John 9:35
Context:In the preceding verses, Jesus spat on the ground, made clay, and applied it to the blind man’s eyes. He then instructed the man to wash in the pool of Siloam. The man obeyed, and as a result, he received his sight. News of this miraculous healing quickly spread, and the Pharisees questioned the man about Jesus. When the man defended Jesus, the Pharisees cast him out of the synagogue.
Jesus hears and finds the man:In John 9:35, we learn that Jesus heard about the man being cast out of the synagogue. Jesus, moved by compassion and seeking the man, actively searched for him.
Jesus’ question:When Jesus finds the man, He asks him, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” This question reveals the deeper purpose behind the physical healing the man experienced. Jesus wants to know if the man believes in Him, as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Significance of the question:By asking the man if he believes in the Son of God, Jesus invites him to express his faith. The question highlights the spiritual aspect of the man’s healing. It emphasizes that faith in Jesus is essential, not only for physical restoration but also for spiritual salvation.
The man’s response:The man responds to Jesus’ question in the following verse, John 9:36, saying, “Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?” This shows that the man is open and willing to believe in Jesus. He recognizes Jesus’ authority by addressing Him as “Lord.”
The progression of faith:The blind man’s faith journey can be seen in various stages. Initially, he recognizes Jesus as a man who healed him (John 9:11). Later, when questioned by the Pharisees, he describes Jesus as a prophet (John 9:17). Finally, when Jesus asks him about believing in the Son of God, the man is ready to express faith but seeks further knowledge.
Overall, John 9:35 captures an important moment in the story of the man born blind. Jesus seeks out the man after he is cast out of the synagogue and poses a question that challenges the man’s faith. This verse highlights the significance of believing in Jesus as the Son of God and serves as a reminder that faith is not only about physical healing but also about a deeper spiritual relationship with God.
