Sunday School Lesson
June 21
Lesson 3 (KJV)
Receive Wisdom’s Gifts
Devotional Reading: Job 28:12–28
Background Scripture: Job 1; 42; Proverbs 8
Proverbs 8:8–14, 17–21
8. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
10. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
12. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
14. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
17. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
18. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.—Proverbs 8:10, 11
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Describe the blessings of godly wisdom.
2. Explain why the benefits of godly wisdom far outweigh those associated with material wealth.
3. Write a prayer on behalf of someone that godly wisdom will guide his or her lifestyle.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Dispersal of Wealth
B. Lesson Context
I. Wisdom’s Words (Proverbs 8:8–14)
A. Based on Truth (vv. 8, 9)
B. Better Than Riches (vv. 10, 11)
C. Bringing Discernment (vv. 12–14)
Temperamental
II. Wisdom’s Wealth (Proverbs 8:17–21)
A. Promised to Seekers (v. 17)
B. Providing Real Treasure (vv. 18–21)
A Different Inheritance
Conclusion
A. … And Wise?
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
| choleric | kah-lay-rihk. |
| Ecclesiastes | Ik-leez-ee-as-teez. |
| Hippocrates | Hih-paw-cruh-teez. |
| melancholic | mehl-ahn-kah-lik. |
| phlegmatic | flehg-ma-tik. |
| sanguine | san-gwin. |
| Solomon | Sol-o-mun. |
Introduction
A. Dispersal of Wealth
My father passed away several years ago, my mother in December of 2015, and my older sister in the summer of 2017. My sister’s passing left me to serve as executor of my parents’ estate. My wife and I handled the sale of Dad and Mom’s house, which closed title in May of 2018. About a month later, we closed the estate by distributing to the designated family members the money that remained in Mom’s account.
While I appreciate what Dad and Mom were able to do to provide for their children financially, that is not the most valuable legacy that they left us. Both of them were faithful Christians who regularly took us to Sunday school and church. They taught us the wisdom that the book of Proverbs calls its readers to obtain and cherish; they were conscientious of the importance of laying up treasures in Heaven.
My parents stewarded both physical and spiritual wealth well. However, others are not so wise. Many are extraordinarily rich in the things that will not last and exceedingly poor in eternal wealth. How do we invest in the riches that come only through the pursuit of godly wisdom?
B. Lesson Context
Wisdom was highly valued in the ancient Near East. Most nations had wise men who held high rank in government because of their skill (examples: Exodus 7:11; 1 Kings 4:30, 31, 34; Jeremiah 18:18; Daniel 1:19, 20). The Old Testament mentions wise women as well (examples: 2 Samuel 14:2; 20:16). The people who filled these positions in government and society were considered exceptional in wisdom.
Wisdom such as that found within the book of Proverbs is not limited to a specialized class of people. It is intended for everyone to live by and practice, regardless of their social status. Proverbs describes four animals that are said to be “exceeding wise” (Proverbs 30:24–28). These are not exceedingly brainy creatures, but they do have skills in practical areas of living that help them survive and thrive. The wisdom God has provided in Scripture helps us do the same. Thus, wisdom is far more than intellectual prowess. This practical knowledge guides as we navigate through life in this broken, sinful world—by instructing us how to act, speak, and respond in a wide variety of situations.
Today’s lesson from Proverbs continues the appeal to follow the path of wisdom that is grounded in the fear of the Lord. The principles are found in the introductory nine chapters of the book (see Lesson Context in lesson 1). In these chapters, Wisdom is personified thrice as a woman and pictured as making her own appeal (see Proverbs 1:20–22 and commentary on lesson 1; 8:4–36, partially included in today’s lesson text; 9:4–6 and commentary on lesson 4). Wisdom’s foil is the seductive woman who can be referred to as Folly, whose tempting words lead to disaster.
