John 9:2
and His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
And His disciples asked Him
The disciples, followers of Jesus, often sought understanding from their Rabbi, a term of respect for a teacher. In the Jewish tradition, a Rabbi was not just a teacher but a spiritual guide. The disciples' inquiry reflects a common practice of the time, where students would pose questions to their teacher to gain deeper insight into spiritual and moral issues. This interaction highlights the disciples' trust in Jesus' wisdom and their desire to comprehend the complexities of life through His teachings.

Rabbi
The term "Rabbi" is derived from the Hebrew word "רַבִּי" (rabbi), meaning "my master" or "my teacher." It signifies a position of authority and respect. In the context of first-century Judaism, a Rabbi was a learned individual who interpreted the Torah and guided others in spiritual matters. By addressing Jesus as "Rabbi," the disciples acknowledge His authority and wisdom, setting the stage for a teaching moment that transcends traditional Jewish thought.

who sinned
The question "who sinned" reflects a prevalent belief in ancient Jewish culture that suffering, such as illness or disability, was a direct result of sin. This belief is rooted in the Deuteronomic theology, which often linked obedience to God with blessings and disobedience with curses (Deuteronomy 28). The disciples' question reveals their struggle with understanding the relationship between sin and suffering, a theme that Jesus frequently addressed to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

this man or his parents
The mention of "this man or his parents" indicates the disciples' consideration of generational sin, a concept found in the Old Testament where the consequences of sin could affect subsequent generations (Exodus 20:5). This reflects a theological dilemma of the time: whether personal suffering was due to one's own sin or the sins of one's ancestors. Jesus' response to this question would challenge and expand their understanding of sin and divine justice.

that he was born blind
The condition of being "born blind" presents a specific case that challenges the disciples' understanding of sin and punishment. In the ancient world, blindness was often seen as a curse or divine punishment. However, Jesus uses this situation to reveal a greater purpose beyond human assumptions. The focus on the man's congenital blindness sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate that God's works can be displayed in ways that defy human expectations and bring glory to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
- The central figure in the Gospel of John, Jesus is the Rabbi (teacher) whom the disciples are questioning. He is about to perform a miracle that will reveal His divine authority and purpose.

2. Disciples
- Followers of Jesus who are learning from His teachings and actions. They ask a question reflecting common beliefs of their time regarding sin and suffering.

3. Blind Man
- A man who was born blind, whose condition prompts the disciples' question. He becomes the recipient of Jesus' miraculous healing.

4. Jerusalem
- While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the events of John 9 occur in or around Jerusalem, a significant location for Jesus' ministry.

5. Sin
- A central theme in the disciples' question, reflecting the belief that physical ailments were often a result of personal or ancestral sin.
Teaching Points
Understanding Suffering
The disciples' question reflects a common misunderstanding that suffering is always a direct result of sin. Jesus' response (in the following verses) challenges this view, teaching that suffering can serve a greater purpose in God's plan.

Avoiding Judgment
We should be cautious not to judge others' suffering as a consequence of sin. Instead, we should seek to understand and support those who are suffering.

God's Sovereignty
This passage reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to use difficult circumstances for His glory and our growth.

Compassion Over Condemnation
Jesus' approach to the blind man emphasizes compassion over condemnation. We are called to show love and mercy to those in need.

Spiritual Blindness
The physical blindness of the man can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual blindness. We should seek Jesus to open our eyes to spiritual truths.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the disciples' question reflect the cultural beliefs of their time regarding sin and suffering?

2. In what ways does Jesus' response to the disciples' question (in the following verses) challenge our understanding of suffering today?

3. How can we apply the lesson of avoiding judgment to our interactions with others who are suffering?

4. What other biblical examples can you think of where suffering was used for a greater purpose in God's plan?

5. How can we ensure that we are not spiritually blind, and what steps can we take to seek spiritual insight from Jesus?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:5
- This verse speaks of God visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, which may have influenced the disciples' understanding of sin and suffering.

Ezekiel 18:20
- Contrasts the idea that children bear the iniquity of their parents, emphasizing individual responsibility for sin.

