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John Chapter
Nine
John 9
In chapter 9 we come to the testimony of His works
but
as down here as a man in lowliness. It is not the Son of God quickening whom He
will as the Father
but by the operation of His grace down here
the eye opened
to see in the lowly man the Son of God. In chapter 8 it is that which He is
towards men; in chapter 9 it is that which He does in man
that man may see
Him. Thus we shall find Him presented in His human character
and (the word
being received) acknowledged to be the Son of God; and in this way the remnant
separated
the sheep restored to the good Shepherd. He is the light of the
world while He is in it; but where
through grace received in His humiliation
He communicated the power to see the light
and to see all things by it.
Observe here
that when it is the word (the manifestation in testimony
of what Christ is)
man is manifested as he is in himself
a child-in his
nature-of the devil
who is a murderer and a liar from the beginning
the
inveterate enemy of Him who can say
"I am." [1] But when the Lord works
He produces
something in man that he had not previously. He bestows sight on him
attaching
him thus to the One who had enabled him to see. The Lord is not here understood
or manifested in apparently as exalted a manner
because He comes down to the
wants and circumstances of man
in order that He may be more closely known;
but
in result
He brings the soul to the knowledge of His glorious Person.
Only
instead of being the word and the testimony-the Word of God-to shew as
light what man is
He is the Son
one with the Father
[2] giving eternal life to His sheep
and
preserving them in this grace for ever. For
as to the blessing that flows from
thence
and the full doctrine of His true position with regard to the sheep in
blessing
chapter 10 goes with chapter 9. Chapter 10 is the continuation of the
discourse begun at the end of chapter 9.
Chapter 9 opens with the case of a man that gives rise to
a question from the disciples
in relation to the government of God in Israel.
Was it his parents' sin that brought this visitation on their child
according
to the principles God had given them in Exodus? Or was it his own sin
known to
God though not manifested to men
that had procured him this judgment? The Lord
replies
that the man's condition did not depend on the government of God with
respect to the sin either of himself or of his parents. His case was but the
misery which gave room for the mighty operation of God in grace. It is the
contrast that we have continually seen; but here it is in order to set forth
the works of God.
God acts. It is not only that which He is
nor even
simply an object of faith. The presence of Jesus on earth made it day. It was
therefore the time of work to do the works of Him that sent Him. But He who
works here
works by means that teach us the union which exists between an
object of faith and the power of God who works. He makes clay with His spittle
and the earth
and puts it on the eyes of the man who was born blind. As a
figure
it pointed to the humanity of Christ in earthly humiliation and
lowliness
presented to the eyes of men
but with divine efficacy of life in
Him. Did they see any more? If possible
their eyes were the more completely
closed. Still the object was there; it touched their eyes
and they could not
see it. The blind man then washes in the pool that was called "Sent
"
and is enabled to see clearly. The power of the Spirit and of the word
making
Christ known as the One sent by the Father
gives him sight. It is the history
of divine teaching in the heart of man. Christ
as man
touches us. We are absolutely
blind
we see nothing. The Spirit of God acts
Christ being there before our
eyes; and we see plainly.
The people are astonished and know not what to think. The
Pharisees oppose. Again the Sabbath is in question. They find (it is always the
story) good reasons for condemning Him who bestowed sight
in their pretended
zeal for God's glory. There was positive proof that the man was born blind
that he now saw
that Jesus had done it. The parents testify to the only thing
that was important on their part. As to who it was that had given him sight
others knew more than they; but their fears bring out in evidence
that it was
a settled thing to cast out
not only Jesus
but all who should confess Him.
Thus the Jewish leaders brought the thing to a decisive point. They not only
rejected Christ
but they cast out from the privileges of Israel
as to their
ordinary worship
those who confessed Him. Their hostility distinguished the
manifested remnant and put them apart; and that
by using confession of Christ
as a touchstone. This was deciding their own fate
and judging their own
condition.
Observe
that proofs here went for nothing; the Jews
the parents
the
Pharisees
had them before their eyes. Faith came through being personally the
subject of this mighty operation of God
who opened the eyes of men to the
glory of the Lord Jesus. Not that the man understood it all. He perceives that
he has to do with some one sent of God. To him Jesus is a prophet. But thus the
power which He had manifested in giving sight to this man enables him to trust
the Lord's word as divine. Having gone so far
the rest is easy: the poor man
is led much farther
and finds himself on ground that sets him free from all
his former prejudices
and that gives a value to the Person of Jesus which
overcomes all other considerations. The Lord develops this in the next chapter.