Wisdom is described again as calling out and raising her voice (Proverbs 8:1; see 1:22–33). And as was the case in Proverbs 1:21, Wisdom is positioned at prominent, public locations so that her cry cannot be missed (8:2, 3).
I. Wisdom’s Words
(Proverbs 8:8–14)
A. Based on Truth (vv. 8, 9)
8. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
Wisdom has previously described her words as “excellent,” “right,” and “truth” (Proverbs 8:6, 7). Wickedness, in contrast, is “an abomination to [Wisdom’s] lips” (8:7). A similar declaration occurs in the present verse. The claim is comprehensive; all of Wisdom’s words are grounded in righteousness. Froward is a synonym for perverse (compare Job 5:13; 2 Samuel 22:27). (Long ago, this word referred to a person who was obstinate or contrary.) The rightness of everything Wisdom says excludes any falseness, even from merely twisting the truth or omitting key details.
| What Do You Think? What steps can we take to ensure that our words live up to the standard of Proverbs 8:8? Digging Deeper |
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Though some assume that gaining wisdom is a complicated, high-level pursuit, Wisdom asserts that her ways are plain to those who understand. Wisdom’s counsel is also plain in her straightforward goals. There is no hidden agenda or anything to be ashamed of when following Wisdom. There is no fine print to entrap someone later.
Words that are right appeal to those who are guided by understanding and knowledge—the kind of knowledge that begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Such individuals see no need to debate the worth or value of these words; they make perfect sense. The only appropriate response to them is obedience.B. Better Than Riches (vv. 10, 11)
10, 11a. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies.
Wisdom presents herself as the first of two choices facing a person. The second choice is the best material this world has to offer, represented by the precious metals silver and choice gold (implying gold of the finest quality; compare Psalm 19:9, 10) and the costly jewels rubies (compare Proverbs 3:13–15).
The offer of such abundant wealth would be hard to refuse. Yet wisdom possesses more lasting value and produces far more genuine pleasure and enjoyment than anything the world has to offer (see Job 28).11b. And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
This is perhaps the boldest statement in today’s lesson text. Though the kind and amount of things people owned was different in biblical times, the desire for stuff, especially valuable stuff, still existed. All this and more amounts to nothing compared to the value of wisdom. This is true even if one were to obtain every desirable thing imaginable (compare Ecclesiastes 2:8–11).
| What Do You Think? What appointments should appear in the schedule of someone committed to grow in wisdom rather than to the pursuit of material wealth? Digging Deeper |
Centuries later, Paul will have much to say to Timothy about the temptations associated with riches. The apostle will counter those who believe that “gain is godliness” by declaring that godliness with contentment is itself the great gain (1 Timothy 6:5, 6). Those who set their hearts on obtaining riches are subject to many harmful desires that ultimately destroy them (6:9). In fact, the love of wealth is “the root of all evil” (6:10). If people desire to be rich, Paul will write, then they should seek to be “rich in good works” (6:18). The key questions are these: What do you love? Do you desire to be rich as God defines the term, or as the world does?
C. Bringing Discernment (vv. 12–14)
12. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
The father has encouraged his son to practice wisdom by keeping good company and avoiding those who would entice him into sinful practices (Proverbs 1:10; see lesson 1). Now we learn that Wisdom herself keeps good company. Prudence speaks of a person who is discerning in making choices, cautiously deciding what is right.
Wisdom also claims to be familiar with witty inventions. A form of the Hebrew word translated with this phrase is rendered “discretion” in Proverbs 1:4 (compare Proverbs 3:21). This alternative translation leaves open the possibility that a positive meaning is intended here. In Proverbs 2:11, discretion is said to “preserve” the person who possesses it. The present verse may then be highlighting Wisdom’s ability to provide one with the necessary insight to spot harmful influences or people when they are encountered and take steps to avoid them.
The writer of Hebrews characterizes mature individuals as those who have practiced wisdom so that they can “discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). This aligns with Wisdom’s words here. Though the wise person will be innocent of evil, he or she must also recognize evil in order to avoid it (Matthew 10:16).
13. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
The wisdom of demonstrating a healthy fear of the Lord is emphasized throughout the Old Testament (examples: Deuteronomy 6:2; Psalm 128:4; Jeremiah 26:19). The assumption is that a proper reverence and respect for God will result in obeying Him (examples: Genesis 22:12; Exodus 20:20). One cannot keep His commands without learning to hate evil (compare Job 28:28; Jeremiah 44:4).
| What Do You Think? What are some tangible ways that we should express our hatred of evil? Digging Deeper |
The attitudes cited in this verse are all sins that are part of the evil way. They each detract from the life of blessing that is the fruit of prioritizing wisdom over material wealth. Pride and arrogancy are used synonymously. This is the only place in the Old Testament where these two words occur together. Pride in particular is condemned because it stands in the way of the humble heart that the Lord both requires and honors (see Proverbs 6:16–19; 16:18). The evil way and the froward mouth are built on pride and arrogancy (compare 8:8). Speech that is froward goes against what the Lord finds pleasing. It is counter to the kind of speech that Paul will state later that followers of Jesus are to demonstrate (Ephesians 4:29).
14. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
Wisdom continues to make her case for earning both hearing and heeding from her listeners. The blessings that come with obtaining wisdom contrast sharply with what the Lord and Wisdom both hate (see Proverbs 8:13). The understanding and strength of wisdom elsewhere are said to overthrow entire cities (21:22; compare 16:32; Ecclesiastes 7:19).
| What Do You Think? If you suddenly had double the amount of godly wisdom you have now, what would neighbors notice differently about the way you live? Digging Deeper |
Temperamental
Four centuries before Christ, Greek physician Hippocrates tried to explain why people have differing temperaments. He hypothesized that personality variations are related to internal secretions of one’s body. The four temperaments he identified were caused by an imbalance of blood (a “sanguine” temperament), yellow bile (a “choleric” temperament), black bile (a “melancholic” temperament), or phlegm (a “phlegmatic” temperament).
Using these ancient terms, a sanguine person is optimistic, active, and social. Choleric individuals are independent, decisive, and goal-oriented. Melancholics tend to be deep, very traditional, and orderly. Finally, a phlegmatic individual tends to be relaxed and easygoing. Hippocrates suggested that these characteristics were balanced in an ideal personality type, with no one characteristic dominating.
Centuries before Hippocrates, Solomon described godly wisdom as a balance of personality characteristics. “Wisdom” and “prudence” coexist; “knowledge” and “witty inventions” work together, as do “understanding” and “strength” (Proverbs 8:12–14). Have you found balance in wisdom?
—J. E.
II. Wisdom’s Wealth
(Proverbs 8:17–21)
A. Promised to Seekers (v. 17)
17. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Wisdom never spurns anyone who truly loves her (compare 1 Samuel 2:30; John 14:21–24). This verse also commends those who seek Wisdom, a challenge that was included in the previous study (Proverbs 2:4, 5 in lesson 2; compare 1 Chronicles 16:11; Matthew 7:7–11). Preferably, the seeking begins early in one’s life so that an individual can gain the maximum benefit from wisdom (compare Ecclesiastes 12:1).
The quest for wisdom is not an impossible, idealistic dream walk. It is very much within our grasp if we turn to God. Our search is governed by our respect for God and His ways. Our goal is to know God and His ways more fully so that we may better follow them. This is a happy, joyous journey, the lifelong pursuit of godliness.
B. Providing Real Treasure (vv. 18–21)
18a. Riches and honour are with me.
Wisdom promises that riches and honour result from obeying her invitation. One is reminded of Solomon’s request for wisdom. God not only granted the king’s request but also gave him much that he had not asked for, including “both riches, and honour” (1 Kings 3:5, 10–14; compare Deuteronomy 8:18).
