John 9:24-38 is about a once-blind man who, through encountering Jesus and his miraculous healing power, not only gains physical sight but also spiritual insight and belief, leading to a profound transformation of faith.
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.”
25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
26 He answered, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”
27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”
28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.
29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.”
30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes.
31 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.
32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.
33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.”
38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Setting the Scene for John 9:24-38
In John chapter 9, we find Jesus encountering a man who was born blind. The scene is set in Jerusalem, near the temple. The man had been begging for alms when Jesus and his disciples passed by. The disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus replied that neither the man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
Jesus then proceeded to heal the blind man by making mud with his saliva and spreading it on the man’s eyes. He instructed the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. The man obeyed and was miraculously healed, gaining his sight for the first time in his life. The man’s neighbors and those who had seen him begging were amazed at his transformation and began to question how this miracle had occurred.
As the man shared his testimony of being healed by Jesus, the Pharisees became involved, questioning him about the details of his healing. The man boldly proclaimed his faith in Jesus, despite the Pharisees’ attempts to discredit both him and Jesus. This encounter led to a powerful moment of spiritual revelation for the man born blind, as he came to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and worshipped him.
What is John 9:24-38 about?
This verse is a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ divine authority and his identity as the Son of God. Jesus not only restores the man’s physical sight by healing him but also symbolically reveals his ability to bring spiritual enlightenment to those who believe in him. The act of healing the blind man serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of Jesus’ love and grace in our lives.
Think about the significance of Jesus choosing to perform this miracle. Why a blind man? Why the specific moment of revealing himself as the Son of God through this act? It’s almost as if Jesus is showing us that he has the power to remove obstacles that blind us from seeing the truth of who he really is. Through this miraculous healing, Jesus invites us to open our eyes, not just to see the physical world, but to truly see and understand his role as the Son of God and the light of the world. Let’s consider how Jesus’ healing power can bring clarity and insight to our own lives as we reflect on this verse, helping us to recognize and embrace his divinity and grace.
Understanding what John 9:24-38 really means
In the narrative of John 9:24-38, we witness a powerful account of Jesus healing a man born blind, sparking intense scrutiny from the Pharisees. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious laws, question the man and his parents about the miraculous healing, attempting to undermine Jesus’ authority. Despite the pressure and skepticism, the man who was healed remains steadfast in his testimony, refusing to deny the truth of his encounter with Jesus.
One key phrase in this passage is when the Pharisees urge the man to “Give glory to God by telling the truth.” Instead of succumbing to their demands to renounce Jesus, the man chooses to glorify God by affirming the reality of the miracle he experienced. His response highlights his unwavering faith and commitment to truth, even in the face of opposition. Another poignant statement from the healed man is, “I was blind but now I see!” This declaration emphasizes the undeniable transformation Jesus brought into his life, showcasing the profound impact of encountering the Son of God.
When the healed man challenges the Pharisees by asking if they want to become Jesus’ disciples too, he displays remarkable boldness and newfound faith. In contrast, the Pharisees’ defensive reaction, accusing him of being steeped in sin at birth, exposes their spiritual blindness and arrogance. The man’s simple yet profound declaration, “Lord, I believe,” after Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of Man, encapsulates his journey from physical and spiritual darkness to newfound faith and sight.
This passage resonates with contemporary audiences by highlighting themes of spiritual blindness, testimony, and transformation. Just as the Pharisees struggled to see the truth of Jesus due to their pride and rigid beliefs, individuals today can also be blinded by various barriers to faith. The healed man’s courage in sharing his testimony serves as a powerful example for believers to stand firm in their faith, even amidst opposition and doubt. His story reminds us of the transformative power of encountering Jesus, which can bring about profound changes in our lives.
Consider a modern-day scenario where someone trapped in addiction encounters Jesus and experiences a radical transformation, breaking free from their struggles. When faced with skepticism or questioning, they may not have all the theological answers, but they can confidently testify, “I was lost, but now I am found.” Their testimony mirrors that of the healed man, illustrating the life-changing impact of encountering Jesus and embracing faith.
In conclusion, the narrative of the blind man’s healing challenges us to confront our spiritual blindness and seek the illuminating truth of Jesus. It calls us to emulate the healed man’s boldness in sharing our testimony and to trust in the transformative power of faith. Just as the healed man experienced a profound change in both body and spirit, we too can find new life and purpose in Christ, embracing the light of His love and grace.
Can you see beyond physical appearances to truth?
Yes, we can see beyond physical appearances to truth. Jesus saw the truth beyond the physical circumstance and the Pharisees judged the blind man in this particular verse. He revealed the man’s spiritual sight and true understanding, which the Pharisees were unable to see because of their own spiritual blindness. Outward appearances can often be deceiving, and it is important to remember that in our own lives. We must strive to look past superficial characteristics and see the internal truth and understanding that lies within each person. We are encouraged to look beyond the surface and seek the truth that lies within others, just as Jesus saw the blind man’s deeper understanding and belief. We can better understand the truth and wisdom that individuals hold by focusing on their inner qualities and beliefs, rather than solely on their outward appearance or circumstances. We can see beyond physical appearances to the deeper truths that lie within each person, just as Jesus saw the faith and understanding within the blind man.
Application
Imagine your busy life of meetings and family dinners. In the chaos, don’t miss the chance for true clarity. Just as the man born blind in John 9:24-38 gained both sight and spiritual insight, you too can find a deeper purpose. Open your eyes to the light of Christ, letting it guide your decisions and relationships. Take this moment to ask yourself—isn’t it time to embrace a transformation of the heart and mind? Are you ready to step into the light and declare Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.