| Back to Home Page | Back to
Book Index |
John Chapter
Nine
John 9
In chapter 9 we come to the testimony of His works, but
as down here as a man in lowliness. It is not the Son of God quickening whom He
will as the Father, but by the operation of His grace down here, the eye opened
to see in the lowly man the Son of God. In chapter 8 it is that which He is
towards men; in chapter 9 it is that which He does in man, that man may see
Him. Thus we shall find Him presented in His human character, and (the word
being received) acknowledged to be the Son of God; and in this way the remnant
separated, the sheep restored to the good Shepherd. He is the light of the
world while He is in it; but where, through grace received in His humiliation,
He communicated the power to see the light, and to see all things by it.
Observe here, that when it is the word (the manifestation in testimony
of what Christ is), man is manifested as he is in himself, a child-in his
nature-of the devil, who is a murderer and a liar from the beginning, the
inveterate enemy of Him who can say, "I am." [1] But when the Lord works, He produces
something in man that he had not previously. He bestows sight on him, attaching
him thus to the One who had enabled him to see. The Lord is not here understood
or manifested in apparently as exalted a manner, because He comes down to the
wants and circumstances of man, in order that He may be more closely known;
but, in result, He brings the soul to the knowledge of His glorious Person.
Only, instead of being the word and the testimony-the Word of God-to shew as
light what man is, He is the Son, one with the Father, [2] giving eternal life to His sheep, and
preserving them in this grace for ever. For, as to the blessing that flows from
thence, and the full doctrine of His true position with regard to the sheep in
blessing, chapter 10 goes with chapter 9. Chapter 10 is the continuation of the
discourse begun at the end of chapter 9.
Chapter 9 opens with the case of a man that gives rise to
a question from the disciples, in relation to the government of God in Israel.
Was it his parents' sin that brought this visitation on their child, according
to the principles God had given them in Exodus? Or was it his own sin, known to
God though not manifested to men, that had procured him this judgment? The Lord
replies, that the man's condition did not depend on the government of God with
respect to the sin either of himself or of his parents. His case was but the
misery which gave room for the mighty operation of God in grace. It is the
contrast that we have continually seen; but here it is in order to set forth
the works of God.
God acts. It is not only that which He is, nor even
simply an object of faith. The presence of Jesus on earth made it day. It was
therefore the time of work to do the works of Him that sent Him. But He who
works here, works by means that teach us the union which exists between an
object of faith and the power of God who works. He makes clay with His spittle
and the earth, and puts it on the eyes of the man who was born blind. As a
figure, it pointed to the humanity of Christ in earthly humiliation and
lowliness, presented to the eyes of men, but with divine efficacy of life in
Him. Did they see any more? If possible, their eyes were the more completely
closed. Still the object was there; it touched their eyes, and they could not
see it. The blind man then washes in the pool that was called "Sent,"
and is enabled to see clearly. The power of the Spirit and of the word, making
Christ known as the One sent by the Father, gives him sight. It is the history
of divine teaching in the heart of man. Christ, as man, touches us. We are absolutely
blind, we see nothing. The Spirit of God acts, Christ being there before our
eyes; and we see plainly.
The people are astonished and know not what to think. The
Pharisees oppose. Again the Sabbath is in question. They find (it is always the
story) good reasons for condemning Him who bestowed sight, in their pretended
zeal for God's glory. There was positive proof that the man was born blind,
that he now saw, that Jesus had done it. The parents testify to the only thing
that was important on their part. As to who it was that had given him sight,
others knew more than they; but their fears bring out in evidence, that it was
a settled thing to cast out, not only Jesus, but all who should confess Him.
Thus the Jewish leaders brought the thing to a decisive point. They not only
rejected Christ, but they cast out from the privileges of Israel, as to their
ordinary worship, those who confessed Him. Their hostility distinguished the
manifested remnant and put them apart; and that, by using confession of Christ
as a touchstone. This was deciding their own fate, and judging their own
condition.
