How does John 9:37 reveal Jesus' identity as the Son of Man? Setting the scene - Jesus has just healed a man born blind (John 9:1–34). - The formerly blind man is expelled from the synagogue for confessing that Jesus must be from God. - Jesus seeks him out and asks, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (John 9:35). - The man replies, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” (John 9:36). Direct self-revelation in John 9:37 “Jesus answered, ‘You have now seen Him; in fact, He is the One speaking with you.’” (John 9:37) • Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Son of Man—the very figure the man is to believe in. • By declaring, “You have now seen Him,” Jesus confirms that the miracle of sight granted moments earlier enables the man to behold the Messiah with physical eyes and spiritual understanding. • “He is the One speaking with you” makes the revelation unmistakably personal and immediate, leaving no doubt about Jesus’ identity. Why the title “Son of Man” matters - Daniel 7:13-14 portrays “One like a Son of Man” who comes with the clouds, receives everlasting dominion, and is worshiped by all peoples. - Psalm 8:4-6 foreshadows a “son of man” crowned with glory and honor, ruling over creation—fulfilled in Hebrews 2:5-9. - By adopting Daniel’s messianic title, Jesus stakes a claim to divine authority, eternal kingship, and universal worship. Evidence connecting John 9:37 to the broader testimony of Scripture • John 5:27—“He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.” • John 6:40—faith in the Son of Man brings resurrection life. • John 3:13-15—only the Son of Man has descended from and will ascend to heaven, and His lifting up on the cross secures salvation. • Matthew 26:64—Jesus quotes Daniel 7:13 under oath before the Sanhedrin, sealing His identity with the title that leads to His crucifixion. • Revelation 1:13—John beholds “One like a Son of Man” glorified, confirming the title’s heavenly significance. The man’s response and its theological weight - Immediately the healed man says, “Lord, I believe,” and worships Jesus (John 9:38). - Worship of anyone other than God would be blasphemy; Jesus not only accepts it but elicits it, demonstrating His divine status. - The narrative moves from physical sight to spiritual sight, underscoring that recognizing Jesus as the Son of Man is the climactic revelation. Practical takeaways • Jesus does not leave sincere seekers in ambiguity; He reveals Himself plainly. • True faith rests on the person of Christ, not merely on miracles or tradition. • Worship is the right response when Jesus is known as the Son of Man—the divine, authoritative, saving King foretold by the prophets. |
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