Meaning of John 9:40

This verse captures a pivotal moment of spiritual confrontation, where Jesus’ encounter with a man born blind exposes the spiritual blindness of some of his listeners. The Pharisees, who considered themselves the arbiters of religious truth and possessed of superior spiritual insight, react with indignant defensiveness to Jesus’ statement that the reason he could perform the healing was because he was sent by God. Their question, "What? Are we blind too?", is not a genuine inquiry seeking self-understanding, but rather a rhetorical outburst born of pride and a refusal to acknowledge their own spiritual inadequacy in the face of Jesus' divine authority and the undeniable miracle he has just performed. This highlights the tragic irony that those who claim to see often fail to recognize the light of truth when it shines directly before them, while those considered outsiders or sinners may be more receptive.

Context and Background

The immediate context is Jesus’ healing of a man blind from birth (John 9:1-7). This miraculous act, performed on the Sabbath, drew significant attention and condemnation from the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. They questioned the man, his parents, and eventually Jesus himself, attempting to discredit the healing and Jesus' authority. Jesus' statement, "I came into this world for judgment, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind" (John 9:39), is the pronouncement that directly precedes the Pharisees' indignant question. Jesus is drawing a distinction between physical sight and spiritual discernment, asserting that his mission is to reveal spiritual truth, which will result in the enlightenment of the receptive and the further hardening of the resistant.

Key Themes and Messages

• Spiritual Blindness vs. Physical Blindness: The central theme is the contrast between literal sight and spiritual perception. The man born blind gains physical sight, but more importantly, he gains spiritual insight into Jesus' identity. Conversely, the Pharisees, who have physical sight, remain spiritually blind, unable to see Jesus for who he truly is.
• Pride and Defensiveness: The Pharisees' reaction exemplifies how pride in one's perceived knowledge or spiritual status can lead to defensiveness and an unwillingness to accept correction or new truth. Their identity is tied to their self-proclaimed righteousness, and Jesus' words challenge this foundation.
• Judgment and Revelation: Jesus' mission is presented as a form of judgment. This judgment is not arbitrary but a consequence of people's responses to the truth. Those who are "blind" (spiritually receptive) see, and those who "see" (spiritually arrogant) become blind, meaning their existing spiritual blindness is confirmed and deepened by their rejection of Jesus.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse is a profound call to self-examination. It challenges believers and seekers alike to honestly assess their own spiritual vision. Are we truly seeing with the eyes of faith, or are we, like the Pharisees, blinded by our own preconceived notions, pride, or adherence to tradition that eclipses the living truth? The application lies in cultivating humility, a willingness to be taught, and an openness to the transformative power of God's revelation, even when it challenges our comfortable assumptions. It reminds us that genuine spiritual sight comes not from intellectual prowess or religious affiliation, but from a humble heart receptive to Jesus.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This incident in John’s Gospel is a microcosm of Jesus’ ministry throughout the Synoptic Gospels as well. He consistently encountered resistance from religious leaders who were unable to accept his claims or his teachings, often because they were too entrenched in their own interpretations of the Law and tradition. Jesus frequently rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and their focus on outward observance rather than inward righteousness. This theme of spiritual blindness among those who should have been the most discerning is a recurring motif in the Old Testament as well, seen in the prophets' laments over Israel's unfaithfulness and inability to recognize God's messengers.

Analogies

• The Sun and the Bat: Imagine the sun shining with brilliant light. A person with healthy eyes will see it and be warmed by it. A bat, however, which navigates by echolocation, might be overwhelmed or confused by the direct light, preferring its own sensory world. Similarly, Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminates truth, but those accustomed to the "darkness" of their own understanding or the shadows of tradition may recoil from his brightness.
• The Telescope and the Star-Gazer: A skilled astronomer with a powerful telescope can see distant galaxies. However, if the astronomer is blinded by prejudice or refuses to look through the lens properly, they will miss the wonders of the cosmos. The Pharisees had the "telescope" of scripture and religious authority, but their spiritual blindness prevented them from seeing the true fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 3:19-21: "This is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been done in God.” This passage directly parallels the theme of light and darkness, and how people respond to revelation based on their inner disposition.
• Matthew 15:14: Jesus says of the Pharisees, "Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." This further illustrates Jesus' view of the spiritual leadership of the Pharisees and their incapacitating blindness.
• Isaiah 6:9-10: This Old Testament prophecy, quoted by Jesus in various contexts (e.g., Matthew 13:14-15), speaks of hearing but not understanding, and seeing but not perceiving, so that people will not turn and be healed. This demonstrates that the spiritual blindness Jesus encountered was a fulfillment of prophecy.