How does John 9:27 connect with Matthew 10:32 about confessing Christ? Setting the Scene - John 9 recounts Jesus healing a man born blind. Religious leaders interrogate the man twice (vv. 13-17, 24-34). - In the middle of that interrogation comes v. 27: “He answered, ‘I already told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?’” (John 9:27) - Matthew 10 records Jesus sending out the Twelve. In v. 32 He gives this promise and warning: “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32) The Blind Man’s Bold Confession - He publicly identifies himself with Jesus by calling Him “a prophet” (v. 17) and “from God” (v. 33). - His rhetorical question in v. 27—“Do you also want to become His disciples?”— • Affirms his own discipleship. • Challenges hostile listeners to join him. • Risks social and religious expulsion (which happens in v. 34). - This is more than information; it is open allegiance—exactly what Jesus calls “confessing Me before men.” Jesus’ Promise in Matthew 10 - “Confess” (Greek: homologeō) means to acknowledge openly, with full agreement. - The setting is opposition and persecution (vv. 17-25), mirroring the blind man’s pressure. - The reward for confessing: Jesus will confess that believer “before My Father,” securing eternal acceptance. Points of Connection • Same Action – John 9:27 shows a real-life example of the verbal, public confession Jesus commands in Matthew 10:32. • Same Cost – The blind man risks excommunication; disciples in Matthew risk persecution. Confession carries a price. • Same Audience – Confession is made “before men” (Matthew 10:32) and specifically before hostile religious authorities (John 9:22, 34). • Same Outcome – Earthly loss is traded for heavenly gain. Though cast out of the synagogue, the man meets Jesus and worships Him (John 9:35-38). Likewise, Matthew 10:32 guarantees heavenly honor. Supporting Scriptures - Romans 10:9-10—confession with the mouth pairs with saving faith. - Acts 4:20—Peter and John: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” - 2 Timothy 1:8—“So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.” Lessons for Today • Confession is vocal and visible; silence is not neutrality but denial (Matthew 10:33). • Opposition is expected; the reward is eternal. • Every testimony, however simple (“I was blind, now I see,” John 9:25), fulfills Christ’s call to confess Him. |
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