Table of Contents
The lesson discusses the figurative meanings of being spiritually blind and deaf to God’s Word. It explores how some have access to Scripture but fail to truly understand its spiritual truths. It covers how this condition was prophesied in the Old Testament, with God’s people described as blind and deaf leaders and followers relying on human traditions instead of divine truth. At Jesus’ first coming, the Pharisees and religious leaders were spiritually blind, unable to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy standing before them, while Jesus’ disciples had their eyes opened by witnessing the embodiment of the prophecies in Christ. A similar scenario is foretold for the Second Coming, with a sealed scroll that only the worthy Lamb (Jesus) can open to reveal its contents. The lesson warns against adding to or subtracting from this revelation, as that would lead to plagues and loss of inheritance. The key is to pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation to have the eyes of our hearts enlightened to fully grasp God’s truth when it is unsealed. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of spiritual vision to comprehend God’s Word and our need for divine enlightenment to avoid spiritual blindness.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Blind = One who does not understand the Word despite seeing it.
Deaf = One who does not understand the Word despite hearing it.
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Blind and Deaf
I pray that God removes distractions so we can fully focus. May He help us resolve anything in our lives that hinders our growth. As you learn the Word and grasp its importance, let it guide you to overcome challenges.
The Bible surely already contains answers to your questions and struggles. Its Author has existed for eternity – longer than we can comprehend. Having always been, He understands and can help with our difficulties.
Do you trust God to help you? Let’s confidently say yes, knowing God offers aid. Yet what does He ask of us in Matthew 6:33? To prioritize His kingdom and righteousness. Then He will help with our needs.
That is our current task. Let’s excel at keeping God first.
What is this about? And ultimately who is this about?
Blind Is One who does not understand the word despite seeing it.
Deaf is one who does not understand the word despite hearing it.
Let’s understand this more in this lesson.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Jesus uses figurative language to make an important point. He states that the eye is like a lamp that brings light to the body. If a person’s perspective or understanding is sound, then their whole being will be filled with spiritual insight and wisdom. But if their perspective is impaired or limited, if they lack understanding, then they will be filled with spiritual darkness and ignorance.
Jesus is not literally referring to physical blindness or deafness. Rather, he uses these as metaphors for those who fail to comprehend the spiritual truth and guidance contained in Scripture and the Word of God. For them, it is as if they walk in darkness, unable to perceive moral and spiritual reality.
His message is that we should strive to have eyes that truly see and ears that truly hear. We should seek after God’s truth and develop spiritual understanding so that the lamp of God’s Word fills us with divine light and direction for life. Then we can walk in the fullness of wisdom rather than stumble in darkness.
Let us review our hope to have eyes that see and ears that hear at the Second Coming. We want to ensure we are those people whom God grants spiritual sight and hearing when Jesus returns. As Deuteronomy 29:4 states, the Israelites saw God’s miracles rescuing them from Egypt yet still grumbled and complained. So God determined not to give them eyes that truly see and ears that truly hear. This is why we pray for spiritual sight and hearing at the start of class.
This class does not depend on intelligence or IQ. Often the smarted people comprehend the Bible the least. Rather, it requires a humble, receptive heart. God gives spiritual insight to such people. We will examine this further in our lesson.
1. Physical Characteristics of Blind and Deaf
Reminder:
Romans 1:20 and Hosea 12:10. God uses creation to explain himself and God speaks to His prophets and visions and parables.
So what is the characteristic of someone who is blind and deaf physically?
1. Someone who is blind has eyes but can’t see.
2. Someone who is deaf has ears, but they cannot hear.
So let’s keep those things in mind.
2. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Blind and Deaf
Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
ONE – Lead out, which means to remove them from the assembly of people. Remove them if they have eyes but cannot see, or ears but cannot hear.
Are we discussing actual blind or deaf individuals? No, this is not a statement against those with disabilities. It’s about spiritual perception.
Those who are ‘blind’ are unable to recognize or know me; those who are ‘deaf’ cannot hear me. Due to this, they cannot follow me and be part of my people in this state.
