“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”

1. What did Jesus’ disciples ask him about the blind beggar? What were their basic assumptions about God, about sin, and about suffering? In what respect were they fatalistic? How did they identify with him?

2. Read verses 3-5. What does Jesus teach here about life’s purpose?
How should we view life’s sorrows and problems? Practically speaking, how can one live for the glory of God? Can you think of some examples?

3. Read verses 4-5 again. What does Jesus teach about the time to work for God? What did Jesus teach about himself? What difference does it make to accept Jesus? (1:9)

4. Read verses 6-7. What did Jesus teach by using the mud and saliva? How is Jesus’ shepherd heart revealed? Why do we need to learn Jesus’ “spit and mud” faith?

5. Why might the man have reacted negatively? What shows his faith? What can we learn here about how to overcome fatalism and make things work out? What was the man’s testimony? (8-12)