Some look at the promises of riches and honor that are associated with wisdom as an assurance that material wealth and prosperity will come to anyone who chooses to obey the Lord and live by His wisdom as found in Scripture. Other verses appear to offer such a guarantee (Proverbs 3:9, 10, 16; 10:22; 22:4).
Like all proverbs, however, caution must be exercised in interpreting these as guaranteed rewards for faithfulness. The proverbs in Scripture express principles that find fullest reward in eternity and do not always result in an easy life. One must not overlook the role that human free will and sin have in impacting how certain proverbs actually play out. For instance, Proverbs 22:6 speaks of a child being well taught and still living in wisdom in old age. Yet we all know of cases where children went astray in spite of their parents’ wise teachings. Or a statement such as “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1) does not describe what happened to Jesus at His trial prior to His crucifixion. He gave such an answer to His opponents, and they still crucified Him (see Luke 23:3–32).
These exceptions do not negate the truth found within a given proverb; they simply illustrate that we have to be cautious in expecting an ironclad guarantee in every case. For this reason, we must not be surprised that not everyone who lives a wise and godly life will experience material prosperity or even a perfectly peaceful life. One example of this is Jeremiah. Though he clearly lived his life in fear of the Lord and therefore wisely, the prophet suffered much in his ministry (examples: Jeremiah 26:8, 9; 38:4–6; 40:1). In contrast, the wicked often live prosperous and seemingly carefree lives (compare Ecclesiastes 7:15; 8:14).
18b. Yea, durable riches and righteousness.
If we are ever troubled by circumstances, rest assured that we are not alone. The psalmist wrestled with the same issue and came to understand that material prosperity is only temporary; it ends when the Lord carries out His righteous judgment (Psalm 73:16–20). Real wealth, found in wisdom, is durable. Like the treasures in Heaven, wisdom’s riches cannot decay or be stolen (Matthew 6:19, 20).
19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
The comparison with fruit goes well with wisdom’s earlier portrayal as being a “tree of life” (Proverbs 3:18). Wisdom bears worthwhile fruit throughout one’s life and provides invaluable insights for any age, stage, or circumstance of life. Once again, its reward is compared favorably to precious metals (compare Job 28:12–19; Proverbs 3:13, 14).
It is important when considering the promises of riches and wealth in Proverbs to examine another book that has much to say about wisdom: Job. The man himself is described at the outset as being of exemplary and upright character (Job 1:1). Yet we know the tragedies that befell him in the course of a single day. Though he was wise and praised God through all his trials, he still went through those trials. Wisdom did not save him from the sorrows that Satan visited on him (1:12–2:10). Job experienced an abundance of sorrow, in spite of conventional wisdom that said he would be blessed for his faithfulness (example: 4:7, 8).
Job’s account assists us in maintaining a proper balance when we read promises such as those cited earlier from Proverbs or found elsewhere in Scripture. Jesus spoke of seeking the kingdom of God first; then “all these things” (the material goods that “non-kingdom” people are so preoccupied with) will be provided (Matthew 6:33). But Jesus was also honest about the persecution that His followers would suffer (5:10, 11) and the cost that accompanies choosing to follow Him (Luke 9:23; 14:33). At such times, the true value of the gifts of durable wealth that godly wisdom offers will manifest itself.
20. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.
Wisdom’s ties with righteousness have already been established (see Proverbs 8:8, 9, 18), as have her links to judgment (see 2:8, 9). Whether judgment is understood as judging right from wrong or as practicing justice in one’s daily contacts and circumstances, Wisdom feels right at home in the midst of such God-honoring decisions and actions.
