Gospel of John
Lord, I Believe · John 9:35-41 · August 16, 2026 · ▶ Watch
Introduction
The man born blind has received his sight, defended the truth, and been cast out of the synagogue. He has lost his place among his own people and appears to be completely alone. Then Jesus hears what happened and comes looking for him. The closing verses of John 9 reveal that true sight is not merely the ability to see with our eyes, but the willingness to recognize Jesus, believe in Him, and worship.
These notes are a reader-friendly companion to the sermon video, not a word-for-word transcript.
Jesus Comes Looking for the One Everybody Else Threw Away
Jesus hears that the healed man has been cast out, and He finds him. The man cannot go looking for Jesus because he had been blind when Jesus healed him and had never seen His face. So Jesus takes the initiative. While the neighbors argued about the man, the Pharisees used him, and his parents backed away, Jesus moves toward him. The synagogue said, “We do not want you,” but Jesus’ actions say, “I do.” Followers of Jesus should likewise notice and seek out people who have quietly been excluded or forgotten.
A Ready Heart Believes and Falls Down to Worship
When Jesus asks whether he believes in the Son of Man, the man answers, “Who is He, sir, that I may believe in Him?” His heart is ready before he even knows the name. Jesus answers plainly: “You have seen Him, and it is He who is speaking to you.” The man responds without hesitation: “Lord, I believe,” and he worships Jesus. The contrast is striking. The religious leaders possess knowledge and standing but reject the truth, while the man who had nothing recognizes Jesus and bows before Him.
The Blindness Jesus Cannot Heal Is the Kind That Insists It Can Already See
Jesus explains that His coming reveals who truly sees and who remains blind. The healed man knows he needs sight and receives it. The Pharisees insist, “We see,” and their certainty closes them to correction. Their problem is not a lack of information but an unwillingness to admit their need. Jesus can open blind eyes, but a person who insists nothing is wrong will never ask to be healed. Spiritual sight begins with the humble prayer, “Lord, what am I still not seeing?”
Reflection
- Who has quietly been pushed outside or forgotten, and how can I follow Jesus by going to find them?
- Where am I keeping Jesus at a safe distance instead of fully trusting and worshiping Him?
- When correction comes, do I defend myself immediately, or am I willing to ask what I may not be seeing?
Closing Thought
Whatever door has closed and whatever you have lost, Jesus is the Lord who comes looking. You do not have to go find Him. He comes and finds you.