John 9:18

"Therefore they asked the blind man again, “What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”"

Key Reflection

In John 9:18, after the Pharisees initially inquire about the identity of the man who healed the blind man and his parents deny any knowledge (John 9:17), they press further by directly questioning the healed man himself. This moment is significant as it reflects the tension between religious authorities who were skeptical of miracles performed outside their control, and a simpleton who has gained unexpected insight and clarity through divine intervention. His straightforward response—“He is a prophet”—marks his first declaration of faith in Jesus, highlighting both his newfound vision and his growing understanding of Jesus' role as a divine messenger amidst the ongoing debate about religious authority and miracles.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 18,19. Is this your son? &c. The Pharisees proposed three questions to the parents, by which they hoped to convict the man of falsehood. 1st. Whether he was their son? 2nd. Whether they would affirm that he was born blind? and, 3rd. Whether they knew by what means he now saw? They evidently intended to intimidate the parents, so that they might give an answer to one of these questions that would convict the man of deception. We see here the art to which men will resort rather than admit the truth. Had they been half as much disposed to believe on Jesus as they were to disbelieve, there would have been no difficulty in the case.

Related Verses

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