Very instructive and very encouraging is the way in which, in this passage, our Divine Lord associates his people with himself. In assuming our nature he accepted the ordinary conditions of our life, its duties and its limitations. Generally speaking, what no man could do he would not do; what all men must submit to he would submit to also. Neither then nor now is he ashamed to call us brethren. As Son of man, he partakes both our nature and our lot. His Spirit and his language assure us of this. Accordingly, his experience is not merely something for us to admire; it is for us so to ponder that we may share it. He partakes our conflict that we may partake his victory. In the words of the text these principles are made manifest, in their application to the "work" which gives meaning to human life.

I. THE CHARACTER OF THE EARTHLY SERVICE. The works themselves to which Jesus here referred were special. By "works" he undoubtedly intended miracles, signs, wonders - such deeds of power and mercy as that which the condition of the blind man suggested that he should perform for his benefit. But our Lord often spoke of his "work" in a more general sense; and even here there is nothing exclusive of his spiritual ministry, to which this language certainly applies. This saying of Jesus casts light upon the character of the earthly service rendered by himself, and required of all his faithful disciples and followers.

1. Diligence is characteristic both of the Master and of his servants. No reader of the Gospels can fail to be impressed with the laboriousness of Christ's public life. There were times when he had no leisure even to eat; there never was a time when he neglected an opportunity of benevolence. Whether in teaching or in healing he was ever occupied, and occupied for purposes unselfish and brotherly.

2. His works were the proof of his obedience. Our Lord evidently lived a life of devotion to the Father who "sent" him. He did not his own will, but the Father's. It was his meat to do the will of him who sent him, and to finish his work. His advent, his ministry, his death, were all proofs of his obedience. Though a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. How much more must subjection to the Father's will befit us, who are the creatures of his power, the subjects of his dominion! It gives dignity to our life to feel that we too are sent into the world by God - that we are his messengers, his servants, his children, bound to do his behests, and to live as accountable to him.

3. Obligation characterizes all true service. Even the Son of God could say, "I must." On his part there was no compulsion. He of his own accord undertook a life of consecration and self-denial. What he did he "must needs" do, for the fulfillment of the Divine purposes, for the satisfaction of the benevolent yearnings of his own heart, and for the salvation of mankind. In our case there is a stringent moral obligation to serve God. As creatures, we are bound to obey a righteous Maker; as redeemed, emancipated freedmen, we are bound to glorify a Divine Deliverer. We are not our own. The duty that binds us to service is indeed a duty sweetened by grateful love, but a duty it cannot cease to be.

II. THE LIMITATION OF THE EARTHLY SERVICE. Our Lord condescended to accept the natural limits of human life. The day is for labor. Christ's day was from the dawn at Bethlehem to the evening on Olivet. There are those of his followers whose day is even shorter than his. There are many whose day is far longer. But in the case of every one of us there are limits which we cannot pass over. There are the "twelve hours" of the day, to which we cannot add. From this language we learn that the day, the period for our work on earth, is:

1. A prescribed, unalterable period. We cannot add a cubit to our stature, a year to our life. There is "an appointed time" for man upon earth.

2. A period during which the light still shines upon our path. If a man walk in the day he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of the world. Christians are favored with the light of revelation - with the light of the Spirit given during the gospel dispensation. It is for them to walk and to work while the daylight lasts.

3. A period during which strength is unspent. The laborer toils until the lengthening shadows tell him that the day's work is approaching the close. He needs repose with evening, but until the evening his vigor enables him to continue his efforts. Whilst the Christian lives, God gives him power to serve. God is not a hard Taskmaster; his demands do not exceed his gifts. The voice from eternity that speaks with authority bids us "work while it is day."

III. THE SPECIAL MOTIVE TO THE EARTHLY SERVICE. "The night cometh, when no man can work." There has never been spoken by human lips anything more solemn, and at the same time more precious, than this. We all, when we think upon the matter, feel this declaration to be so indisputably true. Yet we are all prone to overlook, sometimes almost anxious to forget it.

