Why is the act of worship significant in John 9:38? Immediate Literary Context The sentence “He said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped Him” (John 9:38) concludes the narrative of the man born blind (John 9:1–41). The entire chapter is a legal-style testimony in which Jesus brings physical sight, the religious leaders conduct an informal trial, and the formerly blind man moves from ignorance to confession. The worship seals that journey: physical healing leads to spiritual illumination, which in turn culminates in adoration. Original-Language Insight The verb rendered “worshiped” is προσκυνέω (proskyneō). In the Greek Old Testament it describes bowing before Yahweh (e.g., Exodus 34:14). In the New Testament it is never offered legitimately to anyone but God (compare Revelation 22:8-9, where an angel forbids it). The narrative therefore presents Jesus as the rightful recipient of the homage due only to the LORD. Recognition of Deity 1. Worship is reserved for God alone (Exodus 34:14; Matthew 4:10). 2. Jesus accepts the worship without correction, unlike Peter (Acts 10:25-26) or the angel in Revelation. 3. The man calls Him “Lord” (κύριε)—a term that, in John’s Gospel, shifts from polite address (v. 36) to divine title when used absolutely (John 20:28). Thus John 9:38 becomes an early, narrative-embedded confession of the deity of Christ. Spiritual Sight Versus Physical Sight Jesus ends the chapter declaring, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind” (John 9:39). The healed man’s worship demonstrates his true sight; the Pharisees’ refusal to worship reveals their blindness. Worship therefore functions as the diagnostic evidence of a heart enlightened by Christ. Canonical Trajectory of Worship • OT Pattern – Worship involves bowing, sacrifice, and acknowledgment of covenant lordship (Psalm 95:6). • NT Fulfillment – Jesus teaches, “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). The healed man now embodies that standard: an inward faith expressed in outward homage to the incarnate Truth (John 14:6). Practical Theology 1. Worship is the proper response to divine revelation and grace. 2. Genuine faith moves beyond intellectual assent to embodied adoration. 3. Personal testimony, as in John 9, remains a powerful evangelistic tool: “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!” (v. 25). Conclusion The significance of the worship in John 9:38 lies in its simultaneous affirmation of Christ’s deity, demonstration of authentic saving faith, and embodiment of the overarching biblical call for humanity to glorify God. |
    |