Let’s explore why some people are in this condition.
Reminder:
People (Saints) ——> have eyes but cannot see and ears but cannot hear —-> Lead out
18 “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see!
19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send?
Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the Lord?
20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.”
TWO – God expresses deep sorrow regarding the condition of His servants, His messengers. He asks, ‘Who is as blind as my servant, or as deaf as the messenger I send?’ Through the words of the prophet Isaiah, God is making a poignant observation. What does He mean when He says this? Why does He describe His servant as blind?
Who were these individuals?
The leaders resembled false teachers.
Despite being servants of the Lord, they were figuratively blind and deaf to His truths.
Consequently, if the leaders lacked insight and understanding, it stands to reason that those who followed them would also suffer from the same spiritual blindness and deafness.
They would remain unaware and incapable of comprehending the truth.
Reminder:
Servant of the Lord —–> Blind and Deaf = Leaders ——-> false teachers
Old Testament Prophecy
9 Be stunned and amazed, blind yourselves and be sightless; be drunk, but not from wine, stagger, but not from beer.
10 The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers).
11 For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” 12 Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.”
13 The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
THREE – This is a vision or prophecy from the book of Isaiah. God is prophesying about those who cannot understand spiritual truths.
Both those who can read scripture and those who cannot read are spiritually blind.
Neither group has access to the word or prophecy because it has been sealed to them. Though one group can literally read the words, both are blind in understanding.
The prophecy is not about literal reading ability, but rather the ability to spiritually understand God’s word.
“Read” in this context means “understand.” They cannot understand because the meaning has been sealed to them.
As a result, they rely on human teachings, superficial rules, lip service worship, and hypocrisy.
This was the condition prophesied about the Old Testament period – the scriptures were like a sealed book, closed to understanding for both reader and non-reader alike. Both were spiritually blind.
So while this prophecy took place during Old Testament times, Isaiah also prophesied about the ending of this blindness. The opening of the sealed book to understanding was also foretold.
Reminder:
Vision and Prophecy = Word ——-> Sealed ——-> One who can read
One who cannot read ————> Both are blind
4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Your God will come. And when He comes, not only will He bring retribution, He will open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf.
Glory to God. So how is that fulfilled?
Reminder:
Eyes ——-> Opened
Ears ——–> Unstopped
First Coming Fulfillment
Leave them; they are blind guides.[a] If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
Jesus taught about discerning true guidance in spiritual matters. He referred to certain religious leaders of His time, specifically in Matthew 15:1, where Pharisees and teachers of the law approached Him with questions.
In verse 14, Jesus speaks of these leaders as “blind guides.”
These leaders, including Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, were responsible for interpreting the Old Testament. However, they did not understand its sealed word. Jesus characterized these leaders as misleading and hypocrites. They focused on human traditions, as highlighted in Mark 7, rather than divine truths. Their blindness, in turn, was imposed upon their followers.
At the time of Jesus’ first coming, the Israelites were likened to blind sheep, reliant on their shepherds for guidance. But this misguided leadership led both the shepherds and their flock towards a pit, a metaphor for spiritual ruin or darkness, akin to the abyss or hell described in Revelation. This pit represents a place far from God’s intended path.
It’s important to note that even if a person is kind, compassionate, and engages in charitable acts like feeding the poor, if they lack understanding of the word, they can inadvertently mislead others.
The leaders in question were not good people, but the crucial point is that they were trusted leaders who failed to comprehend and teach the word correctly.
However, there were those who could see. The question then arises: What set them apart? Why were they able to see when others could not? This is a key distinction to explore.
10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Let’s examine the differences between Jesus and the Pharisees and Sadducees, and why Jesus was able to give sight to the blind.
Jesus explains that the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been revealed to his followers (you), but to the Pharisees and Sadducees (them), he speaks only in parables.
As a result, they are left continually unable to understand.