21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
The word substance highlights the “durable” nature of Wisdom’s wealth (Proverbs 8:18). It is an inheritance that Wisdom bequeaths to those who sincerely, passionately seek her (8:17). Once again, treasures can signify the material benefits that accompany living by the counsels of Wisdom (15:6; 24:4). But these are not the primary riches for which Wisdom is to be known and followed. The inheritance Wisdom provides is one that can be passed on to one’s children with the understanding that, if pursued diligently, Wisdom’s treasures will become just as precious and valuable to them.
| What Do You Think? What opportunities do you have to teach children to distinguish worldly wisdom from godly wisdom? Digging Deeper |
A Different Inheritance
What happens to our wealth after we die? The usual answer is that it goes to our children. Some of the world’s wealthiest individuals have different plans, however.
Rock star Gene Simmons made his fortune with hard work. He wants his children to learn the value of work too. Martial artist and movie star Jackie Chan plans to give most of his wealth to charity and not to his son. His logic is clear: “If he is capable, he can make his own money. If he is not, then he will just be wasting my money.” Warren Buffett has promised not only to give away 99 percent of his wealth, he’s also partnered with Bill Gates to persuade other super-wealthy individuals to do the same! Most of Buffett’s fortune will go to charities, not to his children.
These and other incredibly rich people have expressed a Solomon-like wisdom when it comes to inherited wealth. Solomon recognized that the best gift we can leave our children is wisdom, not cash. When we live a life of righteousness, we ensure that our children will “inherit substance” (Proverbs 8:21), not a life of ease and irresponsibility.
—J. E.
Conclusion
A.… And Wise?
Some may ask, “Isn’t it possible to be wealthy and wise?” True, the biblical record includes individuals who were both (examples: Genesis 41:41–44; 1 Kings 3:10–14; Job 1:1–5; 42:12–17). But the Bible clearly warns us about the spiritual dangers that material wealth and possessions can pose. The primary issue is the impact that this has on one’s heart and thus on one’s relationship with God (compare Psalm 52:5–7; Mark 10:17–23).
In His parable of the sower, Jesus warns of the “deceitfulness of riches” that results in an individual’s becoming unfruitful after receiving the gospel (Matthew 13:22). Similarly, Jesus asked, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (16:26). Of course, the implied answer is, “Nothing.” To gain all the world has to offer at the loss of wisdom results in tragedy. That is true despite all the abundance that the whole world can offer.
All these teachings are consistent with Wisdom’s plea to choose her above any form of material wealth. No matter how many priceless artifacts we amass—or how useful the new gadgets, inventions, and technological devices are—all the things that we may desire cannot compare with the value of wisdom.
B. Prayer
Father, thank You for the abundance of gifts that You provide to those who choose to heed the call of Wisdom. Thank You for examples of that wisdom who have shaped us over the years. Help us to be such examples to those in our spheres of influence. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Before wisdom’s gifts can be opened and treasured, they must be sought.
KID’S CORNER
Manmade Rules and Spiritual Blindness
Sunday, June 21, 2020
John 9:13-23
John 9:13-23
(John 9:13) They *brought to the Pharisees the man who was formerly blind.
“They” were the neighbors of the “beggar” Jesus healed. We have no evidence that his neighbors praised God for his healing, but they were curious to learn how he had regained his sight. They showed no regard for the man personally and only regarded him as a blind man who used to beg (see John 9:8). Knowing that the religious leaders had determined that anyone who confessed Jesus would be put out of the synagogue, his neighbors brought the man to the Pharisees (see John 9:22). Their actions remind us of the man Jesus healed in John chapter 5. As soon as the man Jesus healed learned Jesus was the one who had healed him, he went immediately and told the religious leaders: “Therefore they began persecuting Jesus” (John 5:16).
(John 9:14) Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.
Even though Jesus suffered persecution for doing good, Jesus continued doing His Father’s work on the Sabbath (John 5:17). The Pharisees had many manmade rules that they had added to the Law of God or the law given to Moses. They expected everyone to obey their rules, and they refused to even listen to other points of view or interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures. As the Son of God, Jesus expressed different interpretations of the Law of God from theirs and violated their self-centered rules, so they became furious with Jesus.
