Meaning of John 9:39

This verse, spoken by Jesus immediately after healing a man born blind, introduces a profound paradox: his coming is for both revelation and concealment, for the sight of the spiritually blind and the blindness of the self-assuredly sighted. This is not a judgment of arbitrary punishment, but a consequence of the human response to divine truth. Those who are open and humble, like the formerly blind man, will perceive the truth of Jesus and his kingdom, gaining spiritual sight. Conversely, those who are proud, resistant, and convinced of their own righteousness, despite their spiritual blindness, will have their existing blindness confirmed and deepened by Jesus' presence and claims. His ministry, therefore, acts as a diagnostic, exposing the true spiritual condition of individuals and groups.

Context and Background

This statement occurs in John chapter 9, following Jesus' miraculous healing of a man blind from birth. The narrative then details the ensuing controversy with the Pharisees. They question the man's healing, the authority of Jesus, and ultimately excommunicate the man who was healed. Jesus encounters the man again and reveals his divine identity to him. It is in this charged atmosphere, with the religious establishment vehemently opposing him and his miraculous sign, that Jesus utters these words. The "blind" and "seeing" here are not referring to physical sight but to spiritual perception and understanding of God's truth.

Key Themes and Messages

• Spiritual Discernment: The primary theme is the nature of spiritual discernment. True sight is not about intellectual capacity or religious adherence but about an open heart to God's revelation in Christ.
• The Dichotomy of Response: Jesus' ministry creates a division. Some are drawn to him and receive spiritual sight, while others, blinded by their own pride and preconceived notions, reject him and remain spiritually blind, or become even more so.
• The Purpose of Judgment: The "judgment" here is not solely punitive but revelatory. It exposes the truth of people's hearts and their relationship to God.
• Paradoxical Revelation: The statement highlights the paradoxical nature of divine revelation; it illuminates for some while obscuring for others, depending on their receptivity.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse underscores the importance of humility and a teachable spirit in seeking truth. Spiritual sight is a gift received by faith, not earned by merit. For those who believe they "see" (i.e., understand God's will and have a relationship with Him through their own efforts or interpretations), there is a danger of spiritual hardening and self-deception. The application is to continually examine one's own heart and willingness to be guided by God's word and the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on self-sufficiency. It calls for constant self-evaluation to ensure our spiritual vision is clear and aligned with God's truth.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This theme of spiritual blindness and the discerning of truth is pervasive throughout Scripture. The Old Testament prophets often lamented the spiritual blindness of Israel (e.g., Isaiah 6:9-10). Jesus' ministry, as depicted in John's Gospel, consistently highlights this contrast between those who recognize him as the Messiah and those who do not. This statement directly foreshadows the rejection Jesus would face from the religious elite, leading to his crucifixion, and the subsequent division within humanity regarding his claims. It is a pivotal moment in John's depiction of Jesus as the Light of the World, whose coming inevitably divides humanity.

Analogies

Imagine two people looking at a complex piece of art. One approaches it with an open mind, curious about the artist's intent and willing to explore its nuances. They begin to see the depth, the symbolism, and the beauty. The other, however, arrives with a preconceived notion of what art should be, dismisses anything that doesn't fit their rigid definition, and therefore misses the profound message the artist intended to convey. Similarly, Jesus' teaching and actions are like a revelation; those who are spiritually open "see" the truth, while those who are spiritually closed remain "blind" to it. Another analogy is a physician entering a town. For the healthy, the physician's presence might be unremarkable, but for the sick, the physician represents the potential for healing and a complete transformation of their condition.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 3:16-21: This passage speaks of light coming into the world and people loving darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. This directly relates to the theme of judgment as exposure and the choice between light and darkness.
• Isaiah 6:9-10: Jesus quotes this passage in Matthew 13:14-15, explaining why he speaks in parables. It speaks of hearing but not understanding, and seeing but not perceiving, to prevent people from turning and being healed. This echoes the idea of spiritual blindness.
• 1 Corinthians 2:14: "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." This verse explains why some become blind – a lack of spiritual capacity due to their natural state.
• Romans 11:25: Paul speaks of a "partial hardening" that has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, illustrating how God can allow hardening for a redemptive purpose, which resonates with the idea of those who see becoming blind.