For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’
We see here that their hearts had become calloused, or closed. And because of that, they cannot see with their eyes or hear with their ears. (The heart needs to be humble)
But the disciples were different. They were able to see with their eyes and hear with their ears. But what was it that they weren’t hearing? What was the difference?
Let’s revisit verse 16. It says, “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
Why? What does Jesus mean by these verses?
The prophets and righteous people did not have access to the complete understanding of the prophecies they wanted to understand, because those prophecies had not yet been fulfilled. That is why, even though they were righteous, they could not fully comprehend the scriptures.
Fulfillment is what opens our eyes. When prophecies come to pass before people’s eyes, it grants understanding.
The disciples were able to witness firsthand the embodiment of the very prophecies they had been studying, become a reality.
The Word become flesh was standing right before them. They could touch and feel, tangible and present. As John 6:45 states, they were taught by God because they listened to the words of the One whom God had sent.
Fulfillment facilitates comprehension. For the disciples, seeing the embodiment of the prophecies enabled them to grasp those scriptures more completely. By heeding the words of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy, they received divine revelation.
It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.
Everyone who learns from the Father comes to me, as described in Isaiah 35:5.
Why? Because I speak the words of my Father. The words I speak are not my own. They belong to the Father who sent me. So when someone came to Jesus, they were able to understand words that no one else could understand. (John 17:8)
That is the reality of grace.
That was the case at the time of the first coming. The prophecies were fulfilled at that time.
However, the logic applies similarly for the time of the Second Coming. There will be those who are blind who follow the same characteristics as those before.
Let us not fall into the trap of the past by thinking “That was them, we are different.” People with that mindset often fall into the same traps as those they feel superior to.
Let us learn from those who came before so we do not commit the same mistakes in our time.
Now let us return to the Book of Revelation to examine what it says about the Second Coming.
3. Blind and Deaf at Second Coming
Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.
ONE – The time of the Second Coming, there is prophesied to be a scroll in the hand of the one seated on the throne. This scroll will be sealed with seven seals. No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth will be able to look inside. So no one will know its contents. Everyone will be blind to this content until it is opened. The only one worthy enough to open it is Jesus.
I eagerly await analyzing this content together. It will be impactful.
We see here that God keeps a word sealed until the proper time when His Son Jesus opens it.
What are the consequences though, when this word is opened, yet there is still not understanding?
It is vital to keep in mind that “ the word I said – still very important”.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
TWO – It states that if anyone adds to or subtracts from the words in this book, they will lose their share in the Tree of Life and receive the plagues described in this book. What does it mean to “add” to these words?
Proverbs 30:5-6 says that every word of God is flawless, warning us not to add to His words, or He will rebuke us and prove us to be liars. To add claims or interpretations without seeing the full testimony is adding. Subtracting refers to even after an explanation is provided, still not understanding or ignoring parts of the message altogether.
We will not do that anymore. We will dive deep to understand what is written here. Let us not fall prey to fear or lack of understanding. There will come a time when these words can be properly understood. When that happens, we will see things from a completely different perspective. It will be like having the “eye salve” that Jesus promised in Revelation 3:18 applied to our eyes.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
THREE – Let’s unpack this verse. There’s a lot going on here. Let’s understand it point by point.
I keep asking that God, our Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better. I also pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope to which he has called you and the riches of His glorious inheritance for his saints.
I love the way Apostle Paul phrases this. Let’s talk about his use of the word “revelation” here. This is lowercase “r” revelation.
Revelation means to open and to show – to reveal something that was previously closed or sealed, like opening a present on Christmas day.
So Paul is saying, may the Spirit of God give you revelation, opening up and showing you, so that you can grasp the full riches of wisdom and understanding of the inheritance promised to the saints.
When will this be fully realized for God’s people and saints? When the words that have been sealed are finally opened, as in Psalms 119:130 “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Let that be the reality for all of us at this time.
So as we study, let’s be self-reflecting and say “God, please continue to show me. Let me continue to have a hungry heart for your word and righteousness. Help me to see.”
