Great Fast Week 6: Man Born Blind
OBJECTIVE
The gospel reading on the sixth Sunday of the Great Fast (John 9:1-41) tells us about the great miracle that our Lord Jesus Christ performed in giving sight to a man who was born blind. During the season of Lent, we are reminded that Christ is the True Light and He is the only cure to those who are spiritually blind and sitting in darkness.
INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 15 Minutes
Talk with the students about what they think their life would be like if they were not able to see. Ask them to consider how difficult their daily tasks would be without the ability to see. Students may share their answers out loud.
Give each child a piece of paper and a pencil. Have them reach into a box or bag (make sure they cannot see inside) and feel one of the several objects (such as a car key, a ring, a small toy, a hat, etc. make sure there are no sharp objects). Let each child feel an item for 30 seconds and then have them draw what it is on their piece of paper.
When the children are done drawing, empty the contents of the box or bag for their examination. Have them explain what it was like to try and tell what the object was without having the benefit of sight.
HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes
The story of the miracle of the healing of the man born blind can be found in John 9:1-41.
Memory Verse - "The Lord opens the eyes of the blind." (Psalms 146:8)
CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 15 Minutes
Please read the story of the man born blind in John Chapter 9.
The miracle of the healing of the man born blind is a story that we have heard about since a young age. In the Coptic Church, this story is read on the 6th Sunday of Lent. Let us take a deeper look at this miracle to discover what the message of our Lord Jesus is to us during this holy time of the year.
In the very beginning of the chapter, we read that Jesus noticed a man who was blind. He took notice of the man, even though the crowds around Him paid no attention. The care that Jesus showed this man is an encouragement for us to also care for others and help those in need.
The disciples immediately asked Jesus, "who sinned? This man or his parents?". Here we can see the difference between the response of Jesus and the disciples: Jesus looked at the man with compassion, while the disciples looked at him and asked a cold question. Their question reminds us of the many times that we are more interested to know the faults of others, instead of caring for them.
Let us consider the response that Jesus gave. He said, "neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him". Here Jesus is teaching them that sometimes the intention of illness is to glorify God and to reveal His works. Through opening the eyes of the blind, God reveals Himself and declares His glory.
Jesus followed this by saying, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) The reason for our Lord Jesus Christ coming into the world was to enlighten it. And so Jesus would heal the blind man, who is a representation of the blind world, because He came to be the light of the world and He would not only give light to those who are living in darkness, but He would also open the eyes of those who cannot see. This is important to us because it encourages us to go to Christ, who is our guide and our light. Christ is also giving us a good example of how to be compassionate and useful in the world. These conversations between Jesus and His disciples took place in order for our Lord to open the eyes and understanding of the disciples.
After this, Jesus then turned His attention to healing the blind man. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. Then He said to him, "Go wash in the pool of Siloam." The man went and washed and came back seeing. Our Lord says two important phrases here: (1) He told the man to "go" and (2) to "wash". Symbolically, this is a message to us to "go" and read our Bibles, pray, attend Sunday School, confess, and take communion so that we may not be spiritually blind and become closer to God. The second message to us is to "wash"; in other words, we need to be spiritually cleansed and purified through repentance.
This story shows us some very important aspects of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He loved this man very much, and knowing that he was rejected, Jesus searched for him and found him in order to encourage, comfort, and heal him. Christ takes special notice of those who suffer for His sake, and He will always support and comfort those who are in need.
DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 10 Minutes
Open the icon of the healing of the man born blind, located in the attachments. Share this icon with the students and ask them to share what they see. Engage the students in a discussion about the icon and ask them questions about the lesson.
- Where is this story found? When is it read? It is found in the Gospel of John Chapter 9 and it is read on the sixth Sunday of the Great Fast
- Why was this man born blind? So that he may be used as an example for the glory of God
- How did Jesus heal the blind man? He spat on the ground, made clay with His saliva, and told the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam
- What were the two important things that Christ ordered the blind man to do and what do they mean to us? He told the man to "go" and "wash". This is a message for us to "go" and be active in our spiritual lives, and to "wash" ourselves of sin through repentance
- What are some lessons that we can learn from this story? Have students share their response
LIFE APPLICATION - 5 Minutes
The miracle of the healing of the man born blind reminds us that Christ is not only a cure to the physically blind, but also to those who are spiritually blind. During the Great Fast, we must pray that God may heal the spiritual eyes of our souls, and to free us from the darkness of sin and deception, that we might see the truth and follow Him.
ACTIVITY - 15 Minutes
Option 1: Word Search
Print out the "Man Born Blind Word Search" and have the students complete the activity. The answer key is also provided.
Option 2: Secret Code Activity
Print out the "Man Born Blind Secret Code" activity and have the students complete the puzzle. The answer key is also provided.
Option 3: Word Tiles
Materials:
- Glue
- Construction or printer paper
Print out the "Man Born Blind Word Tiles" activity and cut out a set of word tiles for each student, prior to class. Give each student a set of word tiles (make sure they are mixed up) and a blank piece of paper. Have them glue the word tiles on their sheet of paper in a way that completes the phrase. ANSWER: "I was blind, and now I can see."
SERVANT RESOURCES
PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK
Review the lesson of the man born blind. Encourage your kids to fast during the Great Lent, especially from things such as chocolate, ice cream, and any other decadent treats.