How can we apply Jesus' example of healing to serve others in need? Seeing the Individual Behind the Need John 9:6 follows the moment Jesus “saw a man blind from birth” (v. 1). He didn’t overlook one unnoticed beggar. • Slow down and look—really look—at people in your path: the quiet coworker, the isolated neighbor, the elderly member at church. • Proverbs 31:8–9 urges us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Attentive eyes become compassionate voices. Compassion That Acts, Not Just Feels “Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him” (Mark 1:41). In John 9:6 He went further—He acted. • Feeling pity isn’t enough (James 2:15-16). • Choose one concrete step each time compassion rises: cook a meal, pay a bill, sit and listen. Hands-On, Personal Engagement “He…made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud on the man’s eyes” (John 9:6). Touch broke social taboos and conveyed worth. • Physical presence matters: hospital visits, holding a hand during chemo, childcare while parents rest. • 1 John 3:18: “let us love…in action and truth.” Using Whatever Is in Your Hand Mud and saliva were common, yet God used them. • Resources on hand—an extra vehicle, professional skill, or free afternoon—become tools of mercy. • 2 Kings 4:2 reminds: “What do you have in the house?” Start there. Inviting Participation and Obedience Jesus told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (v. 7). Healing included the man’s step of faith. • Offer help that preserves dignity and invites involvement: budgeting classes, job-skill coaching, rehab support. • Galatians 6:5 balances: “each will bear his own load,” even while we “carry one another’s burdens” (v. 2). Aiming for God’s Glory, Not Our Applause “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). • Serve quietly, refusing spotlight (Matthew 6:3-4). • Redirect praise: “The Lord provided; I just delivered the package.” Sustaining the Rhythm of Service • Guard Sabbath rest so compassion stays fresh (Mark 6:31). • Pray for renewed love (Philippians 1:9). • Encourage fellow believers; “let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Practical Ways to Mirror Jesus’ Healing Mercy Today – Offer transportation to medical appointments. – Stock a benevolence pantry at church. – Volunteer with hospice or crisis-pregnancy centers. – Organize home-repair days for widows and single parents. – Provide respite care for special-needs families. – Keep emergency gift cards ready for groceries or gas. – Partner with missionaries bringing medical clinics to underserved areas. Closing Reflection Jesus’ muddy-handed miracle in John 9:6 shows that compassionate eyes, willing hands, and ordinary materials become instruments of divine mercy. Go and do likewise, that the works of God might be displayed in our world today. |
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