What does the Pharisees' disbelief in John 9:18 reveal about spiritual blindness? Setting the Scene John 9 records Jesus restoring sight to a man blind from birth. Verse 18 captures the Pharisees’ reaction: “The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they summoned his parents.” The Pharisees’ Immediate Response (John 9:18) • Hardened skepticism—“still did not believe” shows persistent refusal. • Demand for extra verification—calling the parents signals disbelief despite clear evidence. • Preference for interrogation over celebration—the miracle becomes a courtroom probe instead of a worship service. Signs of Spiritual Blindness Exposed • Rejection of undeniable works of God (John 9:16,18). • Dependence on human tradition rather than divine revelation (Mark 7:8–9). • Fear of losing religious control (John 11:48). • Deafness to eyewitness testimony (John 9:15,27). • Continual resistance even after multiple confirmations (John 9:24). Root Causes of Their Blindness • Pride: unwillingness to admit error (Proverbs 16:18). • Legalism: elevating Sabbath regulations above mercy (Matthew 12:7). • Unbelief hardened by the enemy: “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Spiritual deadness: “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Fulfillment of prophecy: Isaiah 6:9–10; John 12:39–40. Consequences of Refusing to See • Increasing darkness—each rejection deepens blindness (Romans 1:21). • Mislabeling good as evil—calling Jesus a sinner (John 9:24). • Separation from the Light—remaining in sin while claiming sight (John 9:41). • Leading others astray—“blind guides of the blind” (Matthew 15:14). Application for Believers Today • Guard the heart against prideful certainty that resists correction. • Keep Scripture above tradition; let the Word interpret experiences. • Celebrate God’s works instead of interrogating them to death. • Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit; heed His conviction promptly. • Walk in the light you have; obedience brings clearer vision (John 8:12). Christ, the Light Who Heals Blindness • Jesus came “to open eyes that are blind” (Isaiah 42:7). • He invites all to receive sight: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness” (John 8:12). • Continual dependence on Him keeps spiritual vision sharp and hearts soft. |
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