The Pharisees’ interpretations of God’s law violated the intention of God when He gave the law to Moses. God’s law requires people to love their neighbor as themselves, the Law of Love (see Mark 12:31). According to the Pharisees’ interpretation of God’s law, a person could help keep a person from dying on the Sabbath, but it violated their Sabbath rule to make the person better. They considered making a person better a work. Thus, their interpretation made the Law of Love invalid. They considered it a sinful work to knead on the Sabbath, such as kneading bread, for that violated their Sabbath law. They forbid a person from rubbing their eyes with their spit on the Sabbath to make their eyes feel better or perhaps to remove dust, for that too was considered a work that violated their Sabbath law.
On the Sabbath, Jesus violated at least three and perhaps four or more Pharisaic rules. First, Jesus made the man better when He gave sight to the man who had been born blind. Second, Jesus kneaded when He took dust and spit and made mud to use as medicine for the man’s eyes. Third, Jesus worked when He used His spit to make medicine. Fourth, Jesus may have violated a Pharisaic rule when He told the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam on the Sabbath, which may have been more than a “legal” (according to the Pharisees) Sabbath day’s journey. The Pharisees considered a Sabbath day’s journey to be less than a mile (though they found “legal” ways to extend the distance on the Sabbath to benefit themselves). From where the man met Jesus (and John does not tell us where Jesus met him) he may have had to walk more than a ½ mile, and we know this too would have concerned the Pharisees, who were very particular about criticizing anyone who did not obey all their laws (see Acts 1:12, for the distance of a Sabbath day’s journey).
(John 9:15) Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, “He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”
The man who could now see clearly, bravely answered the Pharisees truthfully and succinctly. He probably knew that telling them much more than the basic facts would only get Jesus and him in more trouble with the Pharisees. Jesus had practiced medicine on the Sabbath and had made him better, for Jesus had healed him. Since putting spit on your own eyes to wash them on the Sabbath was considered sinful by the Pharisees, we can only imagine all the Pharisaic laws Jesus and the man probably broke when Jesus told him what he needed to do to be healed.
(John 9:16) Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And there was a division among them.
Like the man’s neighbors, none of the Pharisees praised and thanked God for the miraculous healing of the man who had been born blind. He continued only as an object for debate and a means to attack Jesus. Some of the religious leaders did not praise God because they said Jesus could not be from God, for Jesus had violated their Sabbath rules. They believed anyone who did not adhere to their strict rules of conduct could not be from God (even as they looked for an opportunity to kill Jesus: see John 7:1). Others thought Jesus could not be a sinner because Jesus had performed this and other signs that showed He was doing God’s work. Both groups acknowledged that Jesus had probably healed the man, but one group wanted more evidence. They showed no concern for the man who revealed “God’s work in him” (see John 9:3). The Pharisees remained divided. The more objective group of Pharisees did not say much in defense of Jesus, because they knew the consequences of confessing Jesus as the Messiah. At some point, a Pharisee named Nicodemus (and other unnamed Pharisees) came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah (John 19:39).
(John 9:17) So they *said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.”
The man Jesus healed revealed the work of God in him up to the level of his understanding. The Pharisees knew what they would do to the man (and so did the man) if he confessed Jesus. But the man who could see for the first time would not deny the One who had healed him. So, based on the sign Jesus had performed when He healed him, the man said he believed Jesus was a prophet. Jesus, who said He is the light of the world, healed the man, and the man could see light with first time in his life. Jesus gave the man physical light and spiritual light beyond the spiritual light of the Pharisees, who were spiritually blind.
