Note: <\/strong>All quotes in the sermon are from the English Standard Version.<\/p>\n Suggestion: <\/strong>You might choose Balm in Gilead<\/em> as the Hymn of the Day. It could be sung after the sermon, or before the sermon today since it is quoted near the end of the sermon. The choice is yours. You might also include Amazing Grace<\/em>, which is also quoted in the sermon.<\/p>\n Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen<\/em><\/p>\n Sesame Street anyone? Some of you may recall the children\u2019s TV show that was on public television for many years. It was the show with regular puppet characters like Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, The Count, and Bert & Ernie. Many of the shows were \u201csponsored\u201d by a letter. Well, we might say that today\u2019s sermon is sponsored by the letters \u201cM\u201d and \u201cW.\u201d Why? In the drama of the story of the man born blind, Jesus spat and Made Mud. There\u2019s the letter \u201cM.\u201d Then, Jesus said to the man, \u201cGo and wash in the pool of Siloam.\u201d Wash \u2013 there\u2019s the \u201cW.\u201d In addition, as an immediate follow up to the healing of that man, Jesus says, \u201cWe must work the works of the one who sent me.\u201d We, work, and works \u2013 there is \u201cW\u201d again. When Jesus touched the man born blind, he was dong the works of the One who sent him, and when we do God\u2019s works, others are touched as well. So, we begin noting that today\u2019s sermon is brought to you by the letters \u201cM\u201d and \u201cW.\u201d (Note:<\/strong> I use a large paper with a letter on it that I could \u201cflip\u201d to make it an \u201cM\u201d or \u201cW\u201d at any time; or this could be done in projection\u2026but without the comic element of switching the letter\u2019s orientation.)<\/p>\n Someone noted that today\u2019s reading has 41 verses, but the healing of the man born blind takes only 2 verses to tell, and the other 39 verses are the drama that surrounds those 2 verses. Along the way there are 6 scenes:<\/p>\n In the flow of John\u2019s gospel, Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Festival of Tabernacles (Booths) for much of chapters 7, 8 & 9. I would note two things about the Feast of Tabernacles that provide interesting background. That festival is the setting for this story in chapter 9. As part of the dramatic backdrop for the story, these may enhance our appreciation of the action in the story.<\/p>\n The first is that there were large lampstands in the temple courtyard, each with several flames. These lamps were not as big as the \u201cOlympic Torch\u201d that is lighted in the opening ceremonies in modern times, but they were large. It is my understanding that at night, with the temple on the top of Mount Zion, the lights could be seen from the city below. If people looked toward the city from a distance at night these could also be seen. In a very real way Jerusalem was a city set on a hill, a light in the darkness. The light was to symbolize revelation and the truths of scripture\u2026yet, in this reading, with this backdrop, Jesus says, \u201cI am the light of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n The second is this. It is my understanding that during the festival priests poured large amounts of water down the temple steps. There would be enough water to flow across the courtyard and start downhill into the city, as if God\u2019s revelation was to flow out of the Temple, on out of Jerusalem to wash and to quench the thirst of the world. For all who hear the story, the Light of the World and Water for the World are in the background.<\/p>\n The artistry of the Gospel writer we call John is wonderful. Several themes or images are used throughout the story, and several move the drama forward or reflect on it. We do not have time to expand or reflect on all of them in this sermon. However, I would invite you later today to take your bible in hand (paper or electronic), and underline or circle or highlight several sets of words. What ones? These might be:<\/p>\n Some of these may demonstrate contrast, others may show continuity. Yes, these are too much for a sermon; and YES I DO suggest that you do this follow up on your own! It will enhance your appreciation of this gospel story, and the artistry of the gospel writer.<\/p>\n But, for us together, today, I would say that the beginning of John\u2019s gospel is also part of the backdrop for us as hearers of today\u2019s story. Yes, chapter 1 is an introduction to the whole gospel story. In poetry and prose themes are touched upon that are expanded in the teachings of Jesus and in the drama of events in the whole storyline. For today, I note about chapter 1:<\/p>\n In the drama of today\u2019s story, the leaders and others do not recognize Jesus; they do not receive Jesus! They do not see him for who he is. However, the formerly blind man does receive Jesus, does believe in Jesus. In the end, he says, \u201cLord, I believe\u201d and worships Jesus. We might say that the formerly blind man was born of God; that he had moved from darkness into light.<\/p>\n The whole text and the drama is rich. For today, I highlight a couple of things. In response to the disciples\u2019 question about \u201cwho sinned?\u201d Jesus said, \u201cIt was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but\u00a0that the works of God might be displayed in him.\u201d (9:3) James Forbes, a Presbyterian pastor, said, \u201cThe man was born blind so that God\u2019s works might be revealed in him. As a matter of fact, that is why all of us were born. All of us were given life that the works of God might be revealed in us.\u201d1<\/sup> I agree. Each of us. We give our lives to others so that the works of God might be revealed in you and me. In the next verse, Jesus adds, \u201cWe must\u00a0work the works of him who sent me\u00a0while it is day\u2026\u201d (9:4) I read a quote by Samuel Chandler, and Episcopal pastor2<\/sup>, \u201cToday the works of God are revealed in acts of mercy.\u201d Agreed. Though Jesus says in this reading, \u201cI am the light of the world,\u201d (9:5), in the dynamic of the whole reading we are close to what we heard in Jesus \u201cSermon on the Mount.\u201d Two months ago we heard Jesus say, \u201cYou are the salt of the earth\u2026You are the light of the world\u2026 let your light shine before others, so\u00a0that\u00a0they may see your good works and\u00a0give glory to your Father who is in heaven.\u201d (Mathew 5:14-16)<\/p>\n Works of God\u2026Light of the world\u2026and the formerly blind man is sent to wash in the pool called \u201cSiloam\u201d which means \u201csent.\u201d In the rest of the reading, the man is \u201csent\u201d with a message, \u201cI went. I washed. I was blind. Now I see.\u201d By his death and resurrection Jesus became the Light of the World in a way that others might \u201csee\u201d and be sent to share his light.<\/p>\n There is a Japanese tale in a book by Megan McKenna.3<\/sup> The gist of the story is this,<\/p>\n There was once a man who was born blind, so that is all he knew. As he got older he became confident, arranging things in his home in particular ways so that he could find things and not trip over furniture. In time, he could also walk the streets of the village, and finally could also find his way to neighboring villages, and even over a mountain on a trail to visit friends.<\/p>\n One day he traveled over the mountain to visit several friends. The time was filled with food and song, conversation and tales, drinks and fun. As the sun was setting, he prepared to go home, his host friend encouraged him to take a lamp. At first he protested since he always walked in darkness as a blind person. However, the friend said that the lamp was so that others might see him and not collide into him in the dark. Then he agreed.<\/p>\n He savored the memories of the time with friends as he walked in the night. Suddenly, someone slammed into him head on, throwing him into a small ditch where the lamp went flying. Gathering his wits, the blind man yelled, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you? Are you blind? Did you not see me and my lamp?\u201d After an awkward silence a voice was heard, \u201cForgive me, I saw no lantern. Your light must have gone out.\u201d So each went his way in the darkness.<\/p>\n It may seem like we are walking in the darkness on a mountain path. Yet, we must work the works of God while it is day\u2026Jesus and us together! We have the light of Jesus to share with a world that needs it! We have been sent with a message to share and simple acts of mercy and kindness! Can you not find the words?<\/p>\n Perhaps we can use the words from Balm in Gilead. <\/em><\/p>\n Perhaps you can use the words from Amazing Grace.<\/em> We often sing, \u201cI once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see.\u201d Maybe your words could be about that simple, \u201cWithout Jesus, I am lost, but because of Jesus I am found. Without Jesus I can\u2019t see a thing clearly, but because of Jesus I see some things clearly.\u201d<\/p>\n We may know<\/u> our \u201cblindedness\u201d because of our sin, yet others need whatever light we can carry and share! We may find our way<\/u> in the dark\u2026because the light of Jesus is for all. Take the Light<\/u> of the world as you walk in the dark. Take Jesus<\/u> with you! Amen+<\/p>\n Now, may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen<\/em><\/p>\n Pr. Luther H. Thoresen, ELCA, STS, retired\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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