false labels | The Phone Tree Bible Study Group

7-Weeks of Walking in the Word, Examining Self, & Studying People of Interest from the Bible

Week 2 Theme: From Sightless to Seeing

Being blind or having a visual impairment is no small thing. It can be quite devastating for some. Despite the challenge, however, many have persevered. Louis Braille, Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, and a vast number of others have succeeded in monumental ways, in spite of their individual disability. How did they succeed? They succeeded by learning to see in a different way.

Before these figures from history lived, there was a man born blind, as it is written in Scriptures. He was blind from birth; he could not see. This man, one day, had an encounter with Jesus. That encounter changed his life. He, who was once blind, began to see. His new sight, in truth, went deeper than just being able to physically see. There was a message of spiritual import attached to his life story. His story teaches us, even now.

As you read this week’s Bible verses, I want you to pay particular attention to what this man knew about himself and about his unique situation. See how he viewed Jesus. I also want you to notice what those who confronted him had to say about him and his situation. Finally, I want you to heed the words that Jesus said.

Scripture Study II: John 9

Assignment II: Reread the Bible story from John 9, regarding the man born blind. Highlight the words, phrases, and/or sentences that stand out to you.

Recall & Reflect (on the question that started it all):

WHY IS IT SO EASY TO ACCEPT THE LABELS THAT OTHER PEOPLE PLACE ON US THAN IT IS FOR US TO ACCEPT THE IDENTITY THAT GOD HAS DECLARED OVER US?

Journal I: Take some time this week to thoughtfully journal your feelings on the following:

1) What possible “labels” might be considered in this Bible account?

2) What words were ascribed to the once blind man?

3) What was the before-Christ status and the after-Christ status of the blind man?

4) How does this man’s story relate or compare to your own?

5) Should you be willing to accept the story that others try to write over your life? (Go Deeper: Have you been guilty of allowing the words of others to dictate your actions or choices?)

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