In truth
the Jews had made up their mind. They would
have nothing to do with Jesus. They were all agreed to cast out those who
believed in Him. Consequently
the poor man having begun to reason with them on
the proof that existed in his own person of the Saviour's mission
they cast
him out. Thus cast out
the Lord-rejected before him-finds and reveals Himself
to him by His personal name of glory. "Dost thou believe on the Son of
God?" The man refers it to the word of Jesus
which to him was divine
truth
and He proclaims Himself to him as being Himself the Son of God
and the
man worships Him.
Thus the effect of His power was to blind those who saw
who were full of their own wisdom
whose light was darkness; and to give sight
to those who were born blind.
[1]
Chapter 8 is practically chapter 1:5; only that there is
besides that
enmity
hostility against Him who was light.
[2] This
distinction of grace and responsibility (in connection with the names Father
and Son
and God) has been already noticed. See page 316.
── John Darby《Synopsis of John》
John 9
Chapter Contents
Christ give sight to one born blind. (1-7) The account
given by the blind man. (8-12) The Pharisees question the man that had been
blind. (13-17) They ask concerning him. (18-23) They cast him out. (24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind. (35-38) He reproves the
Pharisees. (39-41)
Commentary on John 9:1-7
(Read John 9:1-7)
Christ cured many who were blind by disease or accident;
here he cured one born blind. Thus he showed his power to help in the most
desperate cases
and the work of his grace upon the souls of sinners
which
gives sight to those blind by nature. This poor man could not see Christ
but
Christ saw him. And if we know or apprehend anything of Christ
it is because
we were first known of him. Christ says of uncommon calamities
that they are
not always to be looked on as special punishments of sin; sometimes they are
for the glory of God
and to manifest his works. Our life is our day
in which
it concerns us to do the work of the day. We must be busy
and not waste
day-time; it will be time to rest when our day is done
for it is but a day.
The approach of death should quicken us to improve all our opportunities of
doing and getting good. What good we have an opportunity to do
we should do
quickly. And he that will never do a good work till there is nothing to be
objected against
will leave many a good work for ever undone
Ecclesiastes 11:4. Christ magnified his power
in making a blind man to see
doing that which one would think more likely to
make a seeing man blind. Human reason cannot judge of the Lord's methods; he
uses means and instruments that men despise. Those that would be healed by
Christ must be ruled by him. He came back from the pool wondering and wondered
at; he came seeing. This represents the benefits in attending on ordinances of
Christ's appointment; souls go weak
and come away strengthened; go doubting
and come away satisfied; go mourning
and come away rejoicing; go blind
and
come away seeing.
Commentary on John 9:8-12
(Read John 9:8-12)
Those whose eyes are opened
and whose hearts are
cleansed by grace
being known to be the same person
but widely different in
character
live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory
and recommend his grace
to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way
and method of God's works
and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this
spiritually. In the work of grace wrought upon the soul we see the change
but
we see not the hand that makes it: the way of the Spirit is like that of the
wind
which thou hearest the sound of
but canst not tell whence it comes
nor
whither it goes.
Commentary on John 9:13-17
(Read John 9:13-17)
Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath
but in
such a manner as would give offence to the Jews
for he would not seem to yield
to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the
substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them.
Also
works of necessity and mercy are allowed
and the sabbath rest is to be
kept
in order to the sabbath work. How many blind eyes have been opened by the
preaching of the gospel on the Lord's day! how many impotent souls cured on
that day! Much unrighteous and uncharitable judging comes from men's adding
their own fancies to God's appointments. How perfect in wisdom and holiness was
our Redeemer
when his enemies could find nothing against him
but the
oft-refuted charge of breaking the sabbath! May we be enabled
by well-doing
to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Commentary on John 9:18-23
(Read John 9:18-23)
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable
miracle. They expected a Messiah
but could not bear to think that this Jesus
should be he
because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions
and
because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man
brings a snare
Proverbs 29:25
and often makes people deny and
disown Christ and his truths and ways
and act against their consciences. The
unlearned and poor
who are simple-hearted
readily draw proper inferences from
the evidences of the light of the gospel; but those whose desires are another
way
though ever learning
never come to the knowledge of the truth.
