How does John 9:29 encourage us to seek a personal relationship with Jesus? Setting the Scene in John 9:29 • The Pharisees say, “We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this Man, we do not know where He is from.” (John 9:29) • They cling to historical revelation given through Moses yet reject the living revelation standing before them—Jesus. • The contrast highlights two approaches to God: reliance on inherited tradition versus direct encounter with the Son of God. The Limitation of Second-Hand Faith • “We know” reveals confidence in information about God without intimacy with God. • Knowledge of Moses’ writings is priceless (John 5:39-40), but Scripture points us to Someone greater. • Second-hand faith can become static, leaving hearts unmoved and unwilling to recognize the Messiah when He works in plain sight. Jesus Invites First-Hand Experience • The healed man in this chapter moves from labeling Jesus “a prophet” (v. 17) to worshiping Him as “Lord” (v. 38), illustrating progressive, personal discovery. • Jesus later says, “You have now seen Him.” (v. 37). Sight—both physical and spiritual—comes through personal encounter, not mere study. How the Verse Drives Us Toward Relationship • The Pharisees’ confession, “We do not know where He is from,” implicitly challenges every reader: Do you? • By exposing religious leaders’ ignorance, the Spirit beckons us to seek what they lacked—direct knowledge of Christ. • Scripture remains fully authoritative; yet its ultimate purpose is relational: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ…and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31). • Therefore, John 9:29 urges us not to settle for information about God but to pursue intimacy with the incarnate Word. Living This Out Today • Read the Gospels devotionally, listening for Jesus’ voice. • Respond immediately to what He shows you—like the formerly blind man who obeyed, testified, and worshiped. • Guard against pride that trusts in heritage or knowledge; instead, “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.” (Hebrews 4:16). • Measure growth not merely by facts memorized but by increasing love for Christ and likeness to Him. Supporting Scriptures • John 17:3 — “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” • Philippians 3:8-10 — Paul counts everything loss “that I may gain Christ…that I may know Him.” • 1 John 1:3 — “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” • Jeremiah 9:23-24 — True boasting is “that he understands and knows Me.” |
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