(John 9:18) The Jews then did not believe it of him, that he had been blind and had received sight, until they called the parents of the very one who had received his sight,
After admitting that all the evidence pointed to the fact that the man had been born blind and Jesus had healed him, some of the religious leaders still refused to believe the man or that Jesus was a prophet. After they called his parents, they all believed Jesus had healed him, because the parents gave irrefutable proof the man born blind was their son. According to the Law of God, the Pharisees only needed two witnesses to prove something was true. They had the testimony of the man on trial before them who could see. They had the testimony of the man’s neighbors. They would soon have his parents’ testimony. They had more than enough witnesses to confirm that what the man told them was true. But some still refused to acknowledge that Jesus was from God because Jesus would not teach as they wanted Jesus to teach. Jesus did not endorse their religious views or rules, so they looked for more reasons to kill Jesus.
(John 9:19) and questioned them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?”
Looking for anyone who would dispute the man’s story about who healed him and how, the Pharisees called in the man’s parents. They asked them the same questions. His parents would not deny their own son and that he had been born blind, but they could not serve as eyewitnesses regarding how he could now see. They only had the word of their son, but they could have been character witnesses for their son and told the Pharisees that their son always told the truth.
(John 9:20) His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;
The parents affirmed what everyone knew. Their affirmation took some courage because the Jews of that day thought that the parents of blind or disabled people were sinners. Their acknowledgment that the man born blind was their child would have confirmed for the judgmental Pharisees that they were sinners and worthy of condemnation. (Remember the disciples’ question about sin and the cause of the man’s blindness in John 9:2). By answering as they did, his parents opened themselves up to ridicule when they claimed the man was their son. Eventually, the Pharisees told the man (and his parents), “You were born entirely in sins” (John 9:34).
(John 9:21) but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.”
After admitting he was their son, they could truthfully say they had no firsthand knowledge of how he could see or who healed him. They quickly said, “Ask him,” for he was of age to answer the questions of the Pharisees. Without coercion or fear, the man did speak for himself when he spoke the truth about Jesus, but his parents were afraid of the Pharisees.
(John 9:22) His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.
John explained that his parents were afraid of the religious leaders for they (as well as their neighbors) knew that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah (and their son’s healing pointed to the fact that Jesus was the Messiah) would no longer be considered a part of the Jewish community (the synagogue). Not only would they no longer have access to God (as they supposed) for they could no longer worship in the synagogue or enter the temple, but they would also be shunned by their neighbors. Whatever they did to earn a living would be destroyed, for their neighbors would no longer be their customers. If they were put out of the synagogue, they would need to move away and hope no one discovered that they had been put out. Their son would no longer be able to beg and receive alms; of course, he would want to do meaningful work, but no one in their Jewish community would hire him for he too would be cast out of the synagogue (see John 9:34).
(John 9:23) For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
John carefully explained why the man and his parents answered the Pharisees with as few words as possible. On the one hand, we see the courage of the man who received his sight, and on the other hand we see the fear that the powerful Pharisees could instill in those who disagreed with them and their rules. Throughout the Gospel of John, we see the courage Jesus displayed when He always told the truth and looked for opportunities to always do the loving and merciful works of God.
Manmade Rules and Spiritual Blindness
Sunday, June 21, 2020
John 9:13-23
Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them (John 9:16—KJV).
Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And there was a division among them (John 9:16—NASB). Some of the Pharisees said, “This man (Jesus) is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided (John 9:16—NRSV). No one in Jerusalem had ever heard of a man born blind being healed, but when Jesus met a man born blind, He gave him physical and spiritual sight. Despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, many Pharisees did not have spiritual sight, so they became divided over Jesus whenever He healed on the Sabbath. The Pharisees made rules on how to keep the Law of God, but many of their rules radically departed from the Law of God and made the Law of Love almost impossible to obey, especially when it came to loving God and your neighbor. For example, according to their rules, it was legal to keep someone from dying on the Sabbath, but it violated their laws to make a person better on the Sabbath. Some Pharisees believed Jesus did not observe the Sabbath because He healed on the Sabbath and claimed to do the work of God. Because of their rules, when Jesus made someone whole on the Sabbath, they could not see Him revealing God through His healing work. Many Pharisees showed no interest in the people Jesus healed other than to seek reasons to kill Jesus for disobeying their rules. The Pharisees knew, and the Bible teaches, that not every miracle is a sign someone is from God. But, by what Jesus taught and did, those with spiritual sight recognized Jesus was the Light of the world. Some Pharisees, such as Nicodemus, loved God and their neighbors; therefore, they praised and thanked God whenever Jesus healed anyone.
