The Blind Man – From Darkness to Light

Lesson Plan: Character Study of The Blind Man (John 9:11)
Title: The Blind Man – From Darkness to Light
Key Verse: "He answered, 'The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. Then he told me to go to the Pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.'" (John 9:11)

This lesson focuses on the man born blind, whose story in John 9 beautifully illustrates Jesus' power to heal and the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to see the truth. We will explore his experience, his encounter with Jesus, and his story's profound lessons about faith, sight, and spiritual perception.

Section 1: Who Was the Blind Man?

• Occupation: The Bible doesn't explicitly state his occupation before his healing. He may have been a beggar, as many blind people at that time relied on charity.
• Marital Status: The Bible does not provide information about his marital status.
• Setting and Place Lived: He lived in Jerusalem, near the Pool of Siloam.
• Known For: 
• Being born blind.
• Being healed by Jesus.
• His courageous testimony about Jesus, even in the face of opposition.
• Time Frame or Date: This event occurred during Jesus' ministry in Judea, likely in the early 30s AD.

Section 2: Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: 
• Humility: He was humble and receptive to Jesus' instructions.
• Faith: He demonstrated faith in Jesus by obeying His command to wash in the Pool of Siloam.
• Honesty/Courage: He spoke truthfully about his healing, even when questioned by the Pharisees, demonstrating growing courage in his faith.
• Weaknesses: 
• Physical Blindness: He was born physically blind, which presented significant challenges.
• Vulnerability: His blindness likely made him vulnerable and dependent on others. 

Section 3: Memorable Quotes

• "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. Then he told me to go to the Pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." (John 9:11)
• "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. All I know is that I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:25)
• "Never in the history of the world has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." (John 9:32-33)

Section 4: Cross-Reference Scriptures

• John 9:1-41: The entire account of the blind man's healing and the subsequent interactions with the Pharisees.

Section 5: Name Meanings

• Hebrew Meaning: The Bible doesn't give the blind man's name.
• Greek Meaning: The Bible doesn't give the blind man's name.

Section 6: The Blind Man in John 9:11

This verse is central to the narrative. It's the blind man's simple, honest account of how he received his sight. It highlights the directness of his experience and his reliance on Jesus' words. The phrase "the man they call Jesus" suggests that while he didn't fully understand who Jesus was at that point, he acknowledged Him as the one who had healed him.

Section 7: Legacy and Lessons

• Legacy: The blind man's story is a powerful testament to Jesus' healing power and His ability to open both physical and spiritual eyes.
• Lessons: 
• Faith and Obedience: The blind man's healing was contingent on his faith in Jesus and his obedience to His instructions.
• Spiritual Sight: The story highlights the importance of spiritual sight. The Pharisees, who could see physically, were spiritually blind, while the blind man, who was physically blind, gained spiritual insight.
• Testimony: The blind man's willingness to share his story, even when challenged, is an example for us to share our own experiences of God's grace.
• Jesus' Compassion: Jesus showed compassion to the blind man, meeting his physical need and revealing Himself as the source of true sight.

Closing: The blind man's journey from darkness to light is a powerful reminder of Jesus' power to heal and transform lives. May we have the humility and faith of the blind man, that we too may see the light of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your healing power and compassion for those in need. Open our eyes to see your truth and give us the courage to share our testimonies with others. Amen.

Thank you for exploring this character study with me. May the blind man’s story inspire you to grow in faith and share the good news of Jesus.