The Pharisees (as leaders of the Jews) seem to have a dominant role in much of John chapter 9. The once blind man’s neighbors brought him to these Pharisees … likely for their “approval.” These religious (but hypocritical) leaders asked questions of the healed man. As if they were a governing board over Israel. Oh, how they loved their power!

What I did not get to say in this lesson was how these men compared to a character in the little Book of III John (that’s 3rd John). Read with me: “I (John, the author of this Gospel as well) wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” 3rd John 9-10, where “preeminence” means “first place!”

Church bosses, I call them!

The Pharisees!

Diotrephes!

And some of their descendants still exist in today’s Churches! “Wolves in sheep’s clothing!” (Matthew 7:15)

God, deliver us!

On another note … I forgot to give you the Reference for Jesus being the Lord of the Sabbath.

You will find this amazing verse at Mark 2:28 … “Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”

One more thought … The Pharisees to the blind man to whom Jesus gave sight … “What sayest thou of him.” (Verse 17)

This new Believer sure answered well! “He is a Prophet!”

This reminds me of something Peter wrote long ago. “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”(1 Peter 3:15)

Well, our Mr. Truth-telling, healed blind man sure had the right answer!

By the way, reader here today … “WHAT THINK YE OF HIM?”

Eternity hinges on your answer, Heaven or Hell!

Now, if you’re interested, watch the whole class …

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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