RPPC sermon guide Archives - Roland Park Presbyterian Church https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/tag/rppc-sermon-guide/ A warm, welcoming community of faith in Northern Baltimore City Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:31:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Sermon Discussion Guide: The Light of the World https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/sermon-discussion-guide-the-light-of-the-world/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:31:01 +0000 https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/?p=9099 Go deeper into this week’s sermon with reflection questions designed for small groups, families, or personal prayer. Explore spiritual blindness, the power of listening, and how we are called into “holy trouble” as followers of Christ. Wherever you are in your faith journey, this guide invites honest conversation and deeper connection.

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]]> Scripture: John 9:1-41
Main Themes: Spiritual sight and blindness, listening as love, holy trouble, compassion, resisting judgment, revealing God’s glory through community.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Seeing and Blindness
  • The disciples assume someone must have sinned to cause the man’s blindness. Why do you think we are often quick to assign blame when we see suffering?
  • Jesus reframes the situation entirely. How does his response challenge the way you interpret hardship or injustice?
  1. The Power of Listening
  • Pastor Mark suggests this passage may be more about hearing than seeing. Where in the story do you notice people refusing to listen?
  • The sermon says, “There is no better way to love, no greater gift than to listen.” When have you experienced the gift of someone truly listening to you?
  • Who in your life or community may not be feeling heard right now?
  1. Ignorance vs. Willful Blindness
  • Pastor Mark distinguishes between ignorance (not knowing better) and willful blindness (refusing to see). Where do you see each of these at work in the story?
  • When have you had a moment of “once I knew better, I could do better”?
  • What helps you stay open to growth rather than becoming defensive?
  1. Holy Trouble
  • The man born blind refuses to deny his experience: “Though I was blind, now I see.” Why does his testimony cause such disruption?
  • When does faithfulness require us to speak truth, even when it creates discomfort?
  • How might following Jesus lead us into “holy trouble” in our own context?
  1. Seeing God’s Glory in One Another
  • Jesus says the man’s life reveals God’s works. How might we see God’s glory revealed in people whose gifts or abilities fall outside what society considers “normal”?
  • Do we celebrate the unique gifts of those in our midst? How can we do this more intentionally?
  1. Responding to a Hurting World
  • The sermon names real suffering in our world — injustice, exclusion, environmental distress. How do you respond emotionally when confronted with overwhelming need?
  • Pastor Mark reminds us: “You can’t solve the world’s problems. But you do have something to offer.” What might that “something” be for you this week?
  1. Living the Light
  • If Jesus is the Light of the World, what does it mean for us to reflect that light?
  • What is one concrete way you can practice deeper listening this week — at home, at work, in church, or in the wider community?

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