Job 1-2
- The account of Job challenges the notion that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin, as Job is described as blameless yet suffers greatly.

Luke 13:1-5
- Jesus addresses the misconception that tragedy is always a result of sin, urging repentance for all.
Manifesting the Works of GodD. Young John 9:1-3
The Blind Man and the Sight-Giving SaviorB. Thomas John 9:1-7
Characteristics of BlindnessM. G. Pearse.John 9:1-25
Characteristics of the MiracleBp. Ryle.John 9:1-25
Christ and the Blind ManDe Witt S. Clark.John 9:1-25
Christ and the Blind ManBoston HomiliesJohn 9:1-25
Christ's Sight of SinnersC. H. Spurgeon.John 9:1-25
Congenital BlindnessL. W. Bacon, D. D.John 9:1-25
General Remarks on the MiracleW. H. Van Doren, D. D.John 9:1-25
Instances of BlindnessJohn 9:1-25
Jesus and the Blind ManS. S. TimesJohn 9:1-25
Jesus and the Blind ManSermons by the Monday ClubJohn 9:1-25
Miracle AuthenticatedJ. J. Van Oosterzee, D. D.John 9:1-25
Opening the Eyes of One Blind from His BirthJohn 9:1-25
Spiritual BlindnessJohn 9:1-25
The Compassion of ChristJ. Trapp.John 9:1-25
The Healing of the Man Born BlindW. Kirkman.John 9:1-25
The History of the Man Who was Born BlindJ. P. Lange, D. D.John 9:1-25
The Light of the WorldChristian AgeJohn 9:1-25
The Opening of the Eyes of a Man Born BlindW. M. Taylor.John 9:1-25
The Saviour and the SuffererJ. L. Hurlbut.John 9:1-25
Types of Character in Relation to ChristD. Thomas D. D.John 9:1-25
The Passage of a Soul from Darkness into LightJ.R. Thomson John 9:1-41
Blindness a Talent to be Used for God's GloryJohn 9:2-8
Blindness Leading to Spiritual SightJohn 9:2-8
Blindness not JudgmentJ. F. B. Tinling, B. A.John 9:2-8
Christ and the Blind ManHistory, Prophecy, and GospelJohn 9:2-8
Christ's Explanation of SufferingC. Vince.John 9:2-8
Explanations of the Disciples' QuestionBishop Ryle.John 9:2-8
Origin of EvilR. Cecil, M. A.John 9:2-8
Our Proper Attitude Towards MysteriesT. Arnold, D. D.John 9:2-8
Suffering: its Causes and PrivilegesJ. W. Diggle, M. A.John 9:2-8
The Blind Man's Eyes Opened; Or, Practical ChristianityC. H. Spurgeon.John 9:2-8
The Purpose of Chronic SufferingC. S. Robinson, D. D.John 9:2-8
What the Master and What the Disciples SawM. G. Pearse.John 9:2-8
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Jerusalem, Siloam
Topics
Birth, Blind, Born, Disciples, Man's, Master, Parents, Question, Rabbi, Saying, Sin, Sinned
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 9:2

     7420   Rabbi

John 9:1-2

     5297   disease
     6115   blame

John 9:1-3

     5134   blindness, natural
     5296   disabilities
     5568   suffering, causes
     5731   parents

John 9:1-7

     5285   cures
     9165   restoration

John 9:1-16

     5381   law, letter and spirit
     7430   Sabbath, in NT

John 9:1-34

     7505   Jews, the

John 9:1-41

     8442   good works

John 9:2-3

     5436   pain
     5562   suffering, innocent

Library
June 13 Evening
Dost thou believe on the Son of God?--JOHN 9:35. Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.--The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.--I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 9 Evening
The night cometh when no man can work.--JOHN 9:4. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, . . . they . . . rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.--There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.--Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.--The dead praise not the Lord, neither any
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 24 Evening
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day.--JOHN 9:4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.--He that watereth shall be watered. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest: behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

