a "prophet." Well, he seems to be guessing correctly so far. Then, because the Pharisees didn't know who Jesus really was called his parents. (John 9:18-22).

Then without really knowing Jesus (Because he wasn't completely whole), he made one of the most powerful statements of this story. The second statement follows. This man was gaining confidence in this questioning.

24} "Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

25} He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." (John 9:24-25 KJV).

[By now the man who had been blind had heard the same questions over and over. He did not know how or why he had been healed, but he knew that his life had been miraculously changed, and he was not afraid to tell the truth.]

This man had started to witness the truth and share his testimony of what happened without fully knowing the one who performed this miracle on him. His life was changed physically, but meeting someone one time is not really knowing someone.

Then things started to get a little heated. It seems the once blind man was starting to educate the more religious Pharisees. They were the hypocrites. The looked the part, but in reality, the once blind man was closer to Jesus than they were.

And they had more up close and personal meetings with Jesus than he did. Notice the once blind man's words and notice Jesus words to the Pharisees also. It signifies motives and reasons to knowing who Jesus is.

27} "He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? 28} Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples." (John 9:27-28 KJV).

Notice the hearing problem they had when Jesus spoke to them. 43} "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

 

44} Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45} And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not." (John 8:43-45 KJV). Again, the once blind man (the uneducated pupil) seemed as if he had been the one teaching the pious hypocrites hiding behind their religious garments (John 9:30-33).

And since their only rebuttal could be to insult him about his being blind, being the result of his sins causing it. So, they used their empty authority and threw him out of the synagogue. But his onetime meeting of Jesus needed another meeting.

Just a quick thought pause. There's an NBA player going through a similar type of persecution and he also was tossed out for taking a stand just using a word. Let's continue into the man born blind and his ordeal.

Please read these verses aloud into your spirit, family, or study group. 35} "Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

36} He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37} And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38} And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

39} And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. (John 9:35-39 KJV).

This man gained not only physical sight but also spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus first as just some man named Jesus. He had a second encounter with Jesus. Many people attend Easter and think there's no need to come back the following Sunday.

How well do you know someone after meeting them just once? Because this man had a desire to know more, his spiritual sight was restored. This man is now with the resurrected Savior of the world. He now calls him Lord.

The religious Pharisees continued to be dressed in their demonic chameleon wardrobes. It seems they were more blind than the man born blind. Jesus made sure they heard his words.

40} "And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41} Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." (John 9:40-41 KJV).

[The Pharisees were shocked that Jesus accused them of being spiritually blind. Jesus was saying that only blindness (stubbornness and stupidity) could excuse their behavior. He rejected those who refused to turn from their arrogant, self-satisfied, judgmental attitudes.]


🗣📢 Last words: Notice how they were so wrapped up in their own religious corrupt standards, they couldn't even be happy or joyful that the man could see. They were so filled up with their stringent tight laws and rules.

Some churches are happy with full attendance the day of Easter, but fret when the numbers go down the following Sunday. They may be more concerned with numbers and what gets placed in the plate than changed hearts.

It's not about the numbers as much as it is hearts being changed and transformed by the power of God. (John 1:1-13). In this story about the blind man, we see four different reactions to Jesus. Taking a second look at Jesus is better. 

A) The neighbors revealed surprise and skepticism.

B) The Pharisees showed disbelief and prejudice.

C) The parents believed but kept quiet for fear of excommunication.

D) The healed man showed consistent, growing faith by seeing and understanding more about Jesus.

These responses are not unlike the responses of people who encounter Jesus more than just a onetime visit on Easter Sunday and think they know Jesus. Only those who earnestly seek him will have a living relationship with hi

[While the Pharisees conducted investigations and debated about Jesus, people were being healed and lives were being changed. The Pharisees’ skepticism was based not on insufficient evidence but hating Jesus.]

Let's move on to precious Peter, or as some have named him impetuous Peter. His first-go-round meeting with Jesus was quickly pushed back by Peter when he said, "Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man." (Luke 5:8).

But Jesus' response to the miracle catch of fish the disciples had caught and to Peter's words were, "Fear not, from now on you shall catch men." (Verse 10). Getting to understand how they would catch men would take time.

This time is referred to as discipling. Being pupils, the disciples would see great things the Lord would show them and reveal his purpose and will for them following him. Peter had some engaging what some might say go-rounds with Jesus.

