Purpose of Jesus' Coming:
"Jesus said, 'I came into this world for judgment, that those who don’t see may see; and that those who see may become blind.'"
This statement by Jesus encapsulates the dual nature of His mission. His arrival in the world serves a purpose of judgment, but it is not a condemnation for all. Instead, it is an opportunity for transformation—bringing sight to those spiritually blind and revealing the blindness of those who claim to see.
- Pharisees' Inquiry:
"Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, 'Are we also blind?'"
The Pharisees, often portrayed as religious leaders with a claim to spiritual insight, question whether Jesus includes them in the category of the spiritually blind. Their inquiry reflects a sense of self-assurance and a potential resistance to acknowledging any spiritual blindness.
- Response and Explanation:
"Jesus said to them, 'If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.'"
In Jesus' response, He draws a profound distinction. If the Pharisees were truly unaware of their spiritual blindness, there would be no guilt in their ignorance. However, their claim to spiritual sight while rejecting the truth is what constitutes their sin. By asserting their ability to see without embracing the revelation Jesus brings, they remain in a state of sin.
Theological Significance: Spiritual Sight and Pride
- Judgment as Revelation:
Jesus' statement about coming for judgment is not solely about condemnation but revelation. His presence exposes the true condition of hearts, revealing both the openness of those seeking to see and the resistance of those claiming self-sufficiency.
- Spiritual Blindness and Pride:
The Pharisees' question exposes a common human tendency—to resist the acknowledgment of spiritual need, especially when one believes they possess insight or righteousness. Pride can blind individuals to their own shortcomings.
- The Irony of Sight and Blindness:
The irony lies in the fact that those who recognize their spiritual blindness have the potential for sight, while those who claim to see without humility remain in a state of spiritual darkness. It underscores the importance of a humble acknowledgment of one's need for God's revelation.
Practical Implications: Humility and Acknowledgment
- Cultivating Humility:
This passage invites believers to cultivate humility in acknowledging their need for spiritual insight. It warns against the dangers of spiritual pride, which can hinder receptivity to God's truth.
- Receptivity to God's Revelation:
Recognizing one's spiritual blindness opens the door to receiving God's revelation. A humble heart is more likely to embrace the transformative truth brought by Christ.
- Avoiding Spiritual Pride:
The Pharisees' cautionary example serves as a reminder to avoid the trap of spiritual pride. A self-righteous attitude can hinder spiritual growth and openness to the transformative work of Christ.
Cross-References:
Matthew 13:13-15: "This is why I speak to them in parables, because 'seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.' Indeed, in their case, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: 'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.'" This parallel passage emphasizes the spiritual condition of those who may physically see and hear but remain spiritually blind and deaf.
Luke 18:9-14: The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke highlights the danger of self-righteousness. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, is contrasted with the humble tax collector who acknowledges his need for mercy. It echoes the theme of acknowledging spiritual need.
Conclusion - A Call to Humility and Spiritual Sight: John 9:39-41 presents a powerful lesson on the interplay between spiritual sight and blindness, emphasizing the need for humility and receptivity to God's revelation. It serves as a reminder that true sight comes not from claiming knowledge but from acknowledging our need for the light that Christ brings.
John 9:39-41. Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, that those who don’t see may see; and that those who see may become blind.” Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.”