John 9:28

John 9:28 captures a pivotal moment in the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment of His day, specifically the Pharisees. This verse follows the miraculous healing of a man born blind and the subsequent interrogation of him by the Jewish leaders, who were deeply troubled by the miracle and Jesus's identity.

Context

The scene in John 9 unfolds after Jesus heals a man born blind on the Sabbath, an act that immediately draws the scrutiny and ire of the Pharisees. Instead of rejoicing in the miracle, they focus on the perceived breaking of the Sabbath law and question the man's testimony and Jesus's authority. The man, initially hesitant, grows bolder in his defense of Jesus, challenging their spiritual understanding. This verse marks their frustration boiling over into open hostility and personal attack against the healed man for siding with Jesus.

Key Themes

• Allegiance and Discipleship: The core of the accusation lies in the declaration, "Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples." This starkly contrasts allegiances: one to Jesus, whom they considered a sinner and lawbreaker, and the other to Moses, representing the Law and traditional Jewish authority. It highlights the fundamental choice people faced then, and still face today, regarding whom they will follow.
• Spiritual Blindness vs. True Sight: The irony of this narrative is profound. The physically blind man gains sight and, more importantly, comes to spiritual sight and faith in Jesus. In contrast, the Pharisees, who claim to be "Moses' disciples" and possess spiritual insight, are shown to be utterly blind to God's work right before their eyes. Jesus later addresses this spiritual blindness directly in John 9:39-41.
• Rejection of Jesus' Authority: By asserting their identity as "Moses' disciples," the Pharisees implicitly reject Jesus' divine authority and His claims about Himself. They believe Jesus is undermining the very foundation of their faith, when in fact, Jesus came to fulfill the Law, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "they reviled him" translates the Greek word eloidorēsan (ἐλοιδόρησαν), from the verb loidoréō, which means to abuse, insult, or rail against someone. It signifies a strong verbal assault, indicating their contempt and anger. This was not a calm theological debate but a heated, personal attack designed to discredit and shame the healed man for his association with Jesus.

Practical Application

John 9:28 reminds us that following Christ often involves standing against popular opinion or established traditions that oppose God's truth. The healed man chose to align himself with Jesus, even when it meant facing scorn and potential excommunication from his community. This verse challenges believers to consider:

• Whose disciple are you? Our actions, words, and allegiances reveal where our true loyalty lies.
• Are we open to God's new work? Like the Pharisees, we can sometimes be so entrenched in our traditions or interpretations that we fail to recognize God moving in unexpected ways.
• The Cost of Discipleship: Standing for Christ may bring reproach or insult, but the reward of spiritual sight and eternal life far outweighs any earthly cost, as seen in the man's ultimate faith in Jesus (John 9:38).