1. Consider this reflection as bearing upon Christ himself. He knew that the end of his earthly life and ministry was near. But he knew also that much remained for him yet to do and to suffer. There was a work for him to accomplish whilst he was still in this world - a work which he must accomplish within the swiftly closing day, or not at all. His advanced and final lessons to his disciples, his last assertions of supernatural power, his crowning revelation of majestic meekness and patience, his mysterious sufferings, - these all had to be crowded into his last brief days. The cup had yet to be drained, the cross had yet to be borne. All must be finished before the twilight deepened into darkness. For the Father had given him all this to do; and he would leave undone nothing-that he had undertaken.

2. How powerfully does this reflection bear upon our own moral life! Every one of us who is alive to the real meaning of his existence, must feel, and does feel, that this short day of life is given us, not for pleasure, but for progress; not for ease, but for toil. If, through weakness and temptation, this feeling sometimes fails us, there is one effectual method of reviving it. "The night cometh!" Venit nox! There is much to be done that must be done before the sunset of life's day, if it is not to remain undone forever. Here or nowhere; now or never! That the future life will be a scene of service is not to be doubted. But earthly service must be rendered upon earth. Here the gospel must be embraced; here the new birth to spiritual realities must commence the life that is Divine. Now is the day of salvation. The earthly service must be rendered in this life. The voice comes, "Go, work today in my vineyard." Neglect or refuse to obey that summons, and that piece of work will remain undone. Yet the time is very short, and night is very near. Labor, before the hand be palsied. Give, before the substance be beyond control. Speak, before the tongue be forever silent. Do all as looking forward, onward, to the end.

APPLICATION. Let the laborious remember that not all labor is wise and blessed. Work for self, and such work will be consumed in the fire that shall try all things. But work for God shall stand; no power can destroy it. Let the indolent remember that time unredeemed can only witness against them at the last. Let the young remember that, if a lengthened day be given them, the greater will be their responsibility and the larger their opportunity of commending themselves as faithful laborers to the just and gracious Master. Let the aged remember that, near as is night for them, they have a witness yet to bear, and a memory of inspiration to leave behind. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." - T.

I. JOYFUL RECOGNITION. They identified him as their son. The neighbours could only say he was like the beggar they had known (ver. 9): the man's parents had no doubt.

II. SORROWFUL CONCESSION. The son's report as to his blindness was correct. He had never known the light of day.

III. CAUTIOUS NEGATION. They declared ignorance of how the miracle had been wrought; so far, at least as their own observation went.

IV. PRUDENT SUGGESTION. The questioners might inquire of their son, who was responsible and was able to answer for himself.

(T. Whitelaw, D. D.)

The parents who instead of avowing that Christ had healed their son, evaded the question for fear of the Jews. That they felt some interest in one who had conferred such a benefit on their son can scarcely be doubted, but it was not enough to make them courageous for the truth. The great majority now belong to this class. They have no prejudice against Christ, but they have not sufficient interest in Him to avow Him. The parents ignored Christ's work —

I. ALTHOUGH THEY HAD EVERY OPPORTUNITY OF KNOWING IT. This is the case with millions — wherever they look there are monuments of Christ's beneficent operations. In every social circle is some faithful disciple ready to proclaim Him.

II. WHEN GRATITUDE SHOULD HAVE URGED THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. Christ had given their son a capacity to contribute to their interests. All that is solutary in government, ennobling in literature, fair in commerce, loving in friendship, progressive in intelligence, morality and happiness must be ascribed to Christ. Take from England all she owes to Christ and you leave her in all the confusion, horrors and cruelties of heathenism.

III. FROM COWARDLY MEANNESS OF SOUL (ver. 22). Is not Christ ignored today from the fear of losing property, sacrificing friendships, etc. Strange that thousands who have the courage to confront an army are too cowardly to avow Christ.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

They answered obliquely and over warily; but Christ deserved better of them. Squirrels ever set their holes to the sunny side. Politic professors, neuter-passive Christians will be sure to keep on the warmer side of the hedge; neither will they launch farther into the sea than they may be sure to return safely to the shore.

(J. Trapp.)

