Connect John 9:35 with another instance where Jesus seeks the lost. Setting the Scene • John 9 tells how Jesus heals a man born blind on the Sabbath. • Religious leaders expel the healed man from the synagogue for testifying about Jesus (John 9:34). Jesus Goes Looking: John 9:35 • “Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when He found him, He asked, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’” (John 9:35) • Key observations – Jesus takes the initiative: “when He found him.” – The outcast is not left wandering; the Savior seeks him personally. – The question aims at faith, not merely physical sight. Parallel Pursuit: Luke 19:1-10 • Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:3-4). • “When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry down, for today I must stay at your house.’” (Luke 19:5) • Culminating verse: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Shared Themes of Seeking and Saving • Initiating love – John 9: Jesus “found” the expelled man. – Luke 19: Jesus “came to that place” and called Zacchaeus by name. • Social outsiders – Blind beggar cast out of religious life. – Tax collector ostracized by society. • Call to belief – “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (John 9:35). – Zacchaeus responds with repentance and restitution (Luke 19:8). • Public testimony – Formerly blind man confesses, “Lord, I believe,” and worships (John 9:38). – Zacchaeus openly pledges to restore what he stole (Luke 19:8). • Fulfillment of prophetic identity – Both scenes echo Ezekiel 34:11: “Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.” Takeaways for Today • Jesus still seeks those cast aside—physically, socially, or spiritually. • He moves toward us first; our role is to respond in faith. • True sight and true salvation center on recognizing Jesus as the Son of Man, promised Savior, and rightful Lord. |
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