9:35-41 Eyes that see, eyes that are blind

March 17, 2021

Read John 9:35-41

The meaning of the sign (9:5-7) is now made very clear. After the man’s rejection by the Pharisees, Jesus found him and asked him if he believed in “the Son of Man” (35). That question required explanation (“Who is he?” 36), but his attitude was very different to that of the Jews when they had asked similarly, “Who are you?” (8:25) for he asked sincerely. Jesus’s answer, “You have seen him” (37), was particularly moving for someone who had always been blind. Here was the greater miracle, not the opening of his physical eyes, but the opening of his eyes spiritually.

As such, he contrasts vividly with the Pharisees. Three times the man had confessed his ignorance (9:12,25,36) but all the time he was advancing in his understanding, first seeing Jesus as “a man” (9:11), then “a prophet” (9:17), then “from God” (9:33) until finally he worshipped “the Lord” (38). The Pharisees, however, who were certain that Jesus was not from God (9:16) and was a sinner (9:24), are shown to be the ones who were blind and guilty of sin (39).

This is the judgement which the light inevitably brings into the world. Jesus, “the true light who gives light to everyone” (1:9), came into the world not to condemn the world but to save it (3:17). But, as that same passage indicates, his coming results in both salvation and judgement, for those who love darkness will not come to the light and are thus condemned already (3:18-20). This perfectly describes the Pharisees, for they not only rejected the light but at the same time claimed to be able to see. If they had been truly blind spiritually then they would have had some excuse, but because they refused to see and chose instead to walk in darkness their guilt was confirmed (40-41).