John 9:24–41 – Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind (Part 2)
Quick Summary
In John 9:24–41, the Pharisees interrogate the healed man again, pressing him to deny Jesus. Instead, his testimony grows stronger, leading to his expulsion from the synagogue. Jesus finds him, reveals his identity as the Son of Man, and contrasts true spiritual sight with the blindness of those who reject him.
Introduction
The second half of John 9 moves from the miracle itself to the deepening conflict it creates. The healed man becomes a witness, testifying boldly to what Jesus has done. The more he speaks, the more the Pharisees resist, until their spiritual blindness is exposed. Meanwhile, Jesus uses the man’s healing as a living parable of sight and blindness—physical and spiritual.
This passage challenges us to consider how we respond to the light of Christ. Do we acknowledge him and step into sight, or cling to denial and remain blind?
John 9:24–25 – A Simple Testimony
“So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’” (John 9:24–25)
The Pharisees demand the man denounce Jesus as a sinner. Instead, he gives a testimony as simple as it is powerful: “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” His words echo throughout history, later inspiring the hymn Amazing Grace. The man refuses to argue theology—he simply states the undeniable fact of his transformation.
This reflects the essence of witness in John’s Gospel. The healed man does not yet understand everything about Jesus, but his experience compels him to speak. Testimony is not about mastering doctrine first but about telling what Christ has done.
John 9:26–27 – Boldness in the Face of Pressure
“They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’” (John 9:26–27)
The Pharisees press for details, hoping to trap him. The man responds with frustration and irony: “Do you also want to become his disciples?” His boldness contrasts with the fear of his parents earlier in the chapter (John 9:18–23). Step by step, he is moving from healed beggar to courageous disciple.
His words foreshadow the way Jesus’ followers will face pressure after his resurrection. Speaking truth will always bring opposition, yet bold witness plants seeds of faith and exposes hardened hearts.
John 9:28–34 – The Pharisees Reject the Man
“Then they reviled him, saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ The man answered, ‘Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out.” (John 9:28–34)
The leaders insult the man and dismiss Jesus. Claiming loyalty to Moses, they refuse to recognize the one Moses himself anticipated (Deuteronomy 18:15). The healed man counters with logic and courage: no sinner could perform such a miracle. His testimony stands firm, while the Pharisees collapse into insult and exclusion.
Their final act—driving him out—reveals their blindness. Instead of rejoicing that a man blind from birth can now see, they cling to pride. John’s narrative exposes the irony: the one who sees clearly is expelled, while the self-proclaimed guardians of sight prove blind.
John 9:35–38 – Jesus Reveals Himself
“Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshiped him.” (John 9:35–38)
Jesus seeks out the man after his rejection. What began as physical sight now becomes spiritual sight. When Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man, the man responds with faith and worship. This is the climax of the chapter: the healed man moves from beggar to believer, from testifying about a prophet to confessing the Lord.
The language recalls the opening of John’s Gospel, where the Word became flesh so that we might behold his glory (John 1:14). To see Jesus rightly is to worship him.
John 9:39–41 – True Sight and True Blindness
“Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, ‘Surely we are not blind, are we?’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, “We see,” your sin remains.’” (John 9:39–41)
Jesus interprets the miracle as a parable of his mission. He gives sight to the blind but exposes the blindness of those who claim to see. The Pharisees’ refusal to recognize their need becomes their downfall. To admit blindness would open the door to healing. Instead, they cling to their certainty and remain in sin.
This is John’s theology in action: belief brings life, unbelief brings judgment. Spiritual sight is not about physical eyes but about recognizing Jesus as the one sent from God.
John 9:24–41 Meaning for Today
This passage calls us to courage in witness. The healed man’s journey shows that faith grows as we speak the truth about Jesus, even under pressure. Confessing Christ may bring rejection, but it also brings deeper encounter with him.
It also warns us against spiritual pride. The Pharisees’ insistence that they could see left them blind. True sight begins with humility—the willingness to admit our need and receive the light of Christ. Only then can we say with the man born blind, “Lord, I believe.”
FAQ: John 9:24–41
Why did the Pharisees drive the man out?
Because he refused to denounce Jesus and instead testified that Jesus must be from God. Their anger at his boldness led them to expel him from the synagogue.
What does it mean that Jesus is the “Son of Man”?
It recalls Daniel 7:13–14, where one like a son of man receives authority and glory. In John, Jesus uses the title to reveal his divine authority and mission.
How does this passage connect to John’s theme of light and darkness?
The healing illustrates Jesus as the light of the world, bringing sight. The leaders’ rejection shows darkness, even as they claim to see.
Why does Jesus say their sin remains?
Because they refused to admit their blindness. Acknowledging need opens the way for forgiveness, but pride keeps them trapped in sin.
Sources / Further Reading
Raymond E. Brown, John (AYB), John 9
D. A. Carson, John (PNTC), John 9
Gail R. O’Day, John (NIB), John 9
Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John, John 9
Andreas J. Köstenberger, John (BECNT), John 9