As we continue to study, we’ve only touched briefly on the Second Coming fulfillment in these lessons. You’re probably wondering when we’ll get more into it. We will very soon. We’ll get into more detail about what it means.
In the meantime, understand how everything happened at the First Coming, because the First and Second Comings are very similar. The logic is the same.
As we look at how it happened for these people, we can understand how it will happen again at the Second Coming. As we see how it happened to these people, we’re gonna understand how it’s gonna happen again.
In Matthew 15:14, Jesus instructs us to “leave them; they are blind guides.”
This directive was not only for those present during His first coming but also carries a message for us today. If someone professes belief in Jesus, saying, “Amen, I believe in You,” yet chooses not to follow His command, their belief is called into question.
True belief in Jesus is inseparable from action; our faith must be reflected in our actions. It’s not merely about the actions themselves; rather, actions are a manifestation of the faith within us.
Therefore, when Jesus commands us to “flee” or “leave,” we must heed His words. By following Jesus’s instructions diligently, our understanding will deepen as we continue to study the word.
Memorization
Leave them; they are blind guides.[a] If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
Instructor Review
Summary
We talked about being figuratively blind and deaf. Those who are ‘blind’ have eyes but cannot see, and those who are ‘deaf’ have ears but cannot hear. Their inability to see or hear is not solely because the word is sealed to them, but it’s also due to the condition of their hearts. Their hearts have grown callous, preventing anything from penetrating them. As a result, they fail to recognize the glory that is right before them. They perceive Him merely as a man.
This is why Jesus told Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the kingdom of heaven. Nicodemus didn’t understand that he was in the very presence of heaven itself, seeing Jesus only as a great teacher and nothing more. We must avoid this error. We have the capacity to understand and perceive more deeply.
Review with the Evangelist
REVIEW
Color blindness can be likened to spiritual blindness. Do we appreciate the Word of God? We ought to be thankful for it, as it acts like corrective glasses, allowing us to see the world in its true hues. This lesson delves into the theme of spiritual blindness and deafness. It’s not a literal inability to see or hear but rather a metaphor for not comprehending God’s Word.
Those who are spiritually blind encounter the Word but fail to grasp its meaning. Similarly, those who are spiritually deaf hear the Word yet do not understand it. We must introspect and question our own spiritual state. The Bible isn’t merely for acquiring knowledge; it’s for understanding God’s message and how we should live.
Reflecting on the past, we consider the state of believers at the time of Jesus’ first coming. The Word was sealed, inaccessible, and unknowable, leaving them in darkness until Jesus, the light, arrived. He provided the clarity they needed to perceive and comprehend the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Today, spiritual blindness and deafness persist. We should feel immense gratitude that we have been given the ‘glasses’—the ability to understand. Let’s be thankful to God for this gift of perception and comprehension in our current times.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Outline: Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Blind and Deaf
Introduction
- The importance of focusing on God’s word and allowing it to guide our lives.
- A call to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness.
- The need for a humble and receptive heart to understand the Bible.
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Blind and Deaf
- Defines spiritual blindness and deafness as the inability to understand God’s word despite seeing or hearing it.
The Eye as a Lamp
- Analyzes Matthew 6:22-23, explaining that spiritual insight brings light, while a lack of understanding leads to darkness.
- Emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s truth to illuminate our lives.
The Importance of Spiritual Sight and Hearing
- Uses Deuteronomy 29:4 to illustrate how even witnessing miracles doesn’t guarantee understanding.
- Highlights the necessity of praying for spiritual sight and hearing.
Review: Lamps and Workers
- Reviews the concept of “lamps” as those who prepare for a greater light.
- Connects the symbolism of the lampstand to the spirits and workers of God.
The Tabernacle as a Heavenly Representation
- Explains the symbolism of the tabernacle, using Hebrews 8:5 to show it as a copy of a heavenly model.
- Introduces the concept of sight alongside light.
The Church in Laodicea
- Examines Revelation 3:17-18, revealing the church’s self-deception about its spiritual wealth.