One Metaphor and Two Meanings
'I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.'--JOHN ix. 4. 'The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.'--ROMANS xiii. 12. The contrast between these two sayings will strike you at once. Using the same metaphors, they apply them in exactly opposite directions. In the one, life is the day, and the state beyond death the night; in the other, life is the night,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sixth Miracle in John's Gospel --The Blind Made to See, and the Seeing Made Blind
'When Jesus 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, 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.'--JOHN ix. 6, 7. The proportionate length at which this miracle and its accompanying effects are recorded, indicates very clearly the Evangelist's idea of their relative importance. Two verses are given to the story
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Think Ye of Christ?
Matthew 22:42 -- "What think ye of Christ?" When it pleased the eternal Son of God to tabernacle among us, and preach the glad tidings of salvation to a fallen world, different opinions were entertained by different parties concerning him. As to his person, some said he was Moses; others that he was Elias, Jeremias, or one of the ancient prophets; few acknowledged him to be what he really was, God blessed for evermore. And as to his doctrine, though the common people, being free from prejudice, were
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Brevity of Life.
"I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh."--ST. JOHN ix. 4. There are few things more commonly disregarded by us in our early years than the brevity of our life through all its successive stages, and the fleeting nature of its opportunities. In childhood we are almost entirely unconscious of both these characteristics of life. Indeed, it would hardly be natural if it were otherwise. That reflective habit which dwells upon them is the result of our experience,
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Words of the Gospel, John ix. 4 and 31, "We must Work the Works of Him that Sent Me," Etc. Against the Arians. And
1. The Lord Jesus, as we heard when the Holy Gospel was being read, opened the eyes of a man who was born blind. Brethren, if we consider our hereditary punishment, the whole world is blind. And therefore came Christ the Enlightener, because the devil had been the Blinder. He made all men to be born blind, who seduced the first man. Let them run to the Enlightener, let them run, believe, receive the clay made of the spittle. The Word is as it were the spittle, the Flesh is the earth. Let them wash
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Same Lesson of the Gospel, John ix. , on the Giving Sight to the Man that was Born Blind.
1. We have heard the lesson of the Holy Gospel which we are in the habit of hearing; but it is a good thing to be reminded: good to refresh the memory from the lethargy of forgetfulness. And in fact this very old lesson has given us as much pleasure as if it were new. Christ gave sight to one blind from his birth; why do we marvel? Christ is the Saviour; by an act of mercy He made up that which He had not given in the womb. Now when He gave that man no eyes, it was no mistake of His surely; but a
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

A Pressed Man Yielding to Christ
"Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on he Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him."--John 9:35-38. D LAST Sabbath morning,[9]* I spoke to you concerning one who was impressed into the King's service. That was Simon, the Cyrenian, who was compelled to bear
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900

Contention Over the Man Born Blind.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John IX. 1-41. [Some look upon the events in this and the next section as occurring at the Feast of Tabernacles in October, others think they occurred at the Feast of Dedication in December, deriving their point of time from John x. 22.] ^d 1 And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. [The man probably sought to waken compassion by repeatedly stating this fact to passers-by.] 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Healing of the Man Born Blind.
After the scene in the Temple described in the last chapter, and Christ's consequent withdrawal from His enemies, we can scarcely suppose any other great event to have taken place on that day within or near the precincts of the Sanctuary. And yet, from the close connection of the narratives, we are led to infer that no long interval of time can have elapsed before the healing of the man born blind. [4116] Probably it happened the day after the events just recorded. We know that it was a Sabbath,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Doctrine of Christ.
2 John 9-11. "WHOSOEVER transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11). What then is the doctrine of Christ? It is the revealed truth concerning the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the Son
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Opened Eyes
Gerhard Ter Steegen John ix. 37 "Where is a God?" doth weary Reason say-- "I see but starlit skies." "Where is the sun?" So calleth at noonday The man with sightless eyes. Thou, little child, from thee God is not far; Look inwards, not above: Thou needest not to roam from star to star, For God is Love.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Man Born Blind and Joseph of Arimathea
There were two extraordinary men living in the city of Jerusalem when Christ was on earth. One of them has come down through history nameless--we do not know who he was; the name of the other is given. One was not only a beggar, but blind from his birth; the other was one of the rich men of Jerusalem. Yet in the Gospel of John, there is more space given to this blind beggar than to any other character. The reason why so much has been recorded of this man is because he took his stand for Jesus Christ.
Dwight L. Moody—Men of the Bible

