What does John 9:28 mean?

Explanation

John 9:28 refers to a confrontation between the religious leaders of the Pharisees and a man who was born blind but had been healed by Jesus.

This healing is described earlier in John 9.

The healed man had been brought before the Pharisees to be questioned because Jesus had performed the miracle on the Sabbath, which was against their religious laws.

When the man boldly defends Jesus and questions the Pharisees' understanding of where Jesus comes from, the Pharisees retaliate by casting him off as merely a disciple of Jesus, as opposed to themselves, who claim to be disciples of Moses.

This verse reflects the distinction the Pharisees make between their traditional beliefs and the new teachings brought by Jesus, who they refuse to recognize as a prophet or as the Messiah.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in a context where the emerging Christian community was distinguishing itself from traditional Judaism.

Issues of authority and faith were central, and the adherence to Moses and the Torah (Jewish Law) was particularly critical.

By the first century CE, rabbis and Pharisees were the established authorities on religious law and tradition within the Jewish community.

In the narrative, Jesus often comes into conflict with these authorities, and John 9:28 encapsulates the tension between the old guard and the new movement that Jesus represented.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, John 9:28 demonstrates the divide between those who recognize Jesus as the light of the world (as he is described earlier in the chapter) and those who remain in spiritual darkness.

It also underscores the theme of blindness and sight, both physical and spiritual, that runs throughout the Gospel of John.

For the Pharisees, adherence to the Law of Moses is paramount, and they cannot see beyond this to the new thing that God is doing in Jesus.

This verse serves to highlight the fulfillment of the teachings of Moses in the person and works of Jesus, a point that the Pharisees vehemently reject.

Practical Applications

In today's context, John 9:28 can serve as a reminder of the dangers of religious exclusivity and the refusal to be open to new revelations or understandings of faith.

It also speaks to the human tendency to lash out at those who challenge our core beliefs.

Practically, this verse encourages humility, openness to learning, and the recognition that God can work beyond the boundaries of traditional or established religious systems.

Cross-References

• John 9:29-30: "We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is."
• John 5:46: "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me."
• John 3:19-20: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
• Exodus 4:12: "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."

Language Study

The use of "reviled" in the King James Version translates the Greek word "eloidoreo," which means to reproach or vilify. The original language here reflects a strong contempt or verbal abuse used by the Pharisees against the man.

"Disciples" translates from "mathētēs," indicating a follower or learner, suggesting a relational and educational dynamic. The contrast between the discipleship of Moses and of Jesus is key to understanding the Pharisees' sense of religious identity and authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, such as Islam, Moses (Musa) is also considered a prophet and a follower of revealed truth.

However, the acceptance or rejection of new prophetic figures can create schisms, as seen in the emergence of different sects within religions. The Pharisees' rejection of Jesus in John 9:28 mirrors the rejection or acceptance of prophetic figures in various religious traditions throughout history.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives would not directly impact the interpretation of John 9:28 except in discussing the nature of blindness and the physiological process of vision.

While Jesus' healing of the blind man earlier in the chapter might invite analysis or skepticism from a scientific viewpoint, John 9:28 itself focuses on the ensuing religious and ideological conflict rather than on the miracle's mechanics.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentaries often emphasize the irony in John 9:28.

The Pharisees claim to be disciples of Moses yet fail to recognize the one whom Moses foreshadowed.

Scholarly commentaries might also focus on the social dynamics at play in this scene, highlighting the power structures and the use of "reviling" as a means to maintain control over religious interpretation and community acceptance.

This verse is frequently cited to illustrate the Johannine theme of spiritual blindness versus true sight, which encompasses belief in Jesus as the Son of God.