|
|
John 9:1-41 Today’s sermon is going to be a little different this morning. Questioning and knowledge seem to play an important part in today’s gospel story, so we’re actually going to start with a pop quiz. Everyone should have in front of you a half sheet of paper in the hymnal rack. Go ahead and take that out. That is your answer sheet, so go ahead and number down the side 1-10. I’m going to ask you 10 questions about Jesus and we’re going to see how much you actually know about Jesus. It’s like one of those Trivia Nights that are so popular here in St. Louis. And I’ll even let you use partners or teams – but you do have keep your Bibles closed. (Answers at the end) 1. Where was Jesus born? 2. Who baptized Jesus? 3. How long was Jesus tempted in the wilderness? 4. How old was Jesus when he was left in the Temple as a boy? 5. Which of the disciples betrayed Jesus? 6. In whose tomb was Jesus buried? 7. In what city was Jesus anointed with oil and at whose house? 8. Which two people did Jesus raise from the dead, besides himself? 9. Who was Jesus’ paternal great-grandfather, Joseph’s grandfather? 10. Which three women are specifically mentioned as Jesus’ benefactors, as using their own means to support the disciples?
Just out of curiosity, did anyone get all 10 of them correct? How many do you think you should have gotten right to consider yourself a good Christian – 7 out of ten, half of them right? You don’t have to raise your hands, but is anybody embarrassed by how many they missed or surprised by how little they actually know about the life of Jesus? Well, my point in doing this little quiz is not to make you feel stupid or to find out who the best Christians are in the room. My point in quizzing you is the same point as our gospel story. It doesn’t matter how much you know ABOUT Jesus. What matters is that you KNOW Jesus. There was a lot of questioning going on in our gospel story. You’ve kind of got 4 stages of the trial going on here. The man born blind was put on trial by his neighbors – how were your eyes opened? He was then brought before the Pharisees and they threw a bunch of questions at him – how did you receive your sight? What do you say about him? Then, in part 3, they drag his parents into it and they question them – is this your son? How does he now see? Not satisfied with the answers they get, they drag the man born blind back in one more time and interrogate him again – What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes? Lots of questions, but the man has precious few answers and its practically the same one every time. “Look, I don’t know how he did it, but he made mud, spread it on my eyes, told me to go wash, and then I could see.” That’s pretty much all he knew ABOUT his encounter with Jesus. But what happened through all of this is that he came to know WHO it was who healed him. At first, he knows nothing but his name – Jesus. Then he decides that he’s a prophet. Then he determines that Jesus is, without a doubt, from God. And finally, he comes to really KNOW Jesus, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshipped him. Being a Christian isn’t about having all the answers, its simply about believing that Jesus is Lord, about knowing him personally, about recognizing and acknowledging how he has touched your life. “All I know is that I was blind, and now I see!” Jesus desires to know you like a best friend, like a brother or sister, even like a spouse. He wants to be close to you and share a deeply meaningful relationship with you your entire life long. He loves you so much that we went to the cross and died so that you could be with him forever. So, there’s a second part to our little pop quiz this morning. You can throw the first part out – while its all good stuff to know, it ain’t getting you into heaven. Go ahead and turn your sheet over. On this side, I want you think about and to jot down some brief answers to some of these questions. What has Jesus done for you? How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? What are you most thankful for when it comes to Jesus? What does his death on the cross mean to you personally? You have about 5 minutes. (Play Chris Rice song)
I want this to just be a start for you, an outline if you will. One of the requirements in seminary was that every year we had to write and rewrite our faith story. We had to look back on our life, recognize and remember those places where God had been active and present, and then actually put those experiences into words. If you’ve never written or told your faith story, I encourage you to do so. I think Baptists and other Christians call this your “testimony.” I’m not sure why Lutherans don’t use this word very often, but I really like it. Spend some time this week thinking about how God has been present and active in your life. Reflect upon what the cross means in your life. Actually write something down, expand on what you wrote this morning, and share it with your family. This little exercise can be powerful. Not only might they be interested in hearing about your faith, but by putting something down on paper, you will deepen your own understanding and appreciation for what Jesus has done for you. Every time that man born blind answered questions about Jesus and what Jesus had done for him, he grew in his understanding and belief. By telling his story, his relationship with Jesus grew deeper and more meaningful. And my guess is, as you do this exercise, you’ll begin to recognize a pattern. Jesus has a funny way of showing up or making himself known whenever we are suffering. He’s certainly there during the good times and we can give thanks for that, but I think you’ll find by looking back over your life, Jesus has been there for the tough times as well. With our man today – he’s lost his JOB as a beggar, he’s neighbors rejected him, his parents hang him out to dry, and his church even kicks him out. He may be able to see, but his life seems to be falling apart. Yet, it is at that point, at the time of greatest suffering in his life that Jesus searches him out and finds him. Just as Jesus didn’t abandon him in his suffering, nor has he or will he abandon you in yours. The answers to some trivia questions aren’t what will get you through those tough times – but a relationship with Jesus certainly will. Amen.
ANSWERS TO QUIZ:
1. Where was Jesus born? Bethlehem 2. Who baptized Jesus? John 3. How long was Jesus tempted in the wilderness? 40 days 4. How old was Jesus when he was left in the Temple as a boy? 12 5. Which of the disciples betrayed Jesus? Judas 6. In whose tomb was Jesus buried? Joseph of Arimathea 7. In what city was Jesus anointed with oil and at whose house? Bethany, Simon the Leper 8. Which two people did Jesus raise from the dead, besides himself? Lazarus & Jairus’ daughter 9. Who was Jesus’ paternal great-grandfather, Joseph’s grandfather? Matthat 10. Which three women are specifically mentioned as Jesus’ benefactors, as using their own means to support the disciples? Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Cuza, and Susanna |
