John 9:24-34 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said to him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.… We find the man doing two things which are done by all who are spiritually restored by Christ. I. MAINTAINING TRUTH IN THE FACE OF FIERCE OPPOSITION. See how he holds his own. 1. In a noble spirit. His conduct stands in sublime contrast to that of his parents and others concerned. Mark — (1) His candour. Hearing men disputing, without hesitation he says "I am he." Outspokenness is the ring of a great nature. (2) His courage. In defiance of the Sanhedrim he declares that the hated Jesus was his Healer. The genuine alone are brave; honest souls dread a lie more than the frowns of a thousand despots. (3) His consistency. In spite of all questions and browbeating, he never varies in his statements. Truth is that subtle element which alone gives unity to all the varied parts of a man's life. Error makes man contradict himself. The whole subject shows us that there may be grandeur of soul where there is social obscurity and physical infirmity. 2. By sound argument. (1) His answer was built upon consciousness (ver. 25). The logic of a school of Aristotle's could not disturb his conviction. It is so with a true Christian: he feels the change and no argument can touch it. 3. His argument was formulated by common sense. When his judges pressed him (ver. 26) he reproves them for repeating questions already answered and with withering irony asks (ver. 27). He states his argument thus: that his cure, of which he was conscious, was a miracle (ver. 30), which they could not deny. Is it not a doctrine with you that no one without Divine authority can perform miracles? Why ask such questions? And not only has the Healer Divine authority but a holy character (ver. 31). II. FOLLOWING CHRIST WHEN CAST OUT FROM MEN. The best men in every age are "cast out" by the ungodly. But, when cast out, what became of him? 1. Christ sought him (ver 35), and found him out. Sometimes men have found Christ out by their own searching, e.g., Zacchaeus and Bartimaeus. But here Christ finds the man out, as He did the woman of Samaria, irrespective of His search. 2. Christ revealed Himself to him (ver. 35-37). 3. Christ was followed by him (ver. 38). (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. |
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