John 9:40

And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

John 9:40 (KJV)

Context

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This miracle caused a stir among the Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of the Jewish community. They questioned both the authority of Jesus and the legitimacy of the miracle. The healing itself became a sign of Jesus’ power and a backdrop for a deeper lesson about spiritual sight.

Meaning

The phrase “Are we blind also?” reveals the deeper spiritual meaning in this verse. The Pharisees were not only concerned about physical blindness but also about their spiritual state. Jesus had just spoken about those who claim to see being blind and those who acknowledge their blindness being able to see. The Pharisees, known for their self-righteousness and religious pride, were questioning whether Jesus’ statement applied to them. Their question was not a humble inquiry but a sarcastic challenge, expecting the answer “No.” They saw themselves as the constituted guides of the people in spiritual things, and their pride prompted the question.

The Pharisees were blinded by their own self-righteousness and legalism. They believed that their adherence to religious laws and traditions made them spiritually superior. However, they failed to recognize their need for a Savior and their own spiritual blindness. Their question to Jesus reveals their lack of understanding and their resistance to acknowledging their own shortcomings. They were not blind by necessity; they could see if they would, and hence they were responsible. Had they been without opportunity, they would have had no moral responsibility, but as they had opportunity to see and claimed to see, their sin remained.

Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ question comes in the following verse, John 9:41, where He states that if they were blind, they would have no sin, but because they say they see, their sin remains. Jesus implies that if the Pharisees acknowledged their spiritual blindness and sought His light, they would be forgiven. However, because they claimed to see, they remained in their sin. The contrast is stark between the once-blind man who seeks the Truth and believes, and the Pharisees who seek to justify themselves and so become spiritually blind.

Application

The lesson we can learn from John 9:40 is the importance of humility and recognizing our spiritual blindness. Just like the Pharisees, it’s easy for us to become self-righteous, thinking that we are spiritually superior because of our religious activities or good deeds. However, true insight comes when we acknowledge our need for God’s grace and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is in recognizing our spiritual blindness and surrendering ourselves to Him that we receive forgiveness and spiritual sight.

• John 9:40 serves as a reminder of the danger of spiritual blindness and the need for humility. It challenges us to examine our hearts and seek a deeper relationship with God, acknowledging our need for His mercy and grace.