Commentary on John 9:24-34
(Read John 9:24-34)
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have
felt the want of them
that have been blind
and now see; so the most powerful
and lasting affections to Christ
arise from actual knowledge of him. In the
work of grace in the soul
though we cannot tell when
and how
and by what
steps the blessed change was wrought
yet we may take the comfort
if we can
say
through grace
Whereas I was blind
now I see. I did live a worldly
sensual life
but
thanks be to God
it is now otherwise with me
Ephesians 5:8. The unbelief of those who enjoy
the means of knowledge and conviction
is indeed marvellous. All who have felt
the power and grace of the Lord Jesus
wonder at the wilfulness of others who
reject him. He argues strongly against them
not only that Jesus was not a
sinner
but that he was of God. We may each of us know by this
whether we are
of God or not. What do we? What do we for God? What do we for our souls? What
do we more than others?
Commentary on John 9:35-38
(Read John 9:35-38)
Christ owns those who own him and his truth and ways.
There is particular notice taken of such a suffer in the cause of Christ
and
for the testimony of a good conscience. Our Lord Jesus graciously reveals
himself to the man. Now he was made sensible what an unspeakable mercy it was
to be cured of his blindness
that he might see the Son of God. None but God is
to be worshipped; so that in worshipping Jesus
he owned him to be God. All who
believe in him
will worship him.
Commentary on John 9:39-41
(Read John 9:39-41)
Christ came into the world to give sight to those who
were spiritually blind. Also
that those who see might be made blind; that
those who have a high conceit of their own wisdom
might be sealed up in
ignorance. The preaching of the cross was thought to be folly by such as by
carnal wisdom knew not God. Nothing fortifies men's corrupt hearts against the
convictions of the word
more than the high opinion which others have of them;
as if all that gained applause with men
must obtain acceptance with God.
Christ silenced them. But the sin of the self-conceited and self-confident
remains; they reject the gospel of grace
therefore the guilt of their sin
remains unpardoned
and the power of their sin remains unbroken.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on John》
John 9
Verse 3
[3]
Jesus answered
Neither hath this man sinned
nor his parents: but that the
works of God should be made manifest in him.
Jesus answered
Neither hath this man sinned
nor his parents — It was not the manner of our Lord to
answer any questions that were of no use
but to gratify an idle curiosity.
Therefore he determines nothing concerning this. The scope of his answer is
It
was neither for any sins of his own
nor yet of his parents; but that the power
of God might be displayed.
Verse 4
[4] I must work the works of him that sent me
while it is day: the night
cometh
when no man can work.
The night is coming —
Christ is the light. When the light is withdrawn night comes
when no man can
work - No man can do any thing toward working out his salvation after this life
is ended. Yet Christ can work always. But he was not to work upon earth
only
during the day
or season which was appointed for him.
Verse 5
[5] As
long as I am in the world
I am the light of the world.
I am the light of the world — I teach men inwardly by my Spirit
and outwardly by my preaching
what
is the will of God; and I show them
by my example
how they must do it.
Verse 6
[6] When
he had thus spoken
he spat on the ground
and made clay of the spittle
and he
anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay
He anointed the eyes of the blind man with
the clay — This might almost have blinded a man that
had sight. But what could it do toward curing the blind? It reminds us that God
is no farther from the event
when he works either with
or without means
and
that all the creatures are only that which his almighty operation makes them.
Verse 7
[7] And said unto him
Go
wash in the pool of Siloam
(which is by
interpretation
Sent.) He went his way therefore
and washed
and came seeing.
Go
wash at the pool of Siloam — Perhaps our Lord intended to make the miracle more taken notice of. For
a crowd of people would naturally gather round him to observe the event of so
strange a prescription
and it is exceeding probable
the guide who must have
led him in traversing a great part of the city
would mention the errand he was
going upon
and so call all those who saw him to a greater attention. From the
fountain of Siloam
which was without the walls of Jerusalem
a little stream
flowed into the city
and was received in a kind of basin
near the temple
and
called the pool of Siloam.
Which is
by interpretation
Sent — And so was a type of the Messiah
who was sent of God.
