Now I See - Jon Furman
Jeremy Thom recently taught a fantastic sermon from John chapter 9 about a man who had been born blind. One Sabbath day, Jesus came upon him in the city of Jerusalem, and to demonstrate God’s goodness, and make the Kingdom visible to all, Jesus healed him.
The locals were so stunned by this transformation, that a debate erupted over whether this man they’d only ever known as a blind beggar was the same guy, or someone who just looked like him. Some believed, some didn’t, but he kept assuring them, “I’m still me, but I’ve been made new by Jesus.”
This commotion attracted the religious leaders. They hated Jesus, and the best way to discredit Him, was attack him for “working” on the day of rest. They demanded the man disclose, “Who healed you? And tell us where he is.’” He acknowledged that it was Jesus who had healed him.
This divided everyone’s opinion on Jesus. Some said he was a sinner because he had healed on the Sabbath, others said that this miracle could only have come from God.
Chaos ensued.
In their efforts to unite everyone around their opinion, the religious leaders made it clear that if anyone acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, they’d be put out of the synagogue, losing their place in society.
I think we’re all a little torn about sharing our faith with others because of the chaos and divided opinions swirling around us. We want others to experience the life-changing joy of getting to know Jesus personally, AND we all share a fear that in doing so we might make a poor representation of our Savior or misspeak and find ourselves amidst controversy.
It’s important to remember that we aren’t called to be eloquent speakers or perfect explainers. If that sounds odd, remember that Jesus tells us that no one comes to the Father unless the Spirit of God begins drawing them in. (JN 6:44)
We aren’t the ones who do the persuading or convincing, The Holy Spirit does.
Our job is to experience transformation through obedience and then simply testify about the one who is transforming us. As we point our friends to Jesus, the Spirit of God uses us to draw them in.
Those who aren’t interested will certainly resist, but that has nothing to do with us, which means the pressure of making an Undeniable Impact for the Kingdom of God rests squarely on almighty God, freeing us to simply describe our King and how He is healing us.
Which brings me back to the man’s actual response when the Pharisees began demanding that he answer their questions or suffer the consequences. He just said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
By talking about his own transformation, the man pointed them to something they couldn’t deny, they couldn’t deny that he was transformed, or who it was who had changed him. The impact of Jesus’ work was undeniable.
As we surrender to the Spirit led practices of Radical Hospitality, Sacrificial Generosity, and Uncommon Humility we experience the transforming power of Christ being formed in us. As we describe these experiences to others, we are testifying to the Undeniable Kingdom Impact that Jesus makes in, and then, through us.
We’re so grateful that this church campus is so deeply invested in the transforming work of the Kingdom in our hearts, in our worship services, and in our service to the people of Milwaukee. As you live out these kingdom values remember that you’ve been set free to describe the power of our good God to others in the simplest of terms, “I only know one thing, I was blind, but now I see, and Jesus is who did this good thing.”
Keep up the great work Hope City!
Jon Furman
Lead Pastor | Beaverton Christian Church