Thinking Further
Manmade Rules and Spiritual Blindness
Sunday, June 21, 2020
John 9:13-23
Name _____________________________________
- What was the problem with Jesus healing someone on the Sabbath?
- How did the man born blind describe His healing?
- In what way were people divided after Jesus healed the man born blind?
- When asked, what did the man born blind say about Jesus? Why did this take courage?
- When questioned, why were the parents of the man Jesus healed afraid?
Discussion and Thinking Further
- What was the problem with Jesus healing someone on the Sabbath? There was nothing wrong with healing on the Sabbath. Jesus was doing the work of His Father. But the scribes and Pharisees had added so many manmade rules and traditions to the Law of God that they made it almost impossible for anyone to do good on the Sabbath without also breaking one of their traditions or rules.
- How did the man born blind describe His healing? Jesus put mud on his eyes, he washed, and then he could see.
- In what way were people divided after Jesus healed the man born blind? Some said Jesus could not be from God because He did not observe the Sabbath (according to their traditions). Some said that He could not be a sinner and perform such signs as healing the man born blind.
- When asked, what did the man born blind say about Jesus? Why did this take courage? The man said Jesus is a prophet. The man knew he could be put out of the synagogue for telling the truth and saying good things about Jesus.
- When questioned, why were the parents of the man Jesus healed afraid? They knew that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be excommunicated or put out of the synagogue. They were afraid they would be put out of the synagogue.
Word Search
Manmade Rules and Spiritual Blindness
Sunday, June 21, 2020
John 9:13-23
Name _____________________________________
S M B T W H N M X J S G C D J
O T F Z G O E D E B W E V E K
S K Y M Q Z I P U Y Q X S L Z
E X V U T V G R G I G U V E P
E B Y K I A H O O S S R B I D
S D C D Q J B P G B I O T X E
I J E W H W O H A J E G S U S
R D E X A G R E N Z M T N T S
A Q A S J V S T Y I N P Y S E
H C H F U Z E N S E T G M X F
P E W G K S U Y R H S Y S U N
D L Q N Z O C A E M X L Z V O
T M K B S H P M U S Y J X Q C
W F C Y X R K D I A R F A I V
P Y S A B B A T H D E N E P O
Neighbors
Pharisees
Sabbath
Mud
Washed
Eyes
Opened
Divided
Prophet
Signs
Parents
Afraid
Confessed
Jesus
Synagogue
True and False Test
Manmade Rules and Spiritual Blindness
Sunday, June 21, 2020
John 9:13-23
Name _____________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
- The neighbors of the man born blind praised God for his healing and took him to the Pharisees so they could glorify God too. True or False
- The day Jesus healed the blind man was more important to the Pharisees than the blind man Jesus healed. True or False
- The blind man Jesus healed was so excited that he told the Pharisees many details about seeing Jesus and how he was healed. True or False
- The Pharisees were united in thinking Jesus was a sinner. True or False
- The man Jesus healed thought Jesus was a prophet. True or False
- Though the man born blind and his neighbors told the religious leaders that the man had received his sight, they refused to believe until after they called his parents. True or False
- The man’s parents admitted that their son had been born blind because of their sins before he was born. True or False
- The man’s parents were afraid of the religious leaders. True or False
- The Pharisees had no idea what to do with those who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah. True or False
- The man born blind was too young to speak for himself and be taken seriously. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
Prayer
Father, thank You for the abundance of gifts that You provide to those who choose to heed the call of Wisdom. Thank You for examples of that wisdom who have shaped us over the years. Help us to be such examples to those in our spheres of influence. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.