Albert Barnes Commentary


Albert Barnes Commentary
"Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth." — John 9:41 (ASV)
If you were blind. If you were really blind—had had no opportunities of learning the truth. If you were truly ignorant, and were willing to confess it, and to come to me for instruction.
No sin. You would not be guilty. Sin is measured by the capacities or ability of people, and by their opportunities of knowing the truth.
If people had no ability to do the will of God, they could incur no blame. If they have all proper ability, and no disposition, God holds them to be guilty. This passage teaches conclusively:
We see. We have knowledge of the law of God. This they had pretended when they professed to understand the law respecting the Sabbath better than Jesus, and had condemned him for healing on that day.
Your sin remains. You are guilty, and your sin is unpardoned. People's sins will always be unpardoned while they are proud, and self-sufficient, and confident of their own wisdom. If they will come with humble hearts and confess their ignorance, God will forgive, enlighten, and guide them in the path to heaven.