John 9:26 – “Then they asked him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of the ongoing interrogation of the man whom Jesus healed from blindness. The religious leaders, unwilling to accept the miracle, repeatedly question him about how Jesus restored his sight.
Their question, however, isn’t asked with an open heart. They are not looking for truth—they are looking for a way to discredit Jesus. This is the second time they are pressing him for details (John 9:15), but they already know what happened. Instead of accepting the miracle, they keep circling back, hoping to catch the man or Jesus in some contradiction.
This verse highlights their stubbornness and their refusal to see what is right in front of them. The healed man had already testified to what happened, but because the truth didn’t fit the Pharisees’ agenda, they kept asking the same questions, hoping for a different answer.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish society, the religious leaders had great power. They controlled the synagogues, influenced public opinion, and determined who was in good standing within the community. Their opposition to Jesus wasn’t just about theology—it was about maintaining authority.
By this point, their resistance to Jesus was clear. They had already decided that anyone who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue (John 9:22). This was a serious consequence, as it meant being cut off from religious, social, and economic life.
Their repeated questioning of the blind man was a tactic. They hoped to pressure him into changing his story or saying something they could use against Jesus. Instead of rejoicing that a blind man had received sight, they were more interested in finding a way to condemn the one who healed him.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals an important truth: not everyone who asks questions is seeking the truth. The religious leaders had all the evidence they needed—an undeniable miracle had taken place—but they refused to believe because it didn’t align with their expectations.
It also shows the danger of spiritual blindness. The Pharisees prided themselves on their knowledge of God’s law, yet they were blind to the reality of the Messiah standing before them. This is a warning that knowledge without faith leads to hardness of heart.
Finally, this verse challenges believers to be firm in their testimony. The blind man, despite facing pressure from religious leaders, refused to change his story. In the same way, Christians today must stand for the truth, even when others try to manipulate or intimidate them.
Literary Analysis
John 9 is structured as a courtroom-like drama, with the healed man being interrogated as if he were on trial. The Pharisees act as prosecutors, asking the same question multiple times, not because they don’t know the answer, but because they refuse to accept it.
This repeated questioning creates dramatic tension. The religious leaders, who claim to have spiritual insight, are the ones in the dark. Meanwhile, the blind man, who was once in physical darkness, is growing in spiritual understanding.
John often uses irony in his Gospel, and here it is on full display. The Pharisees demand more details, yet no matter how many times they ask, the truth remains the same—Jesus healed the man.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 9:15 – The Pharisees had already questioned the man about how Jesus healed him.
- John 8:43-44 – Jesus told the religious leaders that they refused to hear the truth because their hearts were hardened.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel.”
- Mark 3:5 – Jesus grieved over the stubbornness of the religious leaders’ hearts.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that some people reject Jesus, not because of a lack of evidence, but because they don’t want to believe. Many today still ask questions about Christianity, not with a genuine desire for truth, but as a way to argue against it.
Christians should be prepared to give an answer for their faith (1 Peter 3:15) but also recognize that some hearts are hardened. Like the healed man, believers must remain firm in their testimony, even when challenged.
This verse also encourages patience. Some who question Christianity may truly be seeking, and God can work in their hearts over time. But others, like the Pharisees, will continue rejecting the truth no matter how many times they hear it.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God is patient, even with those who resist Him. Despite their stubbornness, Jesus still engaged with the religious leaders and performed miracles in front of them. He gave them opportunities to see the truth, even though they refused.
God’s love is also shown in the healing of the blind man. He didn’t ask for healing—Jesus sought him out and changed his life. This reflects God’s grace, which reaches people even when they are spiritually blind.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the dividing line between belief and unbelief. The religious leaders couldn’t accept Him because He didn’t fit their expectations. Instead of admitting they were wrong, they kept resisting, even when faced with undeniable proof of His power.
This passage echoes what Jesus said earlier:
- John 3:19-20 – “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
- John 14:6 – Jesus declared that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” The Pharisees rejected this truth because it meant giving up their authority.
- Matthew 16:15-16 – Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” while the Pharisees refused to acknowledge the answer.
The healed man recognized that Jesus was more than just a man. His faith grew stronger, while the religious leaders remained stuck in their unbelief. This is the same choice every person faces—accepting or rejecting Jesus.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever encountered someone who kept rejecting Jesus despite clear evidence of His truth? How did you respond?
- How does this passage challenge you to stand firm in your faith, even when questioned?
- What does this story teach about the difference between seeking truth and refusing to believe?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle with spiritual blindness? How can you ask God to open your eyes?
- How can this passage help you respond to those who ask questions about your faith?