What can we learn from the Pharisees' attitude toward Moses and Jesus? Setting the Scene John 9 records Jesus healing a man born blind. When the healed man testifies that Jesus opened his eyes, the Pharisees grow hostile. Their reaction climaxes in verse 28: “Then they heaped insults on him and said, ‘You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses!’” (John 9:28) The Pharisees’ Claim: Loyalty to Moses • They publicly distance themselves from Jesus while exalting Moses as their authority. • Their words reveal a sharp “either–or” mindset: either follow Moses or follow Jesus, but never both. • By insulting the healed man, they display contempt rather than compassion—a stark contrast to the mercy Moses’ law pointed toward (Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23). Key Lessons from Their Attitude • Misplaced confidence in religious heritage – The Pharisees assume that claiming Moses automatically places them in the right (John 8:39). – Heritage without heart obedience becomes empty ritual (Isaiah 29:13). • Willful blindness can be worse than physical blindness – The once-blind man now sees both physically and spiritually (John 9:38). – The seeing Pharisees remain blind by choice (John 9:40–41). • Scripture must be received, not just recited – Moses wrote about the coming Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 7:37). – Rejecting Jesus is, in fact, rejecting Moses’ testimony (John 5:45-47). Supporting Scriptures That Expose the Contrast • John 5:45-47 – “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.” • Luke 24:27 – “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.” • Romans 10:2-4 – Zeal without knowledge fails; Christ is “the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” • 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 – A veil remains when Moses is read apart from Christ, yet turns are lifted when one turns to the Lord. Practical Takeaways for Today • Guard against equating tradition with truth; test every tradition by God’s Word. • Let Scripture lead to Christ, not merely to moral principles or cultural identity. • Cultivate humility; religious credentials never replace a living relationship with the Savior. • Respond to God’s works—like the healed man—in worship and testimony, even when pressured to stay silent. |
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