This means Not-know-ism, or Know-nothing-ism, and describes the state of mind of those who say about God, the Bible, and the spiritual world, that they do not know anything. They do not deny, are not profane atheists, they occupy a negative position. Amongst them are distinguished men to whom we are much indebted; but if they are right, we are fatally wrong. We ought, therefore, to find out what foothold we have.

1. There is a Book which professes to tell us about God, the spiritual world and the future. They ignore its testimony, saying they do not know who wrote it, or by what authority it was written. This is a very serious responsibility in relation to such a Book — a Book so distinctively moral in its tone.

2. If we are at liberty to ignore such evidence as is tendered without giving our reason, there is no ground for believing anything in history. I do not know that geology has made any progress. But there are the books which prove it; but I ignore them; they may be corrected; I know nothing of the men who wrote them, or their qualifications. If you tell me they do not claim infallibility, I reply that fallibility constitutes no claim on my confidence. Suppose I say that I cannot be troubled with the examination of fallible theories, and that I will wait until some theory is finally established; then that very theory would bring upon it the identical charge brought against the Bible, viz., that it staggers mankind by the supremacy of its claim.

3. Now the Bible is as positive in its statements as possible. "Thus saith the Lord." This fact increases the responsibility of those who ignore the Book. The mere claim of course settles nothing, nor does ignoring the claim. Our object is to ascertain with all the positiveness of positive science what we unquestionably know about the Bible. If certain facts are established we are entitled to say to agnostics, "Why herein is a marvellous thing," etc. (ver. 30).

I. It is a fact THAT BAD MEN DISLIKE IT, AVOID IT, AND ARE AFRAID OF IT. As a practical argument this amounts to a great deal. No unrighteousness can be vindicated by Christian revelation; not only so; no unholy thought or dishonourable motive is tolerated by it. For these reasons bad men do not consult it, guilty men flee from its judgments, mean men shrink from its standards. If a ruler is a terror to evil doers, the presumption is that he represents the spirit of justice; and if the Bible is avoided by bad men the presumption is that its moral tone is intolerable to their reproachful consciences.

II. It is a fact THAT WHERE IT IS RECEIVED AND THOROUGHLY ACTED UPON THE RESULT IS A PURIFIED MORALITY. You will find the proof of this alike in the humblest and loftiest circles. When men stand up in the court of this world and give their histories, names, and addresses, you are bound either to accept their evidence or disprove it. It is trifling with a great question simply to ignore it. The change they attribute to Christianity is a fact or not a fact; and if it be scientific to mark the progress of a horse's development, it cannot be despicable to trace the advances of a human mind.

III. It is a fact THAT IT COMPELS THOSE WHO REALLY BELIEVE IT TO EXERT THEMSELVES IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND. It does not leave this an open question. It allows no ignoble ease, smites every self-indulgent excuse, and approves all labour for others. If a man falls below this standard he brings upon himself unsparing condemnation.

IV. It is a fact THAT IN THOSE COUNTRIES THAT ARE NOTED FOR ALLOWING THE FREE USE OF THE BIBLE, LIBERTY, EDUCATION, SCIENCE, ARE HELD IN THE HIGHEST HONOUR. This is not a matter of speculation. It is proved in England, Germany, and America.

(J. Parker, D. D.)

I. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN SAVED MEN ARE COMPELLED TO SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.

1. When their friends desert them. These parents were willing to own that the young man was their son, and that he was born blind; but they would not go any further for fear of excommunication. So, declining any responsibility, for they had a well-founded confidence in their son's power to take care of himself, they threw upon him the onus of giving an answer likely to incur obloquy, and backed out of it. There are times with young people when their parents turn the cold shoulder to them, and some who hold back suspiciously, leaving others to champion the Master's cause when it comes to a hard push, quietly observing something about casting pearls before swine. But the most likely explanation of such cowardice is that they have no pearls to cast. It is lamentable how many seem afraid to compromise themselves. But whenever a man finds himself thus deserted, let him say gallantly, "I am of age; I will speak for myself."

2. When they are much pressed. The Pharisees question the man very closely, and he does not seem to have been disconcerted, but acquitted himself grandly. When we are brought to book, let us not be ashamed to own our Lord. If it comes to a challenge, let us say boldly, "I am on the side of Christ."

