John 9:31

John 9:31 is a profound statement made by the man who was born blind and miraculously healed by Jesus Christ. This verse captures a moment of spiritual insight and bold testimony against the religious authorities of the day.

Context

This verse is found within the dramatic narrative of John chapter 9. Jesus had just given sight to a man born blind, an unprecedented miracle. The Pharisees, instead of rejoicing, were indignant because the healing occurred on the Sabbath. They repeatedly interrogated the man, trying to discredit Jesus and the miracle. The man, initially just a recipient of healing, grows in courage and understanding. His statement in John 9:31 is his logical, simple, yet powerful defense of Jesus's divine authority, directly challenging the Pharisees' premise that Jesus was a sinner.

Key Themes

• God's Attentiveness to the Righteous: The core assertion, reflecting a common Jewish understanding, is that God listens to and answers those who honor Him and obey His commands. The man argues that since Jesus performed a miracle only God could enable, Jesus must be righteous, not a sinner.
• Spiritual Insight vs. Physical Sight: Ironically, the man who was physically blind now sees spiritual truth more clearly than the Pharisees, who, despite their religious learning, are spiritually blind to who Jesus is. His statement is a testament to genuine faith discerning God's work.
• Obedience and Divine Favor: The verse highlights the principle that God blesses and empowers those who "doeth his will." This isn't about earning salvation, but about living in alignment with God's purposes, which then enables Him to work through individuals. Jesus frequently emphasized His own mission to do the Father's will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "heareth not" (Greek: akouei ou) signifies more than just hearing sounds; it implies not giving heed to, not answering, or not acting in response to. The man is asserting that God does not endorse or empower the actions of those who are living in unrepentant sin. Conversely, "him he heareth" suggests God's attentive ear and responsive action toward those who are devout and obedient.

Practical Application

While this verse reflects a common belief that God does not answer the prayers of those living in active, unrepentant sin, it's crucial to understand the nuance. God always hears the cry of a repentant heart, regardless of past sins. The man's point was about God's endorsement and empowerment for miraculous works, which he rightly concluded would not be granted to one truly alienated from God. For believers today, this verse serves as an encouragement to:

• Live in Obedience: Our walk with God influences our communion with Him. While God's grace is boundless, living in alignment with His will fosters a deeper relationship where we can more readily discern His voice and experience His power.
• Seek God's Will: Prioritizing God's will in our lives is paramount. When our desires align with His, we can pray with greater confidence that He will hear and answer.
• Trust God's Discernment: Just as the blind man trusted Jesus's authority despite the Pharisees' opposition, we are called to trust God's ways, even when they challenge conventional wisdom or religious traditions.

This verse stands as a powerful testament to the spiritual insight granted by God, often to the humble, and a reminder that true spiritual vision comes from recognizing and responding to God's work.