John 9:36
“He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?”
John 9:36 (KJV) says:“He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?”
This verse is part of a larger passage found in John 9:1-41, which tells the story of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth. In this particular verse, the man who was healed is responding to Jesus’ question.
Let’s examine this verse and explore its context:
The Background:In John 9:1-7, Jesus and His disciples encounter a man who was born blind. The disciples asked Jesus if the man’s condition was a result of his own sin or his parents’ sin. Jesus responds by saying that neither the man nor his parents sinned, but rather, his blindness was an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed.
The Healing:Jesus proceeds to heal the blind man by spitting on the ground, making clay, and anointing the man’s eyes. He then instructs the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. The man obeys and is miraculously healed, gaining his sight for the first time in his life.
The Interactions:After the healing, the man’s neighbors and those who knew him as a beggar were astonished at his transformation. Some doubted if he was the same man. The Pharisees, upon hearing about the healing, questioned the man and his parents about how he received his sight.
The Man’s Response:The Pharisees, who were skeptical of Jesus’ authority, were divided about the healing. They ultimately rejected the man’s testimony about Jesus and excommunicated him. In verse 36, after being cast out, the man encounters Jesus again and asks, “Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?”
This response by the healed man reflects his openness and eagerness to believe in Jesus. His experience of receiving physical sight had led him to recognize Jesus as Lord and desired to deepen his faith. It is an expression of humility, acknowledging Jesus’ authority and seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
This verse highlights the spiritual dimension of the healing that took place. While the physical healing was miraculous, it served as a sign that pointed to a deeper truth-that Jesus is the Lord, the Messiah, and the source of spiritual sight and understanding. The healed man recognized this truth and desired to grow in his faith and belief in Jesus.
Overall, John 9:36 portrays the transformed perspective of a man who received physical sight and recognized Jesus’ authority. It encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and to have faith in Him as our Lord and Savior.