- Identifies the church’s spiritual blindness despite its belief in its own sight.
Physical and Spiritual Blindness and Deafness
- Lists the physical characteristics of blindness and deafness.
- Utilizes Isaiah 43:8 to define spiritual blindness and deafness as the inability to recognize or hear God.
The Blind Servant and Deaf Messenger
- Explores Isaiah 42:18-20, highlighting God’s sorrow over the spiritual blindness and deafness of His servants and messengers.
- Identifies the leaders as false teachers who perpetuate this condition among their followers.
Prophecy of Sealed Understanding
- Analyzes Isaiah 29:9-13, prophesying the inability of both literate and illiterate people to understand God’s word.
- Explains that the sealed scroll represents the inability to comprehend spiritual truths.
- Points out the resulting superficial faith and reliance on human teachings.
Prophecy of Unsealed Understanding
- Examines Isaiah 35:4-5, prophesying the opening of eyes and unstopping of ears upon God’s arrival.
- Links this prophecy to the coming of Jesus.
First Coming Fulfillment
- Reviews the figurative meanings of blindness and deafness and the concept of the sealed word.
- Discusses the blindness of the religious leaders in Matthew 15:14 and their role as “blind guides” leading people astray.
- Emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with belief in Jesus.
Disciples’ Understanding
- Analyzes Matthew 13:10-11 and 16-17, revealing the disciples’ privileged access to the secrets of the kingdom of heaven.
- Contrasts the disciples’ ability to see and hear with the Pharisees’ calloused hearts.
- Explains that the disciples’ understanding stemmed from witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies in Jesus.
Fulfillment and Comprehension
- Emphasizes that the disciples’ understanding came from seeing the Word become flesh in Jesus.
- Connects John 6:45 and Isaiah 35:5 to explain the disciples’ ability to understand through Jesus’ teachings.
Second Coming Parallels
- Draws parallels between the First and Second Comings, stressing that similar logic applies to understanding.
- Warns against complacency and the need to learn from past mistakes.
The Sealed Scroll of Revelation
- Analyzes Revelation 5:1-3, describing the sealed scroll that only Jesus can open, representing the hidden knowledge of the Second Coming.
Consequences of Misinterpreting the Word
- Examines Revelation 22:18-19, warning against adding to or subtracting from the prophecy.
- Defines adding as making claims without full testimony and subtracting as ignoring parts of the message.
- Connects Proverbs 30:5-6 to the importance of understanding God’s word accurately.
The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
- Unpacks Ephesians 1:17-18, highlighting the prayer for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
- Defines “revelation” as the unveiling of previously hidden truths.
- Connects Psalms 119:130 to the understanding gained through the unfolding of God’s word.
Continuing the Study
- Encourages a hungry heart for God’s word and righteousness.
- Emphasizes the similarities between the First and Second Comings and the importance of understanding the past to understand the future.
- Reiterates the command to “leave” those who are blind guides (Matthew 15:14) and to align actions with belief in Jesus.
Summary
- Summarizes the concept of figurative blindness and deafness and the importance of a humble heart.
- Highlights the need for rebirth to truly see the kingdom of heaven, as demonstrated by Nicodemus’s encounter with Jesus.
Review
- Uses the analogy of color blindness to illustrate spiritual blindness.
- Emphasizes gratitude for the ability to understand God’s word and its application to our lives.
- Reviews the historical context of the sealed Word and the revelation brought by Jesus.
- Expresses thankfulness for the gift of understanding God’s word in our time.
A Study Guide
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Blind and Deaf Study Guide
Short-Answer Quiz
- What does Jesus mean when he refers to the “eye” as the “lamp of the body”?
- In Matthew 6:33, what does God ask of us?
- What is the symbolic meaning of the lampstand in the tabernacle?
- How does the lesson differentiate between physical blindness/deafness and spiritual blindness/deafness?
- According to Isaiah 43:8, what should be done with those who have eyes but are blind and ears but are deaf?
- Why are the leaders in Isaiah 42:18-20 described as blind and deaf?
