John 9:13-23

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 9:13-23, NLT) 13 Then they took the manwho had been blind to the Pharisees, 14 because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. 15 The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, “He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath.” Others said, “But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?” Sothere was a deep division of opinion among them. 17 Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?” The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.” 18 The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. 19 They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?” 20 His parents replied, “We know this is our son and that he was born blind, 21 but we don’t know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. 23 That’s why they said, “He is old enough. Ask him.” 

Observation

• I notice the different people involved. We see the man who had been blind, his parents, the group that brought him to the Pharisees, and the Pharisees. Everyone is trying to figure out this miracle.

• Additionally, the breaking of the Law related to the Sabbath comes up again. We are told that Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath. This leads to more tension. We are told there is a “deep division of opinion” among those present. Some think Jesus is a Law-breaker, and others are conflicted because of his ability to heal, even though it was done on the Sabbath. 

• The man who was blind proclaims he must be a prophet. He doesn’t seem to believe that Jesus is the Messiah just yet. 

• Even though the man who was healed is standing right in front of them, they refuse to “believe” he was healed. 

• His parents testify that this is their son who was born blind. They don’t know how he is not blind anymore. They tell the religious leaders to ask him. 

• We are told that the parents were afraid because the Pharisees had told people that they could be kicked out of the temple for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.

Application

• The miracle could be standing right in front of us, and we could miss it. 

• It is possible for the religious to miss what God is doing. 

• We should never be afraid to help or heal someone on a religious day like the Sabbath.

Prayer

Jesus, our Healer, thank you for helping us when we are hurting. You never leave us or forsake us. I invite you to heal any part of me that is physically, emotionally, or spiritually sick or infirmed. I receive the healing by faith. You are more than able to do what your Word says you can do. I believe. In Jesus’ name, amen! 

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