WCF 31 October 1993

Theme: Christ in the New Testament

 

Reading
John 9:1-41; Isa 61:1-3.

Who Is Jesus of the New Testament?

1.      A Teacher (v 2)
Someone able to give wise counsel and instruction about life, moral issues and religion. Jesus attracted a great following of those who recognised his wisdom. Possibly only those whose positions were threatened by Jesus' teaching refused to accept him. The Pharisees in this account did refuse, and called Jesus "A sinner" (v24).
This is the first step on the pathway of faith. It is worth remembering that the majority of religions and ideologies today recognise that Jesus was a great teacher. Those who refuse to acknowledge his teaching are usually those whose positions and lifestyles are challenged by it.
Perhaps we should be ready to start where people are today. How many have more than a vague idea of what Jesus taught? If they knew him better as a teacher they might be ready to proceed to the next step of faith.

2.      A Prophet (v 17)
Someone in contact with God, who reveals something new about Him and from Him. Many in our own society who do not regularly attend church are able to proceed to this step of faith. Islam and other religions accept this too. Why did the blind man understand this and not the Pharisees? Pre-suppositions, and an understanding focused by their own view of God and themselves (v16, 29, 34). Their prejudice is revealed by their initial refusal to believe the man had been born blind, and even when convinced of this, refusal to consider the implications (v18-24).

3.      A Man From God (v 33)
A description of the Messiah - Christ, the anointed one, referred to in Isa 61:1-3. The evidence was in all that Jesus did, as Jesus himself pointed out (Matt 11: 4-6). Many churchgoers today have reached this step on the pathway of faith, but even so stop short of the step of personal commitment.

4.      Lord to be Worshipped (v 38)
The one I should worship, serve and give my life to. The blind man paid a heavy price for being prepared to make this final step up to the doorway of faith. It is a price that his parents were not prepared to make (v20-23). Which step are we standing on. What is our attitude to those who stand on lower steps?

Questions
1. What is it about Jesus that makes you believe He was God as well as man?
2. How can we best help people proceed from step 1 to 2, 2 to 3 and 3 to 4?