- What is the significance of the sealed scroll in Isaiah 29:9-13?
- How does Isaiah 35:4-5 offer hope for those who are spiritually blind and deaf?
- Why were the disciples able to see and hear what many prophets and righteous people longed to see and hear?
- What warning is given in Revelation 22:18-19 regarding the scroll with seven seals?
Short-Answer Quiz Answer Key
- Jesus uses the “eye” as a metaphor for our perspective and understanding. A healthy eye, or sound understanding, fills the body with spiritual light, while an unhealthy eye, or limited understanding, fills the body with spiritual darkness.
- God asks us to prioritize His kingdom and righteousness above all else. When we do this, He promises to provide for our needs.
- The lampstand represents the spirits and workers of God who are tasked with shining light and preparing the way for the greater light of Christ.
- Physical blindness/deafness refers to the inability to see or hear physically. Spiritual blindness/deafness refers to the inability to understand and comprehend God’s Word and its truths.
- They should be led out, meaning removed from the assembly of God’s people, as they cannot follow God in their current state.
- These leaders, representing false teachers, were blind and deaf to God’s truths despite being His servants. This blindness and deafness was then passed on to their followers.
- The sealed scroll represents the Word of God, which was inaccessible and incomprehensible to both those who could literally read and those who couldn’t. It symbolizes spiritual blindness to God’s message.
- This verse prophesies that God will come with vengeance and divine retribution, and when He comes, the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.
- The disciples were able to see and hear because they witnessed the fulfillment of prophecy in the person of Jesus. This fulfillment opened their eyes to the true meaning of Scripture.
- The warning states that anyone who adds to or subtracts from the words of the scroll will face consequences: plagues for adding and the loss of their share in the Tree of Life and the Holy City for subtracting.
Additional Questions
1. What are the true meanings of the figurative deaf and blind?
– Blind: One who does not understand the word despite seeing it.
– Deaf: One who does not understand the word despite hearing it.
2. When the word is sealed, who becomes blind and deaf?
– All people
3. Do I need to know the parable to enter heaven?
– parables = Secrets of Heaven —> essential to understand if one wants to enter heaven
4. How can one know if they are deaf or blind?
– If they are unable to understand
5. How can one be cured of being blind or deaf?
– By hearing and receiving the opened word which is like salve for our eyes to see.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Figurative Blindness/Deafness: The inability to understand and comprehend God’s Word and its truths, despite having access to it.
- Lamp of the Body: A metaphor for one’s perspective and understanding. A sound understanding illuminates the body with spiritual light.
- Lampstand: Symbol of the spirits and workers of God who are responsible for shining light and preparing the way for Christ.
- Sealed Scroll: A representation of God’s Word that remains inaccessible and incomprehensible until the appointed time for it to be revealed.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The realization of prophecies, which leads to a deeper understanding of Scripture.
- Eye Salve: A metaphor for the spiritual clarity and understanding granted by God through His Spirit.
- Calloused Heart: A hardened heart that is resistant to God’s Word and unable to receive spiritual understanding.
- Revelation (lowercase “r”): The act of God revealing or unveiling hidden truths and knowledge.
- Adding to/Subtracting from the Word: Tampering with God’s message by including personal interpretations or ignoring parts of the revealed truth.
- Blind Guides: Individuals, often in positions of authority, who lack spiritual understanding and mislead others.
- Tree of Life: A symbol of eternal life and God’s presence.
- Holy City: Symbolic of God’s dwelling place and the ultimate destination for believers.
- Plagues: Divine judgments described in the book of Revelation.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events:
This lesson does not present a chronological timeline of events. Instead, it utilizes examples from different periods in Biblical history (Old Testament, Jesus’s ministry, Revelation, and present day) to illustrate the concept of spiritual blindness and deafness.
Cast of Characters:
1. Jesus:
- The central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God.
- In this source, Jesus is presented as the one who reveals the true meaning of scripture and offers spiritual sight to those who are blind.
