John 9
BSB1 Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, 2 and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. 4 While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. 7 Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. 8 At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was, but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” But the man kept saying, “I am the one." 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He answered, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and anointed my eyes, and He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight." 12 “Where is He?” they asked. “I do not know,” he answered. 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened his eyes was a Sabbath. 15 So the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. The man answered, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see." 16 Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them. 17 So once again they asked the man who had been blind, “What do you say about Him, since it was your eyes He opened?” “He is a prophet,” the man replied. 18 The Jews still did not believe that the man had been blind and had received his sight until they summoned his parents 19 and asked, “Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he can now see?" 20 His parents answered, “We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can now see or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself." 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already determined that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, “He is old enough. Ask him." 24 So a second time they called for the man who had been blind and said, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." 25 He answered, “Whether He is a sinner I do not know. There is one thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!" 26 “What did He do to you?” they asked. “How did He open your eyes?" 27 He replied, “I already told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?" 28 Then they heaped insults on him and said, “You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from." 30 “That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. 32 Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, He could do no such thing." 34 They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out. 35 When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, He found the man and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man ?" 36 “Who is He, Sir?” he replied. “Tell me so that I may believe in Him." 37 “You have already seen Him,” Jesus answered. “He is the One speaking with you." 38 “Lord, I believe,” he said. And he worshiped Jesus. 39 Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind." 40 Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?" 41 “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains."
Study Notes — John 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 9
- Themes from John 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, prompting the Pharisees to investigate the miracle. The formerly blind man testifies to Jesus' power, while the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being a sinner. Jesus responds by declaring Himself the Light of the World and emphasizing the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to believe. The chapter concludes with Jesus' statement that He has come to bring judgment, giving sight to the blind and blindness to those who think they see. Key verses include John 9:5, where Jesus says, 'While I am in the world, I am the light of the world,' and John 9:39, where He states, 'For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.'
Context for the Chapter
John chapter 9 is situated within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This chapter follows Jesus' statement in John 8:12, where He declares Himself the Light of the World. The events of John 9 serve as a fulfillment of this statement, demonstrating Jesus' power and authority as the source of spiritual illumination. The chapter also foreshadows the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees, which ultimately leads to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual sight and to seek Jesus as the source of illumination and guidance. As seen in John 9:39-41, Jesus' statement emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's spiritual blindness and seeking redemption through faith in Him. By embracing Jesus as the Light of the World, believers can experience spiritual sight and redemption, and live a life that is guided by His teachings and example.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John chapter 9 tells the story of Jesus healing a blind man, which sparks a controversy with the Pharisees. Through this miracle, Jesus demonstrates His power and divine nature, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual sight and redemption. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, highlighting His role as the source of spiritual illumination. The chapter encourages believers to seek Jesus as the source of spiritual sight and to trust in His power and authority.
Voices from the Church
“The blind man's faith is a remarkable example of the kind of trust and belief that is necessary for spiritual sight and redemption. As Spurgeon notes, 'The blind man did not see Jesus, but he saw Jesus in his heart, and that was enough for him.'”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' miracle serves as a stark warning against the dangers of spiritual blindness and unbelief. As Calvin writes, 'The Pharisees were so blinded by their own prejudices that they could not see the obvious truth of Jesus' divinity.'”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Blind Man's Healing (John 9:1-7) — Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating His power and divine nature. This miracle serves as a fulfillment of Jesus' statement in John 8:12, where He declares Himself the Light of the World.
- The Pharisees' Investigation (John 9:13-34) — The Pharisees interrogate the blind man and his parents, seeking to discredit Jesus and His miracle. However, their efforts ultimately serve to highlight their own spiritual blindness and unbelief.
- The Blind Man's Faith (John 9:25 and 38) — The blind man's faith in Jesus serves as an example of the kind of trust and belief that is necessary for spiritual sight and redemption. As the blind man confesses Jesus as the Son of Man, he demonstrates a growing understanding of Jesus' divinity and mission.
- Jesus' Response to the Pharisees (John 9:39-41) — Jesus responds to the Pharisees, emphasizing the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to believe. His statement, 'For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind,' highlights the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah.
- Conclusion (John 9:39-41) — The chapter concludes with Jesus' statement, emphasizing the importance of spiritual sight and redemption. As believers reflect on this passage, they are encouraged to seek Jesus as the source of spiritual illumination and to trust in His power and authority.
