How does John 9:40 connect with Jesus' teachings on humility in Matthew 23:12? Setting the Scene – John 9:40 “Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, ‘Are we also blind?’” What the Pharisees’ Question Reveals • They assumed spiritual competence: “Surely we, religious experts, can see.” • Their inquiry drips with irony—by denying blindness they display it. • Pride keeps them from recognizing the Messiah standing before them. Jesus’ Immediate Clarifier (John 9:41) “If you were blind, you would have no sin. But since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” • True blindness is not lack of information but refusal to admit need. • Confessed need invites mercy; self-assured sight leaves sin untouched. Connecting to Matthew 23:12 “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” • Same audience: Pharisees, models of outward religiosity. • Same issue: self-exaltation masquerading as righteousness. • Same outcome: God flips the script—pride meets humiliation, humility meets promotion. The Thread Running Through Both Texts 1. Self-exaltation blinds (John 9:40) → “Are we also blind?” – they cannot see their own condition. 2. Jesus exposes the blindness (John 9:41) → sin remains because pride remains. 3. Kingdom principle stated plainly (Matthew 23:12) → God personally humbles the proud, lifts the lowly. 4. Humility, then, is the avenue to spiritual sight; arrogance guarantees darkness. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Proverbs 3:34 – “He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble.” • Isaiah 66:2 – God looks to the one “who is humble and contrite in spirit.” • Luke 18:9-14 – Pharisee vs. tax collector: the humble “went home justified.” • James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Acknowledge your need—spiritual blindness lifts when we confess we can’t see without Christ. • Guard against subtle pride—biblical knowledge or ministry roles do not equal humility. • Embrace the reversal—choose the low place now, and let God do the exalting in His time. |
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