Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 9

Although Jesus had healed blind persons on other occasions (Matthew 9:27–31; Matthew 12:22; Matthew 15:30; Matthew 21:14; et al.), this “sign” (GK 4958) was an outstanding case because (1) the man had been born blind; (2) the sign was related to the issue of fate, raised by the disciples; and (3) it illustrates the origination and development of faith, a theme of this gospel. The encounter of Jesus and the blind man seems to have been a casual one. Since blind beggars had little opportunity for employment, they were dependent on charity for their sustenance.

The interest of the disciples was prompted by theological curiosity rather than compassion. For them the blind man was an unsolved riddle rather than a sufferer to be relieved. Their question was based on Ex 34:7, which the Jews construed to mean that if a person suffered from any ailment, it must have been because his parents or grandparents had committed some sin against God. To this they added the thought that perhaps he might have sinned before birth (either as an embryo or in a preexistent state); such a concept appears in the rabbinical writings. Jesus refused to accept either alternative. He looked on the man’s plight as an opportunity to do God’s work, not as a punishment or as a matter of irrational chance.

The interest of the disciples was prompted by theological curiosity rather than compassion. For them the blind man was an unsolved riddle rather than a sufferer to be relieved. Their question was based on Ex 34:7, which the Jews construed to mean that if a person suffered from any ailment, it must have been because his parents or grandparents had committed some sin against God. To this they added the thought that perhaps he might have sinned before birth (either as an embryo or in a preexistent state); such a concept appears in the rabbinical writings. Jesus refused to accept either alternative. He looked on the man’s plight as an opportunity to do God’s work, not as a punishment or as a matter of irrational chance.

The growing pressure of hostility rising from unbelief warned Jesus that his time was short; the darkness would soon fall. As all the Gospels show, Jesus was working under the shadow of the coming cross (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31). While he had the opportunity, he must let his light shine on the darkness around him by healing both bodies and minds. The use of “we” shows that he included his disciples in his ministry. They also would pass through perils and opposition, but they would have the support of the Father who had sent him. “I am the light of the world” repeats 8:12; the healing of the blind man illustrates the positive and practical application of that principle.

The growing pressure of hostility rising from unbelief warned Jesus that his time was short; the darkness would soon fall. As all the Gospels show, Jesus was working under the shadow of the coming cross (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31). While he had the opportunity, he must let his light shine on the darkness around him by healing both bodies and minds. The use of “we” shows that he included his disciples in his ministry. They also would pass through perils and opposition, but they would have the support of the Father who had sent him. “I am the light of the world” repeats 8:12; the healing of the blind man illustrates the positive and practical application of that principle.