What is the meaning of John 9:40? Some of the Pharisees • The group represents Israel’s religious gatekeepers, men convinced they already “see” (John 9:13–16; Matthew 23:25). • They have just examined the healed beggar and rejected his testimony, revealing hearts hardened like those Isaiah described (Isaiah 6:9–10). • Although steeped in Scripture, they illustrate that knowing facts without faith can still leave a soul in darkness (John 5:39–40). who were with Him • Physical nearness to Jesus does not equal fellowship with Him (John 7:45–52). • Standing in the same crowd, they enjoy the same evidence as the formerly blind man, yet respond opposite ways—one worships, the others oppose (John 9:35–38). • Their presence shows how a person can sit in every service, hear every sermon, and still miss the Light of the world (John 8:12). heard this • “This” points to Jesus’ prior statement: “so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind” (John 9:39). • Hearing truth is a stewardship; what we do with it matters (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:2). • For these Pharisees, the same word that opened one man’s eyes now exposes their pride (John 3:19-20). and they asked Him • Instead of repenting, they interrogate—an age-old pattern (Luke 11:53-54). • Their question is less a quest for clarity and more a defensive challenge, akin to Cain’s “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). • Confronting Jesus directly, they reveal that unbelief often masquerades as honest inquiry (John 10:24-26). “Are we blind too?” • The irony is thick: men claiming perfect sight unwittingly confess their blindness (Revelation 3:17). • Spiritual blindness is not a lack of intellect but a heart unwilling to bow (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). • Jesus will answer in verse 41 that self-proclaimed “sight” leaves their guilt intact, echoing His earlier warning that light rejected becomes greater darkness (Matthew 6:23). summary John 9:40 captures proud hearts colliding with convicting truth. Religious leaders, sure of their spiritual vision, stand inches from the Healer yet remain in darkness. Their question, “Are we blind too?” unintentionally affirms Jesus’ diagnosis: unwillingness to admit need is the very essence of blindness. The passage invites every reader to trade self-confidence for humble faith, letting the Light of the world open our eyes. |
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