- Key Actions:
- Uses parables to teach, revealing the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven to his disciples.
- Calls the Pharisees and other religious leaders “blind guides” because they focus on human traditions over divine truth.
- Offers spiritual healing and the promise of opened eyes and unstopped ears at his Second Coming.
2. Disciples:
- Jesus’s followers who learned from him directly.
- In this source, they represent those who are receptive to Jesus’s teachings and are granted spiritual sight.
- Key Actions:
- Ask Jesus why he speaks in parables.
- Are blessed because they can see and hear the truth, something many prophets and righteous people longed for.
3. Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes:
- Religious leaders during Jesus’s time who focused on interpreting the Old Testament.
- In this source, they represent those who are spiritually blind and deaf despite their position of authority.
- Key Actions:
- Approach Jesus with questions but fail to understand his answers.
- Focus on human traditions and misinterpret the scriptures, leading people astray.
4. Prophets and Righteous People of the Old Testament:
- Faithful individuals who lived before Jesus’s time.
- In this source, they represent those who longed for spiritual understanding but could not fully comprehend the scriptures because the prophecies had not yet been fulfilled.
5. The Messenger of the Church in Laodicea:
- Addressee of one of the letters in the Book of Revelation.
- In this source, he represents those who are spiritually blind but believe themselves to be rich and lacking nothing.
- Key Actions: Needs to acquire spiritual “salve” to open his eyes and truly see.
6. Apostle Paul:
- A key figure in early Christianity, known for his writings in the New Testament, particularly his letters to various churches.
- In this source, he is quoted from his letter to the Ephesians, where he prays for them to receive spiritual wisdom, revelation, and enlightenment.
7. Moses:
- A central figure in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments from God.
- In this source, he is referenced as the builder of the tabernacle, a physical representation of the spiritual realities in heaven.
8. Nicodemus:
- A Pharisee who came to Jesus at night to inquire about his teachings.
- In this source, he is presented as someone who could not fully comprehend Jesus’s message about being “born again” and only saw Jesus as a teacher, not the embodiment of heaven.
9. Israelites (During the Exodus):
- The people of Israel who were freed from slavery in Egypt under Moses’ leadership.
- In this source, they are presented as an example of those who witnessed God’s miracles but remained spiritually blind and deaf, grumbling and complaining despite their deliverance.
Overview
Briefing Document: Spiritual Blindness and Deafness
Main Themes:
- Spiritual Blindness and Deafness: This lesson explores the metaphorical meaning of blindness and deafness in relation to understanding God’s word. It argues that those who are spiritually blind or deaf may be able to physically see and hear, but they lack the spiritual discernment necessary to comprehend the true meaning of scripture and prophecy.
- The Condition of the Heart: The lesson emphasizes that spiritual blindness and deafness are not solely due to the Word being sealed, but also due to the condition of one’s heart. Calloused hearts prevent individuals from fully experiencing and understanding the truth.
- The Importance of Fulfillment: Fulfillment of prophecy plays a crucial role in understanding scripture. Witnessing prophecy come to fruition opens the eyes and ears to deeper meaning, as exemplified by the disciples’ experience with Jesus.
- The Parallels between First and Second Coming: The lesson highlights the similarities between the spiritual blindness present during Jesus’s first coming and the potential for similar blindness at the Second Coming. The lessons learned from the past should guide believers today to avoid the same pitfalls.
- The Need for Action and Revelation: True faith requires action. Believers are called to “flee” or “leave” situations that lead to spiritual blindness. Additionally, the document underscores the importance of praying for the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation” to gain deeper understanding.
Most Important Ideas and Facts:
- Blind Guides: Jesus condemns the religious leaders of his time for being “blind guides” who focused on human traditions rather than divine truths (Matthew 15:14). This blindness led both them and their followers astray.
- Sealed Scroll: The sealed scroll in Revelation 5 represents the word of God that is inaccessible to human understanding until it is opened by Jesus. This highlights the limitations of human intellect in comprehending divine knowledge.
