John 9:35-41


"Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, 'Do you believe in the Son of Man?' He answered, 'And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?' Jesus said to him, 'You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.' He said, 'Lord, I believe,' and he worshiped him. Jesus said, 'For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.' Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, 'Are we also blind?' Jesus said to them, 'If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, "We see," your guilt remains.'" (John 9:35-41 ESV)


The Revelation of the Son of Man

In this passage, Jesus finds the man He had healed of blindness, who had been cast out of the synagogue. When Jesus asks if he believes in the Son of Man, the man’s response is one of openness and eagerness to believe, though he does not yet know who the Son of Man is. Jesus then reveals that He is the Son of Man, and the man’s immediate response is belief and worship. This moment is significant because it demonstrates the transformative power of a personal encounter with Christ. The man's physical blindness was healed earlier, but now his spiritual blindness is lifted as he comes to recognize Jesus as Lord.

This is the essence of discipleship: responding in faith to the revelation of Jesus. True belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves worship and surrender. As believers, our relationship with Christ must move beyond just knowledge about Him to a heartfelt devotion that leads to worship. The Holy Spirit works in us to open our spiritual eyes, leading us into a deeper understanding and love for Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

Scriptures to Study:

Matthew 16:15-17, John 4:25-26, Acts 9:3-6, Philippians 2:9-11


Spiritual Sight and Blindness

Jesus declares, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind" (v. 39). This statement speaks to the spiritual blindness of the self-righteous and the spiritually aware condition of those who know their need for God's grace. The Pharisees, representing the religious elite, believed they could see—they trusted in their own understanding and righteousness. Yet Jesus exposes their spiritual blindness. Though they had physical sight, they could not perceive the truth of who Jesus was. In contrast, those who know their own blindness—like the healed man—are able to receive spiritual sight through faith in Christ.

This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we acknowledge our need for Christ, or do we pride ourselves on our own understanding and works? True spiritual sight comes from humility and dependence on God. Through the Holy Spirit, our eyes are opened to the truth of the gospel, enabling us to see Jesus clearly and to walk in the light. The Word of God also acts as a mirror, revealing areas where we may be blind to our own sin or self-reliance. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to continually guide us into truth and keep us from the danger of spiritual blindness.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 42:6-7, Matthew 13:13-16, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Revelation 3:17-18


Guilt in Claiming to See

When the Pharisees ask if they are also blind, Jesus replies, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains" (v. 41). Jesus is addressing the pride and self-righteousness of the Pharisees. They claim to have spiritual insight, but in reality, they are blind to their own need for grace and forgiveness. Their refusal to admit their blindness leads to their continued guilt. This is a sobering reminder that acknowledging our own spiritual need is the first step to receiving mercy and forgiveness from God.

For us, this means that humility is essential in our walk with Christ. When we admit our need for God's grace and confess our sins, we open the door to His forgiveness and healing. But if we remain in pride, believing we "see" or understand everything on our own, we remain in guilt, blind to the truth. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and points us to Jesus, the source of forgiveness and life. By surrendering our pride and trusting in Him, we can experience the freedom that comes from living in the light of His grace.

Scriptures to Study:

Luke 18:9-14, 1 John 1:8-9, John 3:19-21, James 4:6-10


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions