From Old Testament times, the Jewish people knew that only God and his Messiah could open the eyes of the blind. However, over their long history, it had never happened. Therefore, when Jesus healed the eyes of a man born blind in John 9:1-41, he caused quite a stir. Some rejected the miracle as spurious, but the healed man held firm to what he knew to be true: "I was blind, and now I see." This is the same testimony of the simplest Christian whose spiritual eyes Jesus has opened to the truth. (sermon notes)
During a time of peace, God built up his church through the preaching of his word and powerful signs.
Two parables directed against the religious leaders indicated why they would lose their management of the kingdom, and why others would take their place.
In three related episodes, Jesus demonstrated his authority to forgive our sins.