Whether a Man Can Merit Perseverance
Whether a Man can Merit Perseverance We proceed to the ninth article thus: 1. It seems that a man can merit perseverance. For a man in grace can merit what he obtains through petition, and men obtain perseverance through petition, since otherwise perseverance would be asked of God in vain by the petition of the Lord's prayer, as Augustine says (2 De Bono Persev.). [47] It follows that perseverance can be merited by a man in grace. 2. Again, to be unable to sin is more than not to sin. Now to be unable
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Sight Given to the Blind.
"And as He passed by, He saw a man blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Rabbi, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he should be born blind? Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. We must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work. When I am in the world, I am the Light of the world. When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Jesus and the Blind Man.
This miracle is reported only by John, a fact that is not strange when we remember that he alone gives a report of the ministry in Judea in which it occurred. The time cannot be certainly determined. Some have supposed that it occurred on the same day, only a few moments after Christ had escaped from the attempt to stone him; others regard it improbable that he should have stopped at such a moment to perform a miracle. All that is certain is that it was on the Sabbath day; a fact that intensified
B.W. Johnson—The New Testament Commentary Vol. III: John

Triumph. L. M.
Go, labor on, while it is day; The world's dark night is hastening on; Speed, speed thy work,--cast sloth away! It is not thus that souls are won. 2 Men die in darkness at your side, Without a hope to cheer the tomb; Take up the torch and wave it wide-- The torch that lights time's thickest gloom. 3 Toil on, faint not;--keep watch and pray! Be wise the erring soul to win; Go forth into the world's highway; Compel the wanderer to come in. 4 Go, labor on; your hands are weak; Your knees are faint,
Edmund S. Lorenz—The Otterbein Hymnal

Letter Lxviii. To Castrutius.
Castrutius, a blind man of Pannonia, had set out for Bethlehem to visit Jerome. However, on reaching Cissa (whether that in Thrace or that on the Adriatic is uncertain) he was induced by his friends to turn back. Jerome writes to thank him for his intention and to console him for his inability to carry it out. He then tries to comfort him in his blindness (1) by referring to Christ's words concerning the man born blind (Joh. ix. 3) and (2) by telling him the story of Antony and Didymus. The date
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
OF SIN. Sin is the great block and bar to our happiness, the procurer of all miseries to man, both here and hereafter: take away sin and nothing can hurt us: for death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, is the wages of it. Sin, and man for sin, is the object of the wrath of God. How dreadful, therefore, must his case be who continues in sin! For who can bear or grapple with the wrath of God? No sin against God can be little, because it is against the great God of heaven and earth; but if the sinner
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Struggler;
CONTAINING THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER IN WHICH MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS WERE PUBLISHED, AND THE NUMBER OF EDITIONS THEY PASSED THROUGH DURING HIS LIFE. THIRTY REASONS WHY CHRISTIAN PEOPLE SHOULD PROMOTE THEIR CIRCULATION, AND THE STRUGGLER FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THESE LABOURS.--PUBLISHED IN 1691. BY CHARLES DOE, ONE OF MR. BUNYAN'S PERSONAL FRIENDS. A CATALOGUE-TABLE OF MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS. AND THEIR SUCCESSION IN PUBLISHING, MOST ACCORDING TO HIS OWN RECKONING. Note.--Those that are in Italic letter are
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Transfiguration: an Emergency Measure. Matthew 16:28-17:1-8. Mark 9:1-8. Luke 9:27-36.
God in Sore Straits: the darkest hour save one, fugitive, John 7:1. ban, John 9:22, 34. pushing, Matthew 15:1. Mark 7:1.--the danger zone, "withdrew," Matthew 4:12. 12:15. 14:13. 15:21. Tabernacles, John 7:32. 8:59.--Galileans desert, John 6:60-66.--the inner circle infected, John 6:67-71.--God needs men. Fire and anvil for Leaders: mental strength--seasoned leadership--Simon and Peter. An Irresistible Plan: alone with the twelve--the changed plan, Matthew 16:18-21.--Peter's stupid boldness,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

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