Sermon Notes & Teaching Resources

Sermon Notes: From Epiphany to Lent:
Message Follow Along: From Blindness to Sight
Bible Base: John 9:1–18, 28–38 – GBC Parkhill – Pastor Paulo Andrade

1. According to Pastor Paulo, observing Lent without the __________ of __________ becomes a meaningless ritual or a distraction.
2. Psychologists use the term “in-attentional blindness” to describe how we can miss what’s happening right in front of us because we are focused on _______________.
3. In the time of Jesus, being born blind was not just a physical disability but a life sentence of __________.
4. When the disciples encountered the blind man, they unfortunately defaulted to __________ instead of showing compassion.
5. Jesus stated that the man’s condition existed so that the __________ of God might be displayed in him.
6. The religious leaders were angry because Jesus performed this miracle on the __________.
7. The healed man provided a simple, powerful testimony: “One thing I do know. I was __________ but now I __________“.
8. By publicly accepting the man’s __________, Jesus confirmed His identity as God and the Creator.
9. Pastor Paulo warns that ____________, pride, or routine can slowly extinguish God’s light in our hearts.
10. The lyrics of the famous hymn “__________ __________” echo the spiritual journey of moving from darkness to light.

Answer Key: 1- revelation (of) Epiphany, 2- tasks/rules, 3- poverty, 4- theology, 5- works/glory, 6- Sabbath, 7- blind (but now I) see, 8- worship, 9- familiarity, 10- Amazing Grace.

Grace Collective Small Group / Personal Study Guide
Series: From Epiphany to Lent
From Blindness to Sight

Introduction

In this message, Pastor Paulo invites us to journey from the manger to the cross by examining our own “blind spots.” Using the healing of the man born blind in John 9, we explore how religious routine can at times blind us to the actual work of God happening right in front of us.

Key Points from the Message

• The Danger of “In-attentional Blindness”: Just as people in a psychological study missed a gorilla walking through a basketball game because they were counting passes, we can become so focused on religious rules that we miss God’s moves.
• Theology vs. Compassion: The disciples wanted to debate the cause of suffering (asking who sinned), but Jesus was interested in the person and their unique part in / purpose of displaying God’s works.
• The Sight of the Simple: The uneducated man saw Jesus’ identity clearly, while the learned religious leaders remained in darkness because they were blinded by their own traditions.
• The Identity of the Light: Jesus did not just perform a miracle; He accepted worship—a proclamation that He is the “Light of the World” and God Himself.

Core Bible Verses

• “I am the Light of the world. The one following Me will in no way walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12
• “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” — John 9:25
• “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2

Key Quotes to Ponder

• “Lent without Epiphany becomes a meaningless ritual, another thing we have to do… another distraction.”
• “The disciples saw a religious puzzle, a theological debate; yet Jesus saw a person who needed grace.”
• “It is possible to be deeply involved in religious life yet still miss the work of God.”

Discussion Questions

1. Pastor Paulo mentioned the “Monkey Business Illusion” where people miss the gorilla because they are focused on counting balls. What are the “balls” you are currently counting (tasks, worries, rules) that might be causing you to miss what God is doing?
   
   
2. The disciples wanted to assign blame for the man’s blindness. When you see someone struggling or suffering, is your first instinct to “analyze” the situation or to “offer grace”?
   
   
3. The religious leaders were more upset about a Sabbath rule being broken than they were happy for a blind man being healed. Where do you see “tradition” or “proper procedure” getting in the way of celebrating God’s work in our church or community?
   
   
4. The healed man’s testimony was very simple: “I was blind but now I see”. If you were to give a one-sentence testimony of what Jesus has done for you lately, what would it be?

Practical Ways to Live This Out

• The “Slow Down” Challenge: This week, take 10 minutes each morning to sit in silence. Ask God, “What am I missing?” and “Where are you working that I haven’t noticed?.”
• Look for the Person: In your workplace or school, identify one person who might feel like the “blind beggar”—someone overlooked or marginalized. Commit to seeing them with compassion rather than as a “puzzle” to solve.
• Examine Your Blind Spots: Reflect on Pastor Paulo’s warning about familiarity and pride. Ask a trusted friend if they notice any “religious routines” in your life that have lost their heart.
• Worship as Response: End your group time by listening to or singing “Amazing Grace.” Let the lyrics be a personal prayer of gratitude for the light Jesus has brought into your life.