3. When others revile and slander our Lord. When they said "This man is a sinner," "He hath opened mine eyes," was the response; and when they averred that they knew not whence Christ was, the man twitted them on their marvellous ignorance, and fought for his Healer so trenchantly that they threw away the weapons of debate and took up stones of abuse. When men speak ill of Christ, shall we be quiet? No! let us throw the gauntlet down for Him. Christian people do not take half the liberty they might. If we speak of religion, or open our Bibles in a railway carriage, it is "cant." They may play cards, and utter all sorts of profanity with impunity. In the name of everything that is free we will have our turn. So we see that there are times when men, however quiet and reserved, must speak.

II. IT IS ALWAYS WELL TO BE PREPARED TO SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. When the parents said, "Ask him," there was a little twinkle in their eye as much as to say, "You will catch a Tartar." He can speak for himself. We want Christians of this sort who, when asked about their faith, can so answer as to be more than a match for their adversaries.

1. Cultivate a general habit of open heartedness and boldness. We have no need to push ourselves and so become a nuisance and a bore; but let us walk through the world as those who have nothing to conceal.

2. Be sure of your ground. "Whether He be a sinner or no I know not." So he offered no opinion on a subject on which he could not be positive. But when he had a hard fact there was nothing vague in his statement (ver. 25). And there are some of you in whom such a change has taken place. Put your foot down, then, and say, "You cannot misjudge this."

3. Have the facts ready to adduce (ver. 11). Let them have the plan of salvation, as you first perceived it, very plainly put before them. "Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you."

4. Be prepared to bear abuse (ver. 28, 34). The man cared not an atom for their insinuations. Their scorn could not deprive him of his sight. He merely shook his head and said, "I can see." Some people are very sensitive of "chaff"; but what a baby a man is who cannot brave a fool's laugh! What does it matter if you are twitted with being a Methodist if you are saved? They will be tired of teasing when they find that our temper triumphs over their senseless tricks.

5. Feel intense gratitude to the Saviour for what He has done.

III. EVERY SAVED MAN SHOULD WILLINGLY SPEAK FOR HIMSELF ABOUT CHRIST.

1. Are we not all debtors to Christ if, indeed, He has saved us? How can we acknowledge the debt if we are ashamed of Him?

2. We each of us know most about what He has done for us. No one else can know so much.

3. The more individual testimonies are borne to Christ the more weight there is in the accumulated force of the great aggregate. A sceptical lawyer attended an experience meeting amongst his neighbours and took notes. When he reviewed the evidence he said, "If I had these persons in the witness box on my side, I should feel quite sure of carrying my case. Though each has told his own tale, they all bear witness to the power of God's grace to change the heart. I am bound to believe after this testimony." And he did, and became a Christian. Do you say, "They can do without my story." Nay, it has its own special interest, and may touch the heart of somebody like yourself.(1) You are only a nursemaid, but your testimony will suit another lass like yourself. Who could have told her mistress that there was healing for Naaman but the captive maid?(2) You are old and feeble; but you are just the man whose few words have full weight.(3) You are only a working man; but who can tell working men about your changed character and home like yourself?

IV. AS EVERY CHRISTIAN, BEING OF AGE, HAS TO SPEAK FOR HIMSELF, WE MEAN TO DO IT. You cannot all preach, and should not try; if you all did, what a tumult there be! And there would be no hearers left if all were preachers. Your work is to speak and to let your influence be felt among your servants, children, trades people. You say "I am so retiring." Well, then drop a little of your modesty, and distinguish yourself a little more for your manliness. A soldier who was retiring in the day of battle they shot for a coward.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

I. INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTABILITY. The Bible lays down no clearly defined line between the ages when God does and does not regard the child morally accountable for sinful actions. This must depend on the varying circumstances of intelligence, temperament, and social surroundings of the child. But the time does come when with no hesitation we can throw upon the youth's conscience the full weight of his individual responsibility, saying with emphasis: "He is of age." He must answer "for himself."

II. PARENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY. Up to a certain age the parent has no doubt of the salvation of the child. The Saviour's atonement satisfies the requirements of every child dying at an early age. Nevertheless, during this tender age character is being formed for future development; and God holds the parents accountable for the manifold influences that are affecting the child's mental and moral vision, saying to them: "Is this your son?" "How then doth he now see?" Does your child "see" kindly glances, Christ-like actions, devout conduct, devotional observances, etc.

III. MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY The spirit of Cain has impregnated human history. "Am I my brother's keeper" is still largely the covert of a mean soul that wants to shirk the duty of fraternal help and counsel, or defence. The fear that here padlocked the parents' lips is a sin that thrives in too many hearts. How often has an accused one gone to the grave under a dark cloud that might have been dispersed, if friends had been found of sufficient courage to contradict patronizing accusers. But no! Speaking the truth would have damaged the selfish interests of those who said: "Let him speak for himself."

IV. THE PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY OF CHURCH RELATIONS. Our knowledge of each other is very limited. Large significance belongs to the apostle's words: "We know in part." An individual presents himself for Church membership. The question goes round, and very properly so, "What do you know of him?" But our knowledge here often proves strangely false, whether the testimony is pro or con. The voice of God is, "Let him speak for himself." Take the applicant on personal confession, unless his or her life is palpably false. Was not even Judas admitted on personal confession? When the falsity of character is seen then is the time for unchurching. We are familiar with the account of the poor Scotch woman, who, on applying for church membership, was so ignorant of the theological queries put to her by her pastor, that she was sent away as temporarily disqualified. On leaving, she said, with deep emotion: "I canna speak for Him, but I could die for Him."

(The Study.)

A Christian man (Mr. Moody) in a Western city resolved that he would never allow a day to pass without speaking to someone on the subject of personal salvation. He was returning home late one evening, burdened with the thought that the day had gone by, and no one had been invited to Christ. He saw a man leaning against a lamp post, put his hand gently on the shoulder of the stranger, and said, "May I ask you if you love the Lord Jesus Christ?" The stranger resented the freedom and replied curtly, that that was a personal matter in which nobody else had any concern. But the Christian replied kindly, that they were fellow travellers to another world, and one could not be indifferent whether others had a good hope of entering heaven. After a few more words had passed between them, they parted, the Christian fearing that he had given offence, but carrying the matter to the closet for earnest prayer. Three months after, just as he had retired for the night, a knock was heard at the door. He inquired what was wanted; and a gentleman replied he would like to see him. On opening the door, he recognized the stranger met at the lamp post. The latter grasped him convulsively by the hand, and said, "The question you put to me, 'Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?' has been ringing ever since in my ear; and I have come to ask you what I must do to be saved." They prayed and talked together; and in a few days the stranger was rejoicing in the hope of pardon. He became an earnest and devoted Christian.

(E. Foster.)

Jesus, DisciplesJerusalem, SiloamAble, Birth, Blind, Born, Question, Questioned, Saying1. The man born blind is restored to sight.
8. He is brought to the Pharisees.
13. They are offended at it;
35. but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him.
39. Who they are whom Jesus enlightens.

John 9:1-34

     7505   Jews, the

John 9:1-41

     8442   good works

John 9:13-34

     2369   Christ, responses to

June 13 Evening
Dost thou believe on the Son of God?--JOHN 9:35. Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.--The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.--I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 9 Evening
The night cometh when no man can work.--JOHN 9:4. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, . . . they . . . rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.--There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.--Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.--The dead praise not the Lord, neither any …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 24 Evening
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day.--JOHN 9:4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.--He that watereth shall be watered. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest: behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

