Gathering (Choose one)

1. When you see someone with a handicapping condition, what would you want to know? How would you go about finding out?

  1. I’d ask the person as discreetly and politely as I could.
  2. I’d like to know what help they need, if any, then offer to do that.
  3. I’d research on Google whatever I was curious about.
  4. Persons with disabilities do not arouse curiosity in me.
  5. Other ___________.

2. If you had to lose the ability to see, hear, or speak, which one would you choose? Why that one?

Backstory

In Jesus’ day, people believed that anyone with a physical handicap or disability was being punished by God for sin—either their own sin or that of their parents; Jesus gives them a different perspective. Here Jesus reveals who he is with another “I am” saying—which is a trademark of Jesus throughout the Gospel of John.

God’s Story

Have someone read aloud John 9:1-34. Read it from different translations/versions of the Bible.

Finding My Story in God’s Story

2. When you read these verses, who are you right now in the story?

  1. Jesus, as I like mud and experimenting with whatever can heal.
  2. The blind man, as I have been blind to spiritual things.
  3. The parents, as my children also act independently of me.
  4. The skeptics, as I too doubt such miracles can still happen.
  5. The disciples, as I am curious about what Jesus will do next.
  6. Other __________.

 

3. Take one minute to “walk through” this story in your mind. As you “walk,” which part of this story is the most surprising to you? Perhaps there’s a place you’d like to stop and listen in for a few minutes….

 

4. How would you describe Jesus’ interaction with the blind man?

  1. He knew the soil had healing properties.
  2. He was led by the disciples to heal the man.
  3. He healed the man to bring glory to God.
  4. Other __________.

 

5. From what he did for the blind man, what does that say to you about who Jesus is?

  1. He is the founder of “mud med.”
  2. He gives people more than physical sight.
  3. He is the light in a very dark world.
  4. He turns every incident into a teaching moment.
  5. Other __________.

6. By the end of the story, who do you think has moved closer to Jesus? Who has probably moved further away?

7. From John 9, what have you learned about treating persons with unfortunate disabilities?

  1. Stories of what handicapped people can do often inspire or surprise me.
  2. The man born blind makes me wonder why Jesus doesn’t heal more people more often.
  3. I too need to find creative ways to exercise faith and obedience.
  4. The ways and means of healing are immaterial, the who and why are what matter.
  5. This healing is meant to provoke a larger conversation.
  6. Other __________.

 

Our Story

8. Try to recall a time when you were helped to “see” by someone in this group. Who was the person? What kind of blindness were you experiencing?

  1. Blind to the wisdom of parents until I had my own kids.
  2. Blind to the beauty and goodness of my wife until I …
  3. Blind to the truths of the Christian faith until I …
  4. “The blind leading the blind” is when I …
  5. Other __________.

9. How can this group help you see Jesus in times you are blinded by pride or prejudice?

  1. Pray for me that I …
  2. Guide me into …
  3. Hold me accountable for …
  4. Other ___________.

10. Let the group leader pray a closing prayer for the group members and how they can recover from whatever “blindness” they are experiencing this week.