STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN –PART 51

                      March 7, 2007

 

Chapter 9, verses 18-34- John focuses our attention on the post-healing experience of this previously blind man.  The Pharisees (vs.16) and the larger group, called “the Jews” (vs.18) doubt the actual miracle done by Jesus due to their prejudice against Him.  The parents of the man are summoned by the leaders to verify the man is their son and that he was, in fact, born blind.

  In vs.20, the parents respond clearly-“We know that this is our son…

born blind.”  Then they add that they know not how it is that he now sees.

The intimidating attitude of the Jews are noted in vs.22—“if anyone confessed

that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.”  This kind of behavior matches what has been seen in such leaders earlier in Jesus’ ministry.

As legalists, they bully and frighten others with threats.  Thus, in vs.21 & 23, the parents direct the leaders to speak with their son.

  Vs.24, “give God the glory” is likely meant to move the man to change his story so that Jesus is not the Healer (see vs.11 & 15).  They repeat their accusation “…this Man is a sinner” – meaning that Jesus is a Sabbath-breaker and therefore, a sinner.  * Recall in 8:47, Jesus had challenged them to find sin in His life.  With clear sincerity, the man responds that he doesn’t know if Jesus is a sinner or not, but that he can now see! (vs.25)

  Using tactics seen in criminal cross-examinations, the leaders again (vs.26) require the man to explain what occurred.  The beleaguered man says “I told you already and you did not listen”.  He then asks if they want to become a disciple of Jesus—this provokes vs.28—“You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples.”  The leaders are frustrated that they cannot get this man to recant his declaration of healing by Jesus!  With arrogance, they say, “We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”  Rather than face the truth, they seek refuge behind a sort of agnosticism.

   The denial, evasiveness and obstructionistic manner of these leaders reveal

hearts that are  callous to the truth.  Their resentment of Jesus as a leader and jealousy of His following moved them to unreasonable demands and excessive requirements.  Similar conditions in leaders was seen in the days of Amos—see 5:10.  This rigid standard of judgment that they concoct to avoid the obvious fact of the healing of the man will become the measure of their own

condemnation—see Matt.7:1.

   The healed man then reasons through several observations:

1) marvel that the leaders of Israel do not know where (source) Jesus is from

2) whoever He is, He has brought healing to him

3) a general observation that God does not hear sinners (not necessarily accurate), yet those who do God’s will shall have answers to their prayers

4) History recalls no one healed of such blindness before

 

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5) Conclusion: a negative statement –“If this Man were not from God, He

could not heal.”  Since healing took place, the Man must be of God!  That is, the Pharisees are wrong!

  In vs.34, these angered leaders lash out at the man- “you were completely

born in sins and are you teaching us?”  They proceed to put the man out of the Temple (vs.22).  So, as a result of Jesus’ healing the man and his refusal to yield to the bullying authorities, he now has gained sight and has lost his place in the Jewish Temple.  

 

  Chapter 9, verses 35-38- brings us to the occasion of the healed man trusting Christ as Savior.  Jesus finds this man (out of the Temple) and asked,

“Do you believe in the Son of God?”  This question was intended to solicit

a profession of faith—the man’s response is to inquire who is the Son of God?

In vs. 37, Jesus then identifies Himself as the Son of God in the manner of His revelation to the Samaritan woman- 4:26.  [some texts have “Son of Man” instead]  This man has moved from complete ignorance of Jesus, to calling Him a prophet (vs.17) , to believing on Him and worshiping Him (vs.38).

  In vs. 39, Jesus uses this occasion to point out His incarnation is to bring

Divine judgment; that is, His miracles and life serve to reveal God’s grace to humanity and causes the ill behavior of the leaders of Israel to appear more darkly.  Hence, God will judge them for their failure.

  He uses the incident of alleviating blindness to illustrate the reversal of fortune His life brings. 

“those who do not see may see”= both physical and spiritual

     insight being given by Him.

 “those who see may be made blind” = the leaders of Israel who can “see” Him as Messiah yet refuse to do so, experience spiritual darkness.

 Apparently overhearing these words, the Pharisees ask “Are we blind also?”

Jesus changes His meaning again by pointing out that if they were truly blind to spiritual truth, they would not be under sin (guilty).  Yet, their claim to have

insight (9:24, 29) leaves them with sin & guilt.  They are condemned by their

own words.