What does John 9:29 reveal about the Pharisees' view of Moses versus Jesus? Setting the Scene in John 9 Jesus has just healed the man born blind. The miracle sparks an interrogation, climaxing in the Pharisees’ blunt assertion in John 9:29. Their Exact Words “We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” (John 9:29) What the Statement Shows about Their View of Moses • Moses equals certainty. • His writings are treated as the final, unquestioned standard of divine revelation (cf. Exodus 20:1; Numbers 12:6-8). • By invoking Moses, they signal confidence that their traditions accurately preserve and interpret his law (Matthew 23:2-3). What It Shows about Their View of Jesus • Jesus is labeled “this man,” implying distance, suspicion, even contempt. • They claim ignorance of His origin, ignoring prophetic credentials that fit Him perfectly (Micah 5:2; Isaiah 35:5-6; John 7:27). • Their allegiance to tradition blinds them to fresh revelation, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier words: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that testify about Me” (John 5:39). The Underlying Contrast 1. Source of Authority – Moses: Accepted as God-sent without question. – Jesus: Authority rejected unless it fits preconceived notions. 2. Revelation Past vs. Present – Moses represents the covenant given; Jesus embodies its fulfillment (John 1:17; Hebrews 3:1-6). 3. Relationship to God – The Pharisees claim to be Moses’ disciples (John 9:28) yet miss the One of whom Moses wrote (Deuteronomy 18:15; John 5:46). Why the Contrast Matters • It exposes a heart issue: trust in human tradition over living truth (Mark 7:8-9). • It illustrates the danger of honoring Scripture’s human mediator while overlooking the divine Messiah whom the mediator foretold. Takeaway for Today Reverence for the written Word must lead to recognition of the Living Word. True discipleship embraces all that God has revealed, from Moses straight through to Jesus Christ. |
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