One Metaphor and Two Meanings
'I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.'--JOHN ix. 4. 'The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.'--ROMANS xiii. 12. The contrast between these two sayings will strike you at once. Using the same metaphors, they apply them in exactly opposite directions. In the one, life is the day, and the state beyond death the night; in the other, life is the night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sixth Miracle in John's Gospel --The Blind Made to See, and the Seeing Made Blind
'When Jesus had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7. And said unto him, Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way, therefore, and washed, and came seeing.'--JOHN ix. 6, 7. The proportionate length at which this miracle and its accompanying effects are recorded, indicates very clearly the Evangelist's idea of their relative importance. Two verses are given to the story …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Think Ye of Christ?
Matthew 22:42 -- "What think ye of Christ?" When it pleased the eternal Son of God to tabernacle among us, and preach the glad tidings of salvation to a fallen world, different opinions were entertained by different parties concerning him. As to his person, some said he was Moses; others that he was Elias, Jeremias, or one of the ancient prophets; few acknowledged him to be what he really was, God blessed for evermore. And as to his doctrine, though the common people, being free from prejudice, were …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Brevity of Life.
"I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh."--ST. JOHN ix. 4. There are few things more commonly disregarded by us in our early years than the brevity of our life through all its successive stages, and the fleeting nature of its opportunities. In childhood we are almost entirely unconscious of both these characteristics of life. Indeed, it would hardly be natural if it were otherwise. That reflective habit which dwells upon them is the result of our experience, …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Words of the Gospel, John ix. 4 and 31, "We must Work the Works of Him that Sent Me," Etc. Against the Arians. And
1. The Lord Jesus, as we heard when the Holy Gospel was being read, opened the eyes of a man who was born blind. Brethren, if we consider our hereditary punishment, the whole world is blind. And therefore came Christ the Enlightener, because the devil had been the Blinder. He made all men to be born blind, who seduced the first man. Let them run to the Enlightener, let them run, believe, receive the clay made of the spittle. The Word is as it were the spittle, the Flesh is the earth. Let them wash …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Same Lesson of the Gospel, John ix. , on the Giving Sight to the Man that was Born Blind.
1. We have heard the lesson of the Holy Gospel which we are in the habit of hearing; but it is a good thing to be reminded: good to refresh the memory from the lethargy of forgetfulness. And in fact this very old lesson has given us as much pleasure as if it were new. Christ gave sight to one blind from his birth; why do we marvel? Christ is the Saviour; by an act of mercy He made up that which He had not given in the womb. Now when He gave that man no eyes, it was no mistake of His surely; but a …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

A Pressed Man Yielding to Christ
"Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on he Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him."--John 9:35-38. D LAST Sabbath morning,[9]* I spoke to you concerning one who was impressed into the King's service. That was Simon, the Cyrenian, who was compelled to bear …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900

Contention Over the Man Born Blind.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John IX. 1-41. [Some look upon the events in this and the next section as occurring at the Feast of Tabernacles in October, others think they occurred at the Feast of Dedication in December, deriving their point of time from John x. 22.] ^d 1 And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. [The man probably sought to waken compassion by repeatedly stating this fact to passers-by.] 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Healing of the Man Born Blind.
After the scene in the Temple described in the last chapter, and Christ's consequent withdrawal from His enemies, we can scarcely suppose any other great event to have taken place on that day within or near the precincts of the Sanctuary. And yet, from the close connection of the narratives, we are led to infer that no long interval of time can have elapsed before the healing of the man born blind. [4116] Probably it happened the day after the events just recorded. We know that it was a Sabbath, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Doctrine of Christ.
2 John 9-11. "WHOSOEVER transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11). What then is the doctrine of Christ? It is the revealed truth concerning the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the Son …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Opened Eyes
Gerhard Ter Steegen John ix. 37 "Where is a God?" doth weary Reason say-- "I see but starlit skies." "Where is the sun?" So calleth at noonday The man with sightless eyes. Thou, little child, from thee God is not far; Look inwards, not above: Thou needest not to roam from star to star, For God is Love. …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Man Born Blind and Joseph of Arimathea
There were two extraordinary men living in the city of Jerusalem when Christ was on earth. One of them has come down through history nameless--we do not know who he was; the name of the other is given. One was not only a beggar, but blind from his birth; the other was one of the rich men of Jerusalem. Yet in the Gospel of John, there is more space given to this blind beggar than to any other character. The reason why so much has been recorded of this man is because he took his stand for Jesus Christ. …
Dwight L. Moody—Men of the Bible