Observe, that proofs here went for nothing; the Jews, the parents, the
Pharisees, had them before their eyes. Faith came through being personally the
subject of this mighty operation of God, who opened the eyes of men to the
glory of the Lord Jesus. Not that the man understood it all. He perceives that
he has to do with some one sent of God. To him Jesus is a prophet. But thus the
power which He had manifested in giving sight to this man enables him to trust
the Lord's word as divine. Having gone so far, the rest is easy: the poor man
is led much farther, and finds himself on ground that sets him free from all
his former prejudices, and that gives a value to the Person of Jesus which
overcomes all other considerations. The Lord develops this in the next chapter.
In truth, the Jews had made up their mind. They would
have nothing to do with Jesus. They were all agreed to cast out those who
believed in Him. Consequently, the poor man having begun to reason with them on
the proof that existed in his own person of the Saviour's mission, they cast
him out. Thus cast out, the Lord-rejected before him-finds and reveals Himself
to him by His personal name of glory. "Dost thou believe on the Son of
God?" The man refers it to the word of Jesus, which to him was divine
truth, and He proclaims Himself to him as being Himself the Son of God, and the
man worships Him.
Thus the effect of His power was to blind those who saw,
who were full of their own wisdom, whose light was darkness; and to give sight
to those who were born blind.
[1]
Chapter 8 is practically chapter 1:5; only that there is, besides that, enmity,
hostility against Him who was light.
[2] This
distinction of grace and responsibility (in connection with the names Father
and Son, and God) has been already noticed. See page 316.
── John Darby《Synopsis of John》
John 9
Chapter Contents
Christ give sight to one born blind. (1-7) The account
given by the blind man. (8-12) The Pharisees question the man that had been
blind. (13-17) They ask concerning him. (18-23) They cast him out. (24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind. (35-38) He reproves the
Pharisees. (39-41)
Commentary on John 9:1-7
(Read John 9:1-7)
Christ cured many who were blind by disease or accident;
here he cured one born blind. Thus he showed his power to help in the most
desperate cases, and the work of his grace upon the souls of sinners, which
gives sight to those blind by nature. This poor man could not see Christ, but
Christ saw him. And if we know or apprehend anything of Christ, it is because
we were first known of him. Christ says of uncommon calamities, that they are
not always to be looked on as special punishments of sin; sometimes they are
for the glory of God, and to manifest his works. Our life is our day, in which
it concerns us to do the work of the day. We must be busy, and not waste
day-time; it will be time to rest when our day is done, for it is but a day.
The approach of death should quicken us to improve all our opportunities of
doing and getting good. What good we have an opportunity to do, we should do
quickly. And he that will never do a good work till there is nothing to be
objected against, will leave many a good work for ever undone, Ecclesiastes 11:4. Christ magnified his power,
in making a blind man to see, doing that which one would think more likely to
make a seeing man blind. Human reason cannot judge of the Lord's methods; he
uses means and instruments that men despise. Those that would be healed by
Christ must be ruled by him. He came back from the pool wondering and wondered
at; he came seeing. This represents the benefits in attending on ordinances of
Christ's appointment; souls go weak, and come away strengthened; go doubting,
and come away satisfied; go mourning, and come away rejoicing; go blind, and
come away seeing.
Commentary on John 9:8-12
(Read John 9:8-12)
Those whose eyes are opened, and whose hearts are
cleansed by grace, being known to be the same person, but widely different in
character, live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory, and recommend his grace
to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way
and method of God's works, and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this
spiritually. In the work of grace wrought upon the soul we see the change, but
we see not the hand that makes it: the way of the Spirit is like that of the
wind, which thou hearest the sound of, but canst not tell whence it comes, nor
whither it goes.
Commentary on John 9:13-17
(Read John 9:13-17)
Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath, but in
such a manner as would give offence to the Jews, for he would not seem to yield
to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the
substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them.