Core Doctrines
- The Divinity of Christ
- This chapter teaches the divinity of Christ through Jesus' statement in John 9:5, where He declares Himself the Light of the World. This title emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and mission to bring spiritual sight to those in darkness.
- The Nature of Faith
- The blind man's faith in Jesus serves as an example of the kind of trust and belief that is necessary for spiritual sight and redemption. As seen in John 9:25 and 38, the blind man's faith grows from a simple acknowledgment of Jesus' power to a full confession of Jesus as the Son of Man.
- The Consequences of Unbelief
- The Pharisees' rejection of Jesus serves as a stark warning against the dangers of spiritual blindness and unbelief. As seen in John 9:39-41, Jesus' statement emphasizes the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Him.
- The Importance of Spiritual Sight
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual sight and redemption, highlighting the need for believers to seek Jesus as the source of spiritual illumination. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual guidance and direction.
Lessons from John 9
- The Importance of Seeking Spiritual Sight — This chapter teaches us the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Jesus. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance.
- The Dangers of Spiritual Blindness — The Pharisees' rejection of Jesus serves as a stark warning against the dangers of spiritual blindness and unbelief. As seen in John 9:39-41, Jesus' statement emphasizes the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Him.
- The Power of Faith — The blind man's faith in Jesus serves as an example of the kind of trust and belief that is necessary for spiritual sight and redemption. As seen in John 9:25 and 38, the blind man's faith grows from a simple acknowledgment of Jesus' power to a full confession of Jesus as the Son of Man.
- The Importance of Humility — The blind man's humility and willingness to learn serve as an example of the kind of humility and receptivity that is necessary for spiritual growth and redemption. As seen in John 9:25-38, the blind man's humility allows him to receive spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Jesus.
- The Role of Jesus as the Light of the World — This chapter emphasizes Jesus' role as the Light of the World, highlighting His divine nature and mission to bring spiritual sight to those in darkness. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance.
Themes from John 9
- Spiritual Sight and Redemption — This chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual sight and redemption, highlighting the need for believers to seek Jesus as the source of spiritual illumination. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual guidance and direction.
- The Dangers of Spiritual Blindness — The Pharisees' rejection of Jesus serves as a stark warning against the dangers of spiritual blindness and unbelief. As seen in John 9:39-41, Jesus' statement emphasizes the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Him.
- The Power of Faith — The blind man's faith in Jesus serves as an example of the kind of trust and belief that is necessary for spiritual sight and redemption. As seen in John 9:25 and 38, the blind man's faith grows from a simple acknowledgment of Jesus' power to a full confession of Jesus as the Son of Man.
- The Importance of Humility — The blind man's humility and willingness to learn serve as an example of the kind of humility and receptivity that is necessary for spiritual growth and redemption. As seen in John 9:25-38, the blind man's humility allows him to receive spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Jesus.
- The Role of Jesus as the Light of the World — This chapter emphasizes Jesus' role as the Light of the World, highlighting His divine nature and mission to bring spiritual sight to those in darkness. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the blind man's healing reveal about Jesus' power and divine nature?
- How do the Pharisees' actions in this chapter illustrate the dangers of spiritual blindness and unbelief?
- What does the blind man's faith in Jesus teach us about the kind of trust and belief that is necessary for spiritual sight and redemption?
- How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees in John 9:39-41 emphasize the importance of spiritual sight and redemption?
