Why do the Pharisees question Jesus in John 9:40? Canonical Text “Then Jesus declared, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, ‘Are we blind too?’ Jesus replied, ‘If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.’ ” (John 9:39-41) Literary Flow of John 9 The chapter opens with a man born blind (9:1). Jesus heals him, provoking an investigation by the Pharisees (9:13-34). The healed man is expelled from the synagogue, Jesus reveals Himself as Son of Man (9:35-38), and then issues the verdict in verse 39. Verse 40 records the Pharisees’ question; verse 41 carries Jesus’ closing judgment. Their question is inseparably linked to the unfolding contrasts between physical sight and spiritual sight, acceptance and rejection, humility and pride. Historical-Cultural Profile of the Pharisees Pharisees were the lay-scholar movement guarding oral tradition (cf. Josephus, Antiquities 13.10.6). They prided themselves on meticulous Torah-keeping, social influence in synagogues, and theological expertise. Practically, they functioned as gatekeepers of religious legitimacy. Publicly losing theological ground to an itinerant Galilean rabbi threatened both their authority and their narrative about righteousness. Immediate Motives for the Question 1. Self-Vindication: By asking “Are we blind too?” they attempt to force Jesus either to retract His implication or to accuse them explicitly—hoping to expose Him as disrespecting learned leaders (cf. 9:16). 2. Defensive Rhetoric: The question is framed to show incredulity, masking insecurity. In classical rhetoric this is erotesis—posing a question to assert a contrary answer. 3. Challenge to Authority: They maneuver Jesus into a public confrontation. If He calls them blind, they can charge Him with slander; if He excuses them, they win by concession. 4. Exposure of Spiritual Condition: Unwittingly they fulfill Jesus’ own diagnosis. Their refusal to admit need proves their blindness. Theological Undercurrents • Sin and Suffering Paradigm: Earlier they assumed the blind man’s ailment was due to personal or parental sin (9:2, 34). That worldview collapsed when Jesus healed him. Questioning Jesus now protects their theology of retributive justice. • Messianic Judgment: Isaiah foretold Messiah would “open eyes that are blind” (Isaiah 42:7) and simultaneously bring judicial hardening (Isaiah 6:10). Jesus’ pronouncement aligns with these prophecies, situating the Pharisees as the hardened. Old Testament and Intertestamental Resonance • Exodus 4:11 reveals that Yahweh alone grants sight—setting a foundation for Jesus’ creative act in 9:6-7. • Wisdom literature (Proverbs 26:12) warns, “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” The Pharisees exemplify this self-confidence. • Dead Sea Scrolls (1QS 3.21-24) speak of God blinding the wicked, showing the motif’s prevalence by the first century. Psychological and Behavioral Dynamics Contemporary behavioral science notes “threatened egotism” triggers defensive questioning. Their status being challenged by an ex-beggar who confesses Jesus as Lord (9:38) raises cognitive dissonance. Their question is a face-saving move, attempting to reassert group identity and doctrinal certainty. Legalistic Framework versus Grace Their regulatory mindset demanded conformity to Sabbath rules (9:16). Jesus violated their halakhic boundaries by mixing clay, classed as kneading. Admitting blindness would mean admitting their legal code failed to perceive God’s heart. Their question protects the law-based righteousness they champion. Irony and Narrative Strategy John’s Gospel employs dramatic irony: readers know Jesus is Light of the World (8:12; 9:5), yet the “enlightened” Pharisees remain in darkness. Their interrogative, meant to corner Jesus, becomes self-indicting testimony within the narrative. Practical Application Believers must guard against assuming doctrinal precision equals spiritual sight. Humility keeps the heart receptive. Evangelistically, the passage warns that unbelief is often moral, not merely intellectual; pride resists grace. Answer Summarized The Pharisees question Jesus in John 9:40 because His declaration of judgment threatens their self-perception as enlightened guardians of God’s law. Their rhetorical question seeks to vindicate themselves, challenge Jesus’ authority, and preserve their theological system. In doing so, they unwittingly confirm the very blindness Christ exposes, demonstrating that prideful refusal to acknowledge need is the root of spiritual darkness. |
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