Also, works of necessity and mercy are allowed, and the sabbath rest is to be
kept, in order to the sabbath work. How many blind eyes have been opened by the
preaching of the gospel on the Lord's day! how many impotent souls cured on
that day! Much unrighteous and uncharitable judging comes from men's adding
their own fancies to God's appointments. How perfect in wisdom and holiness was
our Redeemer, when his enemies could find nothing against him, but the
oft-refuted charge of breaking the sabbath! May we be enabled, by well-doing,
to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Commentary on John 9:18-23
(Read John 9:18-23)
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable
miracle. They expected a Messiah, but could not bear to think that this Jesus
should be he, because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions, and
because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man
brings a snare, Proverbs 29:25, and often makes people deny and
disown Christ and his truths and ways, and act against their consciences. The
unlearned and poor, who are simple-hearted, readily draw proper inferences from
the evidences of the light of the gospel; but those whose desires are another
way, though ever learning, never come to the knowledge of the truth.
Commentary on John 9:24-34
(Read John 9:24-34)
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have
felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful
and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the
work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what
steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can
say, through grace, Whereas I was blind, now I see. I did live a worldly,
sensual life, but, thanks be to God, it is now otherwise with me, Ephesians 5:8. The unbelief of those who enjoy
the means of knowledge and conviction, is indeed marvellous. All who have felt
the power and grace of the Lord Jesus, wonder at the wilfulness of others who
reject him. He argues strongly against them, not only that Jesus was not a
sinner, but that he was of God. We may each of us know by this, whether we are
of God or not. What do we? What do we for God? What do we for our souls? What
do we more than others?
Commentary on John 9:35-38
(Read John 9:35-38)
Christ owns those who own him and his truth and ways.
There is particular notice taken of such a suffer in the cause of Christ, and
for the testimony of a good conscience. Our Lord Jesus graciously reveals
himself to the man. Now he was made sensible what an unspeakable mercy it was,
to be cured of his blindness, that he might see the Son of God. None but God is
to be worshipped; so that in worshipping Jesus, he owned him to be God. All who
believe in him, will worship him.
Commentary on John 9:39-41
(Read John 9:39-41)
Christ came into the world to give sight to those who
were spiritually blind. Also, that those who see might be made blind; that
those who have a high conceit of their own wisdom, might be sealed up in
ignorance. The preaching of the cross was thought to be folly by such as by
carnal wisdom knew not God. Nothing fortifies men's corrupt hearts against the
convictions of the word, more than the high opinion which others have of them;
as if all that gained applause with men, must obtain acceptance with God.
Christ silenced them. But the sin of the self-conceited and self-confident
remains; they reject the gospel of grace, therefore the guilt of their sin
remains unpardoned, and the power of their sin remains unbroken.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on John》
John 9
Verse 3
[3]
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the
works of God should be made manifest in him.
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned,
nor his parents — It was not the manner of our Lord to
answer any questions that were of no use, but to gratify an idle curiosity.
Therefore he determines nothing concerning this. The scope of his answer is, It
was neither for any sins of his own, nor yet of his parents; but that the power
of God might be displayed.
Verse 4
[4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work.
The night is coming —
Christ is the light. When the light is withdrawn night comes, when no man can
work - No man can do any thing toward working out his salvation after this life
is ended. Yet Christ can work always. But he was not to work upon earth, only
during the day, or season which was appointed for him.
Verse 5
[5] As
long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
I am the light of the world — I teach men inwardly by my Spirit, and outwardly by my preaching, what
is the will of God; and I show them, by my example, how they must do it.
Verse 6
[6] When
he 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,
He anointed the eyes of the blind man with
the clay — This might almost have blinded a man that
had sight. But what could it do toward curing the blind? It reminds us that God
is no farther from the event, when he works either with, or without means, and
that all the creatures are only that which his almighty operation makes them.
Verse 7
[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.
