1 And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man which was blind from [his] birth.
2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
9 Some said, This is he: others [said], He is like him: [but] he said, I am [he].
10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
22 These [words] spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner [or no], I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear [it] again? will ye also be his disciples?
28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.
29 We know that God spake unto Moses: [as for] this [fellow], we know not from whence he is.
30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and [yet] he hath opened mine eyes.
31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
40 And [some] of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Overview of John 9
John Chapter 9 narrates the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. This chapter serves as a significant theological discourse on spiritual blindness and the revelation of Jesus as the light of the world. The chapter can be divided into several key sections, each revealing deeper insights into faith, healing, and the nature of belief.
Structure of the Chapter
- Healing of the Blind Man (Verses 1-12)
- Investigation by the Pharisees (Verses 13-34)
- Jesus Reveals Himself to the Man (Verses 35-41)
Healing of the Blind Man (Verses 1-12)
In this section, Jesus encounters a man who has been blind since birth. The disciples question whether the man’s blindness is due to his sin or that of his parents. Jesus clarifies that neither is the cause, but rather, it is an opportunity for God’s works to be displayed.
- Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world.
- He performs the miracle by spitting on the ground, making mud, and applying it to the man’s eyes.
- Jesus instructs the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, leading to the man’s sight being restored.
This miracle emphasizes Jesus’ authority and the divine purpose behind suffering, showcasing that physical ailments can lead to spiritual revelations.
Investigation by the Pharisees (Verses 13-34)
After the healing, the man is brought before the Pharisees for questioning. The Pharisees are divided in their response to the miracle, with some acknowledging that Jesus could not be from God due to performing the healing on the Sabbath.
- The man testifies about his healing and expresses his belief in Jesus.
- The Pharisees interrogate the man’s parents to confirm his identity and the nature of his blindness.
- The parents, fearing expulsion from the synagogue, refuse to answer questions about Jesus, directing the Pharisees back to their son.
- The man boldly defends Jesus, stating that he must be a prophet, leading to the Pharisees’ anger and rejection of his testimony.
This section highlights the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities, illustrating the theme of spiritual blindness among those who are supposed to be leaders in faith.
Jesus Reveals Himself to the Man (Verses 35-41)
After being cast out by the Pharisees, the man encounters Jesus again. Jesus asks him if he believes in the Son of Man. The man expresses his desire to believe, and Jesus reveals Himself as the one who healed him.
- The man acknowledges Jesus and worships Him.
- Jesus speaks about judgment, indicating that those who claim to see may actually be blind.
- Jesus contrasts the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees with the newfound sight of the healed man.
This conclusion reinforces the idea that true sight is not merely physical but spiritual, and it emphasizes the transformative power of faith in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.
Theological Themes
- Spiritual Blindness: The chapter illustrates the difference between physical sight and spiritual insight, emphasizing that true understanding of Jesus comes through faith.
- Jesus as the Light: The healing of the blind man serves as a metaphor for the illumination that Jesus brings into the world.
- Conflict with Authority: The chapter highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, showcasing the challenges faced by those who follow Him.
- Faith and Testimony: The man’s journey from blindness to sight parallels the journey of faith, where testimony plays a crucial role in recognizing Jesus’ identity.
Conclusion
John Chapter 9 serves as a profound narrative that not only recounts a miraculous healing but also delves into deeper theological discussions about faith, perception, and the nature of Jesus as the light of the world. The chapter challenges readers to reflect on their own spiritual sight and the implications of their beliefs in the context of faith and revelation.