- Adding or Subtracting from the Word: The lesson cautions against adding to or subtracting from the word of God, emphasizing the importance of seeking true understanding and avoiding misinterpretations (Revelation 22:18-19, Proverbs 30:5-6).
- The Importance of the Spirit: The “Spirit of wisdom and revelation” is necessary for true understanding and perceiving the riches of God’s inheritance (Ephesians 1:17-18).
- The Need for a Humble Heart: A humble and receptive heart is crucial for receiving spiritual insight. Pride and self-righteousness can hinder true understanding.
Key Quotes:
- “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14)
- “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” (Matthew 13:15)
- “Fulfillment facilitates comprehension. For the disciples, seeing the embodiment of the prophecies enabled them to grasp those scriptures more completely.”
- “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:18)
- “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17)
Analysis:
This lesson serves as a powerful reminder that true understanding of God’s word requires more than just reading or hearing. It requires a humble heart, a willingness to seek revelation, and a commitment to acting upon the truths revealed. It warns against the dangers of spiritual blindness and encourages believers to diligently seek the “eye salve” of understanding. The document also sets the stage for further exploration of the Second Coming and the implications of the opening of the sealed scroll.
Q&A
Q&A: Spiritual Blindness and Deafness
1. What does it mean to be spiritually blind and deaf?
Being spiritually blind and deaf doesn’t refer to physical disabilities. It’s a metaphor for failing to comprehend God’s Word. A spiritually blind person may read the Bible but not grasp its true meaning, while a spiritually deaf person might hear sermons or teachings but not truly understand the message. This condition stems from a hardened heart that prevents God’s Word from penetrating and bringing about true understanding.
2. Why were some people spiritually blind during Jesus’ first coming?
During Jesus’ time, many people, including religious leaders, were spiritually blind because they relied on human traditions and interpretations instead of seeking the true meaning of the scriptures. Their hearts were hardened, making them unable to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecies. They saw him merely as a man, not the Messiah.
3. How did Jesus help people overcome spiritual blindness?
Jesus, being the Word made flesh, became the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. His presence and teachings opened the eyes of those who were willing to listen and believe. By witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies, his disciples gained a deeper understanding of the scriptures.
4. How can we avoid spiritual blindness and deafness today?
We avoid spiritual blindness and deafness by cultivating a humble and receptive heart towards God’s Word. This involves:
- Studying the Bible diligently: We should delve into the scriptures, seeking to understand the true meaning behind the words.
- Praying for discernment: We should ask God for the wisdom and revelation to comprehend His message.
- Examining our hearts: We must regularly check for any hardness or callousness that might be hindering our understanding.
5. Is there a connection between the spiritual blindness during Jesus’ first coming and the Second Coming?
Yes, the spiritual blindness witnessed during Jesus’ first coming serves as a warning for us today. Just as people failed to recognize Jesus then, there’s a danger of repeating that mistake at the Second Coming. We must learn from the past and avoid falling into the same trap of misinterpreting God’s Word and failing to recognize His presence.
6. What is the significance of the sealed scroll in Revelation?
The sealed scroll in Revelation symbolizes the complete revelation of God’s plan, which will be fully understood only when Jesus opens it. This highlights that a complete understanding of God’s word is not available to everyone at all times. It requires divine intervention and the appointed time for revelation.
7. What are the consequences of adding to or taking away from God’s Word?
Adding to or taking away from God’s word signifies distorting its true meaning. This can lead to misinterpretations and false teachings. Revelation warns of severe consequences for those who tamper with God’s Word, including being denied access to the tree of life and facing plagues.
8. What can we do to prepare ourselves spiritually?
We can prepare by:
- Cultivating a humble and receptive heart: Being open to God’s teachings and recognizing our need for His guidance is crucial.
- Seeking the Spirit of wisdom and revelation: Praying for God’s help to understand His word deeply is essential.
- Studying the Bible diligently: Regular engagement with scripture helps us discern truth and stay connected to God’s message.