John 9:17
They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
John 9:17 (KJV)
Context
In John 9, Jesus encounters a man who was born blind. Jesus spits on the ground, makes clay with the saliva, and anoints the man’s eyes with the clay. He then tells him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. As the blind man obeys Jesus, he receives his sight. This verse captures the aftermath of this miraculous healing.
The questioners are the Pharisees, who were skeptical and opposed to Jesus, particularly because this healing was performed on the Sabbath (John 9:14-16). They sought to challenge Jesus’ authority and discredit Him, and they wanted to hear the man’s testimony firsthand to gather evidence against Jesus. The man is called “the blind man” because he had been so, though he now sees.
Meaning
When asked about the identity of the one who healed him, the man simply states, “He is a prophet.” The blind man perceives that Jesus is not an ordinary person but a prophet of God. He recognizes the miraculous power of Jesus and acknowledges Him as someone sent by God.
The man’s response is significant. He does not yet fully confess Jesus as the Christ or the Son of God; that fuller confession comes later in the chapter (John 9:35-38). At this point, he states what he can affirm from his own experience: Jesus is a prophet. This is a true and meaningful confession, but it is an incomplete one. The man’s testimony is grounded in the undeniable fact of his healing—his eyes had been opened. He reasons from the miracle to the identity of the one who performed it.
Biblical connections
The man’s response reveals his growing understanding of who Jesus is. At first, he refers to Jesus as “a man called Jesus” (verse 11), then recognizes Him as a prophet (verse 17). As the narrative progresses, the man’s understanding deepens, and he eventually worships Jesus as the Son of God (verse 38). This progression signifies the man’s spiritual journey and his increasing faith in Jesus.
The man’s declaration aligns with the perception of Jesus as a prophet throughout the Gospels. In the Old Testament, prophets were God’s messengers who spoke on His behalf. Jesus, as the ultimate Prophet, came to reveal God’s truth, proclaim the Kingdom of God, and point people to the way of salvation.
Application
Recognizing Jesus’ Identity: Like the blind man, we too must grapple with the question of who Jesus is. It is essential to go beyond popular opinions or casual beliefs and engage in a personal exploration of His identity. Through studying the Scriptures, seeking God in prayer, and opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit, we can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior, and the source of eternal life.
Responding to Jesus: The blind man’s response to Jesus’ healing was one of faith and gratitude. Similarly, encountering Jesus should elicit a response from us. As we acknowledge His identity, we are called to respond with faith, worship, and obedience. We should allow His transformative power to bring about change in our lives and testify to others about the work He has done in us.
Reflection
The immediate context shows the growing division among the religious leaders. Some said, “This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day,” while others asked, “How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?” (John 9:16). The man’s simple confession, “He is a prophet,” stands in contrast to their confusion and unbelief. His answer is based on what he knows personally, and it is a step of faith that will grow as the narrative unfolds.
