A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a question and miracle, an investigation and disbelief, certain but fearful parents, a spiritually insightful blind man, and a pursuing savior.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a question and miracle.
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him (ESV, John 9:3)
Jesus had been teaching and engaging with hostile Jewish leaders in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. After leaving the temple he encounters a man blind from birth. We’re not told how this information is obtain or why it’s relevant. Scholars suggest that John, the author, uses it to symbolically represent the spiritual blindness of Israel. And the disciples ask Jesus a question. Was the man blind because of his parents’ sin or his own sin? The question expressed a common belief that people suffered as a consequence of sin.
This belief is also expressed in the story of Job. When Job’s friends gather to support him in his physical affliction, they suggest he is guilty of sin. But Job insisted he was righteous before God. We know, of course, that sinful actions can result in consequences. But here, Jesus dispels the belief it is true for every case of human suffering. He tells the disciples this man’s blindness is an opportunity to display the works of God.
Jesus then mixes his saliva with dirt to make mud and applies to the man’s eyes. Then tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam. And when the man returns is he able to see. The man’s neighbors and friends are amazed and asked how it happened. And he tells them Jesus healed him.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals an investigation and disbelief.
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. (ESV, John 9:13-14)
The people take the healed blind man to the Pharisees to report the miracle without saying why. Perhaps they felt the Pharisees should be up to speed on the latest miraculous news. The man repeats his story and credits Jesus for the miracle. However, rather than praise God and celebrate, the Pharisees are divided in their response. Kneading was an act of work that violated the sabbath according to Pharisee tradition. And since Jesus spat on dirt and kneaded it into mud as an ointment for the blind man’s eyes, he was guilty of violating it.
Even though the man didn’t disclose any of these details in his story, it didn’t matter. The Pharisees considered Jesus a known sabbath breaker. And to those diligent to the law, anyone who broke it couldn’t possibly be from God. On the other hand, others said only someone from God could perform such a miracle.
Therefore, further investigation was needed. Perhaps they might unravel the story.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals certain but fearful parents.
His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. (ESV, John 9:20-21)
After the miracle, some people questioned if the seeing man was even the same person as the blind beggar. Why? Perhaps because there are physical differences in someone blind who can suddenly see. Or maybe the people spent so many years completely ignoring a blind beggar, they never really looked at him before. The man insisted he was the same person. But the Pharisees demanded more proof. So they called in his parents for questioning.
The parents confirmed the seeing man was their son who was born blind, but didn’t know how he gained his sight. And suggested the Pharisees ask him to explain since he was old enough to answer for himself. They were clearly intimidated by the angry Pharisees out to harm Jesus. Best to avoid saying anything that further angered them and risked being put out of the synagogue.
But the facts were undeniable. The healed man was their son. He was born blind but now could see. And Jesus was the one who performed the miracle.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a spiritually insightful blind man.
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him (ESV, John 8:31)
Now desperate, the Pharisees called the man in for one more lame attempt (pun intended) to discredit the story. When people lie, their story often changes when it is retold. No such luck with the former blind man. When asked to retell his story, he repeats the exact same version and wonders why the Pharisees want to hear it again. Did they want to be Jesus’ disciples?
It’s hard to capture the man’s tone of voice, but possibly directed as a cynical jab at the Pharisees and their attitude of superiority. To suggest they wanted Jesus as their teacher was insulting. And perhaps a bit risky on the man’s part. But then, he probably didn’t fear exclusion from the synagogoe like his parents. Since as a blind beggar up to now, he didn’t hang out there much anyway.
And yet, the man highlights a truth the Pharisees most certainly knew, but refused to acknowledge.
Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (ESV, John 9:32-33)
The ironic contrast is evident. A formerly blind beggar speaks with spiritual insight to spiritual leaders blind to God’s truth. The religious elite schooled by a common sinner. And those who should have eagerly embraced Jesus as the messiah committed the unpardonable sin. Rejecting the Son of God.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a pursuing savior.
Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. (ESV, John 9:37-38)
Jesus sought out and found the former blind man when he heard the Pharisees made him leave the temple. Rejected by the religious leaders, but pursued by Jesus who now challenges the man in his faith. And when Jesus identified himself as the Son of God, the man believes in and worships him.
He demonstrated what scripture consistently teaches about God and man. God pursues and extends his redeeming love to all mankind. But we must all individually believe in and personally confess Jesus Christ as savior and lord. But the Pharisees, who thought they saw with spiritual clarity, were actually blind and their guilt remained.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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