- What application can we make from this chapter to our own lives, in terms of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Jesus?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Blind Man's Healing (John 9:1-7)
| 9:1 | Jesus sees a man born blind and decides to heal him, demonstrating His power and divine nature. |
| 9:2 | The disciples ask Jesus if the man's blindness is a result of his or his parents' sin, highlighting their limited understanding of God's sovereignty. |
| 9:3 | Jesus responds that the man's blindness is not a result of sin, but rather an opportunity for God's works to be displayed, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption. |
| 9:4 | Jesus states that He must work the works of Him who sent Him while it is day, highlighting the urgency of seeking spiritual sight and redemption. |
| 9:5 | Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance. |
| 9:6 | Jesus spits on the ground, makes mud, and applies it to the blind man's eyes, demonstrating His power and authority. |
| 9:7 | The blind man is healed and sees, illustrating the power of Jesus to bring spiritual sight and redemption. |
2. The Pharisees' Investigation (John 9:13-34)
| 9:13 | The Pharisees bring the blind man to their attention, seeking to discredit Jesus and His miracle. |
| 9:14 | The Pharisees ask the blind man how he was healed, highlighting their skepticism and unbelief. |
| 9:15 | The blind man tells them that Jesus healed him, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus. |
| 9:16 | The Pharisees are divided over Jesus, with some saying He is a sinner and others saying He is a prophet, highlighting their spiritual blindness and confusion. |
| 9:17 | The Pharisees ask the blind man what he thinks about Jesus, seeking to trap him into denying Jesus. |
| 9:18 | The blind man's parents are called to testify, highlighting the Pharisees' attempts to discredit the miracle. |
| 9:19 | The Pharisees ask the parents if the man is indeed their son and if he was born blind, seeking to verify the details of the miracle. |
| 9:20 | The parents confirm that the man is their son and was born blind, but they are afraid to say how he was healed, highlighting their fear of the Pharisees. |
| 9:21 | The parents tell the Pharisees to ask their son, who is of age, highlighting their attempt to deflect responsibility. |
| 9:22 | The Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue, highlighting the danger of confessing Jesus as the Messiah. |
| 9:23 | The parents are afraid of being put out of the synagogue, highlighting their fear of persecution. |
| 9:24 | The Pharisees call the blind man again and command him to give glory to God, seeking to trap him into denying Jesus. |
| 9:25 | The blind man says that he does not know if Jesus is a sinner, but he knows that he was blind and now he sees, highlighting the power of Jesus to bring spiritual sight and redemption. |
| 9:26 | The Pharisees ask the blind man what Jesus did to him, seeking to understand the details of the miracle. |
| 9:27 | The blind man tells them that Jesus put mud on his eyes and he washed, and now he sees, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus. |
| 9:28 | The Pharisees revile the blind man, calling him a disciple of Jesus, highlighting their contempt and disdain for Jesus and His followers. |
| 9:29 | The Pharisees say that they know God spoke to Moses, but they do not know where Jesus is from, highlighting their spiritual blindness and confusion. |
| 9:30 | The blind man says that it is a marvelous thing that Jesus can heal him, and yet the Pharisees do not know where He is from, highlighting the power and authority of Jesus. |
| 9:31 | The blind man says that God does not hear sinners, but He hears those who worship Him and do His will, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Jesus. |
| 9:32 | The blind man says that it is not known that anyone has opened the eyes of one who was born blind, highlighting the uniqueness of Jesus' miracle. |
| 9:33 | The blind man says that if Jesus were not from God, He could do nothing, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus. |
| 9:34 | The Pharisees cast the blind man out, highlighting their rejection of Jesus and His followers. |
3. The Blind Man's Faith (John 9:35-38)
| 9:35 | Jesus hears that the Pharisees cast the blind man out, and He finds him, highlighting Jesus' concern for the blind man's spiritual well-being. |
| 9:36 | Jesus asks the blind man if he believes in the Son of God, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus. |
| 9:37 | The blind man says that he believes, and he worships Jesus, highlighting the blind man's growing faith and devotion to Jesus. |
| 9:38 | The blind man says that he believes that Jesus is the Son of Man, emphasizing his full confession of Jesus as the Messiah. |
4. Jesus' Response to the Pharisees (John 9:39-41)
| 9:39 | Jesus says that He came into the world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind, highlighting the consequences of rejecting Jesus as the Messiah. |
| 9:40 | Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and they said to Him, 'Are we blind also?,' highlighting their spiritual blindness and confusion. |
| 9:41 | Jesus says that if they were blind, they would have no sin, but now they say, 'We see,' therefore their sin remains, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's spiritual blindness and seeking redemption through faith in Jesus. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the blind man's healing in John 9?
The blind man's healing serves as a demonstration of Jesus' power and divine nature, and it highlights the importance of spiritual sight and redemption. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance.
Why do the Pharisees reject Jesus in John 9?
The Pharisees reject Jesus because they are spiritually blind and do not recognize Him as the Messiah. As seen in John 9:39-41, Jesus' statement emphasizes the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Him.
What is the meaning of Jesus' statement in John 9:39-41?
