John 9: 1-3, 6-7, NIRV

Jesus Makes Claims About Himself

9As Jesus went along, he saw a man who was blind. He had been blind since he was born. ²Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned? Was this man born blind because he sinned? Or did his parents’ sin?”

³“It isn’t because this man sinned,” said Jesus. “It isn’t because his parents sinned. He was born blind so that God’s power could be shown by what’s going to happen.

John 9:6-7, NIRV

⁶After he said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud with the spit. Then he put the mud on the man’s eyes. ⁷“Go,” he told him. “Wash in the Pool of Siloam.” Siloam means Sent. So, the man went and washed. And he came home able to see.

HANDOUT:

Lenten Coin Calendar. (You can also have extra copies available for children who need them, as well as directing them to download the calendar here.)

Message:

How many coins were added to your jars this week? Did you find yourself complaining about a game that you were playing to have fun? (Allow children to respond.) Did you remember Moses’s actions and reminder to the people of Israel to always trust in God without complaining?

Today we pray, thanking God for how we can enjoy entertainment in our homes. We also pray for those who would be grateful for just one entertainment item.

Let’s find out what items we will be on the lookout for this week.

Do you know someone who was born blind?

Do you know someone who is deaf?

Do you know someone who uses a wheelchair?

(Allow children to answer.)

Today’s scripture passage is about a man who could not see. He was born blind. There were many people who believed that a person’s disability was caused by something that either the individual or the parents did wrong, a sin against God. Jesus said that this man’s blindness was not his or his parents’ fault. And then Jesus healed him. He healed his blindness in such a strange way. He spit in the dirt, made it turn to mud, and placed it over the man’s eyes. He then told the man to go and wash the mud away in the pool of Siloam. When the man did just as Jesus instructed, he could see clearly for the first time in his life. He could see everything. He could see the faces of people when before he had only heard their voices. He could see the water from the pool where before he had only heard splashing water. Most importantly, he could see the love of God in Jesus!

This week, we are seeking out items around the house that provide us with better health. Items such as vitamins, Band-aids, tissues, and cough drops all are used to keep us healthy. This Scripture passage also reminds us to pray for those who aren’t so healthy. We are reminded that God’s love is for all people, regardless of their health or physical disabilities. Did you know that the United Methodist Church has a group of caring people called, The Disability Ministries Committee? This group believes all people, including those with disabilities, are created in God’s image and have sacred worth. Isn’t that beautiful? (Allow children to respond.)

(For more information regarding The Disability Ministries Committee and their ministry, see umcdmc.org.)

Jesus called all types of people to “follow him,” and we are asked to be like Jesus. If we are honest with ourselves, we all need help making our lives healthier. And when we feel good, we do good things in our lives, such as helping those who are sick or hurting feel better.

There are some problems that we are born with that may never go away. But deaf people can still receive the good news of Jesus, even if they can’t hear it. Blind people can feel the love of God in their lives, even if they can’t see it. Wheelchair users can still follow Jesus, even if they aren’t able to walk. Jesus wants all kinds of people to be his disciples. I wonder if you are the kind of person that Jesus wants to be his disciple. I am quite sure that you are. This week, let’s show the world around us just how much like Jesus we are.