What does "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" reveal about faith? Setting the Scene John 9 recounts Jesus healing a man born blind. After intense interrogation, the religious leaders expel the healed man from the synagogue. Verse 35 records, “Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when He found him, He asked, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’” The Weight of the Question • Jesus makes believing in the Son of Man the decisive issue, not the miracle itself. • “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13-14) is a messianic, divine title; the question pushes the man to recognize Jesus as God’s promised Redeemer. • Faith, therefore, is measured by one’s response to Christ’s identity. Faith: Personal, Not Second-Hand • Jesus addresses the man directly: “Do you believe…?” • Family heritage, religious tradition, or community approval cannot substitute for personal trust (Romans 10:9-10). • Each person must answer Christ individually; salvation is never corporate by default (John 1:12-13). Faith: Directed to a Person • Genuine faith is not abstract optimism; it is trust placed in Jesus Himself (John 3:18). • The healed man’s question, “Who is He, sir?” shows that faith seeks understanding of Christ’s person, not merely benefits received. • Jesus responds, “He is the One speaking with you,” anchoring faith in a living relationship (John 17:3). Faith: Revelation and Response • Revelation: Jesus “found him,” displaying divine initiative (Luke 19:10). • Response: The man says, “Lord, I believe,” illustrating that saving faith is wholehearted assent (Hebrews 11:1). • Worship follows immediately (John 9:38), proving that true faith blossoms into adoration. Faith Grows Through Obedience • Earlier, the man obeyed Jesus’ command to wash in Siloam (John 9:7). • Obedience precedes fuller revelation; faithful steps pave the way for deeper belief (John 7:17). Faith Results in Spiritual Sight • Physical sight restored → spiritual sight granted. • Conversely, the Pharisees retain physical sight yet remain spiritually blind (John 9:39-41). • Faith opens eyes to recognize Jesus as Lord (2 Corinthians 4:6). Key Takeaways • Christ Himself confronts every heart with the question: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” • Faith is personal, Christ-centered, revealed by God, expressed in obedient trust, and culminates in worship. • Refusal leaves one in spiritual darkness; belief brings sight, life, and fellowship with the living Lord (John 20:31). |
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