Jesus' statement in John 9:39-41 emphasizes the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Him. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 9:5 → John 8:12 | Jesus' statement in John 9:5 is a fulfillment of His declaration in John 8:12, where He says, 'I am the light of the world.' |
| 2 | John 9:1 → Exodus 4:11 | The healing of the blind man in John 9:1-7 is reminiscent of the miracles performed by Moses in Exodus 4:11, highlighting the power and authority of Jesus. |
| 3 | John 9:14 → Numbers 12:2 | The Pharisees' question in John 9:14 is similar to the question asked by Aaron and Miriam in Numbers 12:2, highlighting the skepticism and unbelief of the Pharisees. |
| 4 | John 9:22 → John 12:42 | The fear of the parents in John 9:22 is similar to the fear of the disciples in John 12:42, highlighting the danger of confessing Jesus as the Messiah. |
| 5 | John 9:25 → Psalm 119:18 | The blind man's statement in John 9:25 is reminiscent of the psalmist's prayer in Psalm 119:18, where he asks God to open his eyes to see the wonders of God's law. |
| 6 | John 9:31 → | The blind man's statement in John 9:31 is similar to the statement made by the psalmist in Psalm 66:18, where he says that God does not hear sinners, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Jesus. |
| 7 | John 9:35 → John 4:42 | Jesus' question to the blind man in John 9:35 is similar to His question to the woman at the well in John 4:42, highlighting Jesus' concern for the spiritual well-being of those He encounters. |
| 8 | John 9:39 → Matthew 15:14 | Jesus' statement in John 9:39 is reminiscent of His statement in Matthew 15:14, where He says that the blind will lead the blind, highlighting the consequences of rejecting Jesus as the Messiah. |
Sermons on John 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(John) 13 - the Love Outraged by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the allegory of the good shepherd found in the Bible. He highlights various figures in the allegory, such as the fold, the door, the porter, |
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(John) 12 - the Light Refused by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. The preacher emphasizes that this story is not just about physical blindness, but also |
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(John - Part 23): Man's Accountability to God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of judgment and the role of Jesus Christ as the judge. He emphasizes that Jesus is qualified to be the judge because he seeks the g |
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Genuine Regeneration by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that lost men are spiritually blind. He uses the analogy of a curtain hiding Jesus behind it, explaining that |
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The Dream of the Kingdom by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that preaching the word of God is a task that God takes care of. He highlights that God provides all the ideas, leading, power, and the Word |
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(John - Part 37): The Simple Faith of the Blind Man by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the ninth chapter of John as the text. The sermon concludes with the last three verses of the chapter, where Jesus talks about coming into t |
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Laying by the Pool by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been lying by a pool for 38 years, hoping for healing. The pool was surrounded by a crowd of people, with the stro |
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Road to Reality - to Live Is Christ - Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his mother's sacrificial love for God and others. Despite being tired and worn out, his mother had a radiant glow on her f |
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The Days of Our Flesh by Steve Hill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who wil |
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The Unfinished Work of Christ by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and not just receiving the word of God. He uses the analogy of mud being applied to one's eyes and the need |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 9
Matthew Henry's commentary on John 9 emphasizes the importance of spiritual sight and redemption, highlighting Jesus' role as the Light of the World. As seen in John 9:5, Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance. Henry notes that the blind man's healing is a demonstration of Jesus' power and divine nature, and it serves as a call to all people to seek spiritual sight and redemption through faith in Him. Henry also emphasizes the danger of spiritual blindness and unbelief, highlighting the consequences of rejecting Jesus as the Messiah. As seen in John 9:39-41, Jesus' statement emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's spiritual blindness and seeking redemption through faith in Him. Henry's commentary provides a thorough exposition of the chapter, highlighting the theological significance and practical applications of the passage. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Pharisees' Reaction
The Pharisees' negative reaction to Jesus' miracle highlights their spiritual blindness and refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. This is evident in John 9:13-34, where they interrogate the blind man and his parents, and ultimately excommunicate the blind man for his faith in Jesus.
The Blind Man's Faith
The blind man's faith in Jesus serves as an example of the kind of trust and belief that is necessary for spiritual sight and redemption. As seen in John 9:25 and 38, the blind man's faith grows from a simple acknowledgment of Jesus' power to a full confession of Jesus as the Son of Man.
Jesus' Response to the Pharisees
Jesus' response to the Pharisees emphasizes the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to believe, as seen in John 9:39-41. Jesus' statement, 'For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind,' highlights the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah.