How does John 9:18 challenge us to trust in Jesus' miraculous works today? Setting the Scene “The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they summoned the man’s parents” (John 9:18). Jesus has just healed a man who was blind from birth. The miracle is undeniable, yet the religious leaders refuse to accept it. Instead of celebrating, they interrogate. Human Skepticism on Display • Even irrefutable evidence can be dismissed when hearts are hardened. • The leaders’ disbelief was not due to lack of proof but unwillingness to surrender control. • Their response foreshadows modern skepticism that insists on natural explanations for divine acts. Miraculous Proof vs. Hardened Hearts • John 9:18 portrays a collision between supernatural reality and human resistance. • Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”. If He healed then, He remains able now. • John 20:30-31 records many signs “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God”. Miracles are meant to spark faith, not debate. Lessons for Our Trust Today • Miracles confront us with a choice: embrace Christ’s power or explain it away. • Spiritual blindness is more damaging than physical blindness; it keeps us from recognizing God’s work. • Persistent unbelief can limit what we experience of Christ’s power (Mark 6:5-6). • Faith grows when we recall documented works of God—both in Scripture and in our lives. Responding in Faith 1. Acknowledge Christ’s unchanged nature—He still intervenes supernaturally. 2. Invite the Holy Spirit to open “the eyes of your heart” (Ephesians 1:18-20) to recognize His activity. 3. Celebrate testimonies of healing, provision, and transformation; they reinforce trust. 4. Stand on the Word—Scripture is accurate, literal, and a sure foundation for expecting God to act. 5. Reject cynicism. James 1:6-7 warns that doubting hinders receiving from the Lord. Living Out Confidence in Christ’s Power • Pray boldly for the impossible, convinced that the God who gave sight to the blind still works. • Share eyewitness accounts—like the healed man’s simple testimony in John 9:25, “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!”. • Serve others with expectancy; Acts 4:13-14 shows how visible change in believers silenced opposition. • Remain humble; miracles point to Jesus, not to us. • Persevere when confronted by doubt-filled voices. Truth is not determined by majority opinion but by the works of God. The unbelief of John 9:18 challenges us: Will we mirror the skeptics, or will we trust the ever-living Christ whose miraculous works continue to reveal His glory? |
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