Most of us know that Peter denied Jesus three times, but his second encounter with the risen Jesus by the Sea of Galilee in (John chapter 21) involved a personal restoration, allowing him to know Jesus as a forgiving shepherd.

Please read beloved what Peter tells us in (2 Peter 3:18). That we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you want to know more about Jesus, keep trusting and coming to him beyond Easter.

Even if you were invited as a guest and do not have a permanent home church, get to know Jesus by seeking God through prayer and reading the Bible with the desire to know him beyond sharing him with Peter Cottontail.

Remember beloved, in the world of the fisherman, that was big business. It was Peter's livelihood. But Jesus made such an impact on their lives not just by the miraculous catch of fish. Jesus came to save and transform their lives.

Before we close for the day, here's a few more examples of second-go- rounds, (second interactions), with those who were able to grasp more truth with enlightenment to the soul of who Jesus is.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus walked and talked with Jesus without recognizing him initially. It was only when he broke bread with them (that second engagement) that their eyes were opened.

Their hearts burned with excitement as he shared truth with them. Please read these words into your spirit. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24:32 KJV).

To gain a greater understanding of this conversation, please read the whole encounter from start to finish. (Luke 24:13-35). Their story starts out with sadness and them going in the wrong direction.

But because they had a second encounter with the resurrected Savior, they returned with hearts burning for joy. Their eyes were opened to the risen Savior. Hallelujah! For those who choose to see Jesus beyond Easter Sunday.

Mary Magdalene had a quick turnaround from sadness and tears of looking for someone among dead people. She had initially mistaken him for the gardener but recognized him when he spoke her name.

Imagine if she had decided to stay around the cemetery waiting for someone to bring his body back to the tomb? Imagine if her sadness and hopelessness caused her to miss hearing that loving voice say "Mary."

It allowed her to know that voice deep in her heart and spirit of the man who delivered her from seven devils. (Mark 16:9). Mary’s faith in Jesus was not complicated; it was direct and genuine. Jesus honored her by appearing to her first.

She also was given the first task of trust by Jesus to be the first messenger of the Good News of his resurrection to the disciples. What an awesome truth to share with those who were locked away in fear and some in disbelief.

Lastly, Paul mentions the five hundred brethren that witnessed seeing the resurrected Savior (Jesus) at one time. (1 Corinthians 15:6). For this group, it was a second definitive meeting that solidified their faith.

So my beloved friends, do you now understand why spreading out your reasons for only attending Easter Sunday services can cause you to miss? There is much to be said about missed opportunities in life.

In this life and with these fallen sinful corrupt bodies, tomorrow is never promised. (James 4:13-15). Did you know your life is in the now? Like right now! You do realize that the obituaries will be filled with names, right?

How do you know someone who loves you might be preparing your information if your life doesn't go any further than today? Here’s what God’s word says about his free gift of eternal life. You may not get a second Easter look.

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." (Romans 13:11 KJV).

1} "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2} (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 2 (Corinthians 6:1-2 KJV).

[Many people put off a decision for Christ, thinking that there will be a better time, but they could easily miss their opportunity altogether. There is no better time than the present to receive God’s forgiveness.]

Don't allow the commercialism of Easter and Peter Cottontail activities keep you from that second-go-round with the resurrected Savior of your soul. Come to Jesus now so you can become his disciple and go and tell others about him

You may never get to cross that bridge you keep speaking about.


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to see Jesus beyond his resurrection. "Heavenly Father, thank you for those who came in great numbers about the true reason why we celebrate your resurrection.

Thank you Jesus for the many that returned this morning to know more about you and to show them that you have defeated death and have given us hope in your resurrection. That the miracle of Easter is not just for one day.

Seeing and learning of you after the resurrection is an everyday occurrence.
As the Easter egg hunts settle and daily routines return, please help us to keep our eyes fixed on you. Do not let us bury the hope of the empty tomb.

Lord, please help us learn, change, and grow around the goodness of your risen life to strengthen us to live, work, and love in your abiding presence. Also, forgive us for falling into the trap of forgetting your power after the holiday.

Lord, resurrect our awareness of your presence, both in our joys and in the long, quiet seasons that feel like Saturday. In the midst of the swirling world, help us to walk with the peace and victory that only you provide. 

Breathe new life into our daily routine and bring beauty from the ashes of our worries. May we see Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the living Lord in our lives today. We desire to see you a second time In glory, Amen."


❤ "If you would like to know Jesus as your Savior, please read the drop-down page entitled "How to know Jesus."


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🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God's people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️



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