Whether a Man Can Merit Perseverance
Whether a Man can Merit Perseverance We proceed to the ninth article thus: 1. It seems that a man can merit perseverance. For a man in grace can merit what he obtains through petition, and men obtain perseverance through petition, since otherwise perseverance would be asked of God in vain by the petition of the Lord's prayer, as Augustine says (2 De Bono Persev.). [47] It follows that perseverance can be merited by a man in grace. 2. Again, to be unable to sin is more than not to sin. Now to be unable …
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Sight Given to the Blind.
"And as He passed by, He saw a man blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Rabbi, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he should be born blind? Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. We must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work. When I am in the world, I am the Light of the world. When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay …
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Jesus and the Blind Man.
This miracle is reported only by John, a fact that is not strange when we remember that he alone gives a report of the ministry in Judea in which it occurred. The time cannot be certainly determined. Some have supposed that it occurred on the same day, only a few moments after Christ had escaped from the attempt to stone him; others regard it improbable that he should have stopped at such a moment to perform a miracle. All that is certain is that it was on the Sabbath day; a fact that intensified …
B.W. Johnson—The New Testament Commentary Vol. III: John

Triumph. L. M.
Go, labor on, while it is day; The world's dark night is hastening on; Speed, speed thy work,--cast sloth away! It is not thus that souls are won. 2 Men die in darkness at your side, Without a hope to cheer the tomb; Take up the torch and wave it wide-- The torch that lights time's thickest gloom. 3 Toil on, faint not;--keep watch and pray! Be wise the erring soul to win; Go forth into the world's highway; Compel the wanderer to come in. 4 Go, labor on; your hands are weak; Your knees are faint, …
Edmund S. Lorenz—The Otterbein Hymnal

Letter Lxviii. To Castrutius.
Castrutius, a blind man of Pannonia, had set out for Bethlehem to visit Jerome. However, on reaching Cissa (whether that in Thrace or that on the Adriatic is uncertain) he was induced by his friends to turn back. Jerome writes to thank him for his intention and to console him for his inability to carry it out. He then tries to comfort him in his blindness (1) by referring to Christ's words concerning the man born blind (Joh. ix. 3) and (2) by telling him the story of Antony and Didymus. The date …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
OF SIN. Sin is the great block and bar to our happiness, the procurer of all miseries to man, both here and hereafter: take away sin and nothing can hurt us: for death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, is the wages of it. Sin, and man for sin, is the object of the wrath of God. How dreadful, therefore, must his case be who continues in sin! For who can bear or grapple with the wrath of God? No sin against God can be little, because it is against the great God of heaven and earth; but if the sinner …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Struggler;
CONTAINING THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER IN WHICH MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS WERE PUBLISHED, AND THE NUMBER OF EDITIONS THEY PASSED THROUGH DURING HIS LIFE. THIRTY REASONS WHY CHRISTIAN PEOPLE SHOULD PROMOTE THEIR CIRCULATION, AND THE STRUGGLER FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THESE LABOURS.--PUBLISHED IN 1691. BY CHARLES DOE, ONE OF MR. BUNYAN'S PERSONAL FRIENDS. A CATALOGUE-TABLE OF MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS. AND THEIR SUCCESSION IN PUBLISHING, MOST ACCORDING TO HIS OWN RECKONING. Note.--Those that are in Italic letter are …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Transfiguration: an Emergency Measure. Matthew 16:28-17:1-8. Mark 9:1-8. Luke 9:27-36.
God in Sore Straits: the darkest hour save one, fugitive, John 7:1. ban, John 9:22, 34. pushing, Matthew 15:1. Mark 7:1.--the danger zone, "withdrew," Matthew 4:12. 12:15. 14:13. 15:21. Tabernacles, John 7:32. 8:59.--Galileans desert, John 6:60-66.--the inner circle infected, John 6:67-71.--God needs men. Fire and anvil for Leaders: mental strength--seasoned leadership--Simon and Peter. An Irresistible Plan: alone with the twelve--the changed plan, Matthew 16:18-21.--Peter's stupid boldness, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

John 9:19 NIV
John 9:19 NLT
John 9:19 ESV
John 9:19 NASB
John 9:19 KJV

John 9:19 Bible Apps
John 9:19 Parallel
John 9:19 Biblia Paralela
John 9:19 Chinese Bible
John 9:19 French Bible
John 9:19 German Bible

John 9:19 Commentaries

Bible Hub