John 9:36

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John 9:36 KJV

He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

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John 9:36 Bible Commentary

Commentary on John 9:36

Bible Verse: John 9:36 - "He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?"

Introduction

The Gospel of John presents a profound invitation to faith through its narrative structure and theological discourse. John 9 is a remarkable chapter that recounts the healing of a man born blind and the subsequent conflict with the Pharisees. In verse 36, we witness the response of the healed man, who, having received his sight, seeks to understand the identity of Christ. This commentary integrates insights from notable public domain commentaries, elaborating on the significance of this verse in the broader context of the chapter and the Gospel.

Contextual Background

Historical Context: Prior to John 9:36, Jesus performs a miraculous healing on the Sabbath, which creates tension with religious authorities. The once-blind man experiences both physical and spiritual restoration, leading him to inquire about Jesus’ identity.

Thematic Elements: The chapter highlights the contrast between spiritual blindness and sight, both physical and metaphorical. For the healed man, his question encapsulates a pivotal moment of revelation and faith – a quest for true belief in Christ.

Verse Analysis

In this pivotal inquiry, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?", the healed man expresses not only a desire for knowledge but also an openness to faith. This earnest question reflects a few significant themes:

  • The Search for Understanding: The man’s inquiry demonstrates a thirst for knowledge about Jesus’ identity. As articulated by Matthew Henry, this inquiry positions the man as a seeker of truth, showcasing the importance of understanding one's faith before embracing it.
  • Desire for Belief: The phrase "that I might believe on him" indicates the man's readiness to respond positively to Christ. Albert Barnes notes that this suggests the man's conviction that knowing Christ’s identity was integral to believing in Him – a reflection of the call to an informed faith.
  • The Role of the Divine: The use of "Lord" signifies a recognition of authority and reverence. According to Adam Clarke, this title underscores the man’s progress from physical healing to spiritual awakening, thereby emphasizing the transforming power of Christ in an individual’s life.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals profound theological truths that are essential for leaders and scholars:

  • Faith Informed by Revelation: The question signifies a journey from ignorance to enlightenment, implying that faith is not blind but built upon knowledge of Christ. Matthew Henry emphasizes that genuine faith arises from a personal encounter with Jesus.
  • The Nature of Discipleship: The man's inquiry can be seen as an entry point into discipleship, highlighting that true discipleship involves a continual search for understanding and a willingness to believe. Albert Barnes suggests that this searching spirit represents the essence of Christian discipleship.
  • Christ as the Source of Life: The man’s inquiry and his subsequent belief underscore the Gospel's central theme – that Christ is the source of both physical and spiritual life. Adam Clarke remarks that this evolving relationship is foundational in the believer’s journey of faith.

Application for Modern Believers

John 9:36 provides rich insights applicable to contemporary faith communities:

  • Encouragement for Seekers: This narrative encourages those who are exploring faith. The healed man's simple yet profound question models the kind of earnest inquiry that should be welcomed in church communities.
  • Invitation to Engage with Scripture: The verse challenges believers to engage deeply with the Scriptures and to seek a personal understanding of Christ's identity, reflecting a knowledgeable faith.
  • Cultivating a Spirit of Inquiry: Pastors and leaders should foster environments in which questions about faith and identity are invited and addressed. This aligns with the transformative process seen in the blind man's journey.

Conclusion

In John 9:36, the dialogue initiated by the healed man serves as a vital reminder of the universal quest for understanding beyond mere physical sight. It encapsulates the essence of faith, the importance of personal revelation, and the transformative experience of encountering Christ. The insights from public domain commentaries encourage contemporary believers to seek a relationship with Jesus that is both informed and transformative, thus guiding them along their spiritual journeys.

John 9 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 9:1 John 9:2 John 9:3 John 9:4 John 9:5 John 9:6 John 9:7 John 9:8 John 9:9 John 9:10 John 9:11 John 9:12 John 9:13 John 9:14 John 9:15 John 9:16 John 9:17 John 9:18 John 9:19 John 9:20 John 9:21 John 9:22 John 9:23 John 9:24 John 9:25 John 9:26 John 9:27 John 9:28 John 9:29 John 9:30 John 9:31 John 9:32 John 9:33 John 9:34 John 9:35 John 9:36 John 9:37 John 9:38 John 9:39 John 9:40 John 9:41

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