John 9:39
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John 9:39 (KJV)
Context
In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This miracle stirs controversy among the Pharisees, who interrogate the man and his parents and eventually cast him out of the synagogue. Jesus then finds the man, reveals Himself as the Son of God, and receives the man’s worship. Verse 39 follows this exchange, serving as Jesus’ concluding statement that summarizes the entire incident.
Meaning
Jesus says He came “for judgment” into the world. This does not contradict His words that He did not come to condemn the world (John 3:17; 12:47). Rather, judgment here refers to a separating work: the presence of Christ divides humanity by their response to Him. Those who acknowledge their spiritual blindness and need, like the healed man, receive spiritual sight. Those who are self-satisfied and think they see, like the Pharisees who claimed knowledge and understanding, are made blind—that is, they remain in and are confirmed in their blindness.
The healing of the blind man is a physical illustration of this spiritual truth. Jesus speaks of both physical and spiritual blindness. Just as the blind man received physical sight, Jesus came to bring spiritual sight to those who recognize their spiritual blindness and turn to Him. The judgment Jesus speaks of is not a condemnation but the natural outcome of people’s response to His message.
The second part of the verse can be perplexing: “that they which see might be made blind.” Jesus is not advocating for blinding people physically, but rather speaking of those who claim to see or possess spiritual insight. By challenging their self-assured spiritual knowledge, Jesus exposes their true condition of spiritual blindness, making them realize their need for Him. In their refusal to acknowledge their spiritual blindness, they remain spiritually blind.
Biblical connections
The immediate context continues in verse 40, where some Pharisees ask, “Are we blind also?” Jesus’ response in verse 41 clarifies the principle: “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” Their claim to sight made their guilt remain. This verse also connects to Isaiah’s prophecy about blindness (Isaiah 6:10; 42:19), which the New Testament applies to those who reject Jesus.
Application
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and recognize our need for Jesus. True insight and spiritual sight come from humbly acknowledging our spiritual blindness and turning to Christ for salvation. We should guard against the arrogance of assuming we possess all the answers and seek a deeper understanding of God’s truth through a personal relationship with Jesus.
John 9:39 highlights Jesus’ mission to bring spiritual sight to those who recognize their blindness and turn to Him, while those who claim to see but reject Him remain in spiritual darkness. It reminds us of the importance of humility, acknowledging our spiritual need, and seeking Jesus as the source of true insight and salvation.
Reflection
The life of Jesus attracted the needy and repelled the self-satisfied, making His presence a continuous judgment. As we read this verse, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do we come to Jesus with the humility of the blind man, or with the self-assurance of the Pharisees? The answer determines whether we see or remain blind.
