiritual eyes so men and women could see the salvation of the Lord.

[For Pesonal Reflection] How would you answer someone who asked why Jesus does miracles?

A BLIND MAN CALLS TO JESUS (maRK 10:46-52)

Mark 10:46-52 finds Jesus and His disciples traveling toward Jerusalem for Passover, and ultimately, His crucifixion and resurrection. On the way there, He passed through Jericho, approximately eighteen miles from Jerusalem. Departing Jericho, Jesus passed a blind man named Bartimaeus begging alongside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" He knew that Jesus could end his plight. Jesus ignored a jeering crowd to offer Bartimaeus comforting, hopeful words. The blind beggar responded with enthusiastic faith, throwing aside his garment, which would probably have been spread on the ground to collect alms. But Jesus answered the prayers of Bartimaeus, instsantly restoring his sight. Then Jesus followed with an important declaration: "Your faith has healed you." This referred to more than physical healing. Bartimaeus also found spiritual sight in his Messiah that day. .

[For Personal Reflection] Wat can Bartimaeus teach us about praying for miracles?

JESUS SEES A BLIND MAN ( JOHN 9:1-11)

The healing in John 9:1-9 is important because it places special emphasis on the mission of Jesus, the One who heals physical and spiritual blindness. As Jesus and His disciples were walking out of the Temple, they encountered a blind beggar. The man's condition prompted a theological question: Whose sin made him blind? It was widely believed that suffering was an indication of sin, Jesus' answer was surprising: The man's condition was intended to bring glory and light to His mission. Jesus healing the man's blindness would show the power of God and affirm Jesus' identity as the Messiah. And Jesus did heal him, prompting the amazement of the crowd. No one could plausibly argue that God was not at work. Jesus had confirmed that He is who He claims to be: Savior and son of God. As such, He brings light and sight to eyes that are both physically and spiritually blind. This miracle prompts questions of why people suffer, aswell as why Jesus came into the world. We must keep an eternal perspective as we pray for miracles. God does the miraculous tpoday, and those miracles show His mercy and love. Yet they also serve the greater purpose of declaring God's kingdom--sight for the spiritually blind--through Jesus alone.

[For Personal Reflection] What are some ways we act on our faith when believing for miracles?

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

As we study the miracles of Scripture, we cannot take them lightly. They aren't just the supernatural acts of Bible times. Bible miracles are relevant today. As a result, we should seek miracles today, because of the mercy they demonstate as well as their spiritual signifiance. Jesus did perform miracles, and those miracles spoke to His identity as Savior and Lord. In response, resolve to pray for miracles regulary. Believe God for great things in the lives of the needy around you. Then, follow those prayers with a proclamation of Jesus, the Savior, to all who need to experience His grace.

DON'T VALUE THE MIRACLE MORE THAN GOD'S MESSAGE!

Monday The Lord Gives Sight. Psalm 146:1-10

Tuesday Seeing God's Glory. Isaiah 35:1-10

Wednesday The Messiah Heals Blindness. Isaiah 42: 1-7

Thursday Signs of the Messiah. Matthew 11:2-6

Friday Two Blind Men Healed. Matthew 20:29-34

Saturday Spiritually Blind. Jones 9:35-41

See You In Sunday School Next Week!!!!

Copyright Reference: Radiant Life, Volume 100 Number 2 Dec. Jan. Feb. 2018-19 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Mo 65802.

Dr. June Normil