He went and washed
and came seeing — He believed
and obeyed
and found a blessing. Had he been wise in his
own eyes
and reasoned
like Naaman
on the impropriety of the means
he had
justly been left in darkness. Lord
may our proud hearts be subdued to the methods
of thy recovering grace! May we leave thee to choose how thou wilt bestow
favours
which it is our highest interest to receive on any terms.
Verse 11
[11] He
answered and said
A man that is called Jesus made clay
and anointed mine
eyes
and said unto me
Go to the pool of Siloam
and wash: and I went and
washed
and I received sight.
A man called Jesus — He
seems to have been before totally ignorant of him.
Verse 14
[14] And
it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay
and opened his eyes.
Anointing the eyes —
With any kind of medicine on the Sabbath
was particularly forbidden by the
tradition of the elders.
Verse 16
[16]
Therefore said some of the Pharisees
This man is not of God
because he
keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said
How can a man that is a sinner do
such miracles? And there was a division among them.
This man is not of God — Not sent of God.
How can a man that is a sinner — That is
one living in wilful sin
do such miracles?
Verse 17
[17] They
say unto the blind man again
What sayest thou of him
that he hath opened
thine eyes? He said
He is a prophet.
What sayest thou of him
for that he hath
opened thine eyes? — What inference dost thou draw herefrom?
Verse 22
[22]
These words spake his parents
because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had
agreed already
that if any man did confess that he was Christ
he should be
put out of the synagogue.
He should be put out of the synagogue — That is be excommunicated.
Verse 27
[27] He
answered them
I have told you already
and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye
hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
Are ye also — As
well as I
at length convinced and willing to be his disciples?
Verse 29
[29] We
know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow
we know not from whence he
is.
We know not whence he is — By what power and authority he does these things.
Verse 30
[30] The
man answered and said unto them
Why herein is a marvellous thing
that ye know
not from whence he is
and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
The man answered — Utterly
illiterate as he was. And with what strength and clearness of reason! So had
God opened the eyes of his understanding
as well as his bodily eyes.
Why
herein is a marvellous thing
that ye — The teachers and guides of the people
should not know
that a man who
has wrought a miracle
the like of which was never heard of before
must be
from heaven
sent by God.
Verse 31
[31] Now
we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God
and doeth his will
him he heareth.
We — Even we of the
populace
know that God heareth not sinners - Not impenitent sinners
so as to
answer their prayers in this manner. The honest courage of this man in adhering
to the truth
though he knew the consequence
John 9:22
gives him claim to the title of a
confessor.
Verse 33
[33] If
this man were not of God
he could do nothing.
He could do nothing — Of
this kind; nothing miraculous.
Verse 34
[34] They
answered and said unto him
Thou wast altogether born in sins
and dost thou
teach us? And they cast him out.
Born in sin —
And therefore
they supposed
born blind.
They cast him out — Of
the synagogue; excommunicated him.
Verse 35
[35]
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him
he said unto
him
Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
Having found him —
For he had sought him.
Verse 36
[36] He
answered and said
Who is he
Lord
that I might believe on him?
Who is he
that I may believe? — This implies some degree of faith already. He was ready to receive
whatever Jesus said.
Verse 37
[37] And
Jesus said unto him
Thou hast both seen him
and it is he that talketh with
thee.
Lord
I believe —
What an excellent spirit was this man of! Of so deep and strong an understanding;
(as he had just shown to the confusion of the Pharisees
) and yet of so
teachable a temper!
Verse 39
[39] And
Jesus said
For judgment I am come into this world
that they which see not
might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
For judgment am I come into the world — That is
the consequence of my coming will be
that by the just judgment
of God
while the blind in body and soul receive their sight
they who boast
they see
will be given up to still greater blindness than before.
Verse 41
[41]
Jesus said unto them
If ye were blind
ye should have no sin: but now ye say
We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
If ye had been blind — Invincibly ignorant; if ye had not had so many means of knowing: ye
would have had no sin - Comparatively to what ye have now.
But now ye say — Ye
yourselves acknowledge
Ye see
therefore your sin remaineth - Without excuse
without remedy.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on John》
Chapter 9. Blind from Birth
Blindness of
Physical Eyes: Able to See
Blindness of Mental Eyes: Unable to See
I. Healing of a
man Born Blind
II. Progress of
Knowing Jesus
III. Further
Revelation
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》