Go, wash at the pool of Siloam — Perhaps our Lord intended to make the miracle more taken notice of. For
a crowd of people would naturally gather round him to observe the event of so
strange a prescription, and it is exceeding probable, the guide who must have
led him in traversing a great part of the city, would mention the errand he was
going upon, and so call all those who saw him to a greater attention. From the
fountain of Siloam, which was without the walls of Jerusalem, a little stream
flowed into the city, and was received in a kind of basin, near the temple, and
called the pool of Siloam.
Which is, by interpretation, Sent — And so was a type of the Messiah, who was sent of God.
He went and washed, and came seeing — He believed, and obeyed, and found a blessing. Had he been wise in his
own eyes, and reasoned, like Naaman, on the impropriety of the means, he had
justly been left in darkness. Lord, may our proud hearts be subdued to the methods
of thy recovering grace! May we leave thee to choose how thou wilt bestow
favours, which it is our highest interest to receive on any terms.
Verse 11
[11] He
answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine
eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and
washed, and I received sight.
A man called Jesus — He
seems to have been before totally ignorant of him.
Verse 14
[14] And
it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
Anointing the eyes —
With any kind of medicine on the Sabbath, was particularly forbidden by the
tradition of the elders.
Verse 16
[16]
Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he
keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do
such miracles? And there was a division among them.
This man is not of God — Not sent of God.
How can a man that is a sinner — That is, one living in wilful sin, do such miracles?
Verse 17
[17] They
say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened
thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
What sayest thou of him, for that he hath
opened thine eyes? — What inference dost thou draw herefrom?
Verse 22
[22]
These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had
agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be
put out of the synagogue.
He should be put out of the synagogue — That is be excommunicated.
Verse 27
[27] He
answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye
hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
Are ye also — As
well as I, at length convinced and willing to be his disciples?
Verse 29
[29] We
know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he
is.
We know not whence he is — By what power and authority he does these things.
Verse 30
[30] The
man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know
not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
The man answered — Utterly
illiterate as he was. And with what strength and clearness of reason! So had
God opened the eyes of his understanding, as well as his bodily eyes.
Why, herein is a marvellous thing, that ye — The teachers and guides of the people, should not know, that a man who
has wrought a miracle, the like of which was never heard of before, must be
from heaven, sent by God.
Verse 31
[31] Now
we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God,
and doeth his will, him he heareth.
We — Even we of the
populace, know that God heareth not sinners - Not impenitent sinners, so as to
answer their prayers in this manner. The honest courage of this man in adhering
to the truth, though he knew the consequence, John 9:22, gives him claim to the title of a
confessor.
Verse 33
[33] If
this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
He could do nothing — Of
this kind; nothing miraculous.
Verse 34
[34] They
answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou
teach us? And they cast him out.
Born in sin —
And therefore, they supposed, born blind.
They cast him out — Of
the synagogue; excommunicated him.
Verse 35
[35]
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto
him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
Having found him —
For he had sought him.
Verse 36
[36] He
answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
Who is he, that I may believe? — This implies some degree of faith already. He was ready to receive
whatever Jesus said.
Verse 37
[37] And
Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with
thee.
Lord, I believe —
What an excellent spirit was this man of! Of so deep and strong an understanding;
(as he had just shown to the confusion of the Pharisees,) and yet of so
teachable a temper!
Verse 39
[39] And
Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not
might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
For judgment am I come into the world — That is, the consequence of my coming will be, that by the just judgment
of God, while the blind in body and soul receive their sight, they who boast
they see, will be given up to still greater blindness than before.
Verse 41
[41]
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say,
We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
If ye had been blind — Invincibly ignorant; if ye had not had so many means of knowing: ye
would have had no sin - Comparatively to what ye have now.
But now ye say — Ye
yourselves acknowledge, Ye see, therefore your sin remaineth - Without excuse,
without remedy.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on John》
Chapter 9. Blind from Birth
Blindness of
Physical Eyes: Able to See
Blindness of Mental Eyes: Unable to See
I. Healing of a
man Born Blind
II. Progress of
Knowing Jesus
III. Further
Revelation
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》