John 9:28 – “Then they hurled insults at him and said, ‘You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses!’”
Extended Explanation
This verse comes from the heated exchange between the religious leaders and the man whom Jesus healed from blindness. At this point, the Pharisees have grown frustrated. They have been questioning the man repeatedly, trying to discredit Jesus, but he refuses to back down.
In their frustration, they turn to insults. Instead of addressing the truth of what happened, they attack the man personally. They accuse him of being Jesus’ disciple, which they see as an insult, while they claim to follow Moses. This statement reveals their hardened hearts—they believe that following Moses and following Jesus are in opposition, failing to see that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Moses taught.
Historical Context
The Pharisees held Moses in the highest regard, as he was the one through whom God gave the Law. They saw themselves as defenders of that Law. However, their understanding was limited. Jesus had already made it clear that Moses actually pointed to Him:
- John 5:45-46 – Jesus said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.”
The problem was not that they followed Moses—it was that they misunderstood him. The Law was always meant to lead people to Christ, but the Pharisees had turned it into a system of rules that blinded them to the truth.
This verse also shows how people respond when they don’t want to hear the truth. Instead of considering the evidence, the Pharisees resort to personal attacks. This is a common reaction when people feel threatened by the gospel.
Theological Implications
This passage highlights the difference between religious pride and true faith. The Pharisees prided themselves on their knowledge of Scripture, yet they were blind to the One Scripture was pointing to. They thought that their connection to Moses made them right with God, but in reality, rejecting Jesus meant they were rejecting Moses as well.
It also exposes the way people react to Jesus. The healed man simply told the truth about what happened to him, but instead of listening, the religious leaders became hostile. This pattern is repeated throughout history—those who stand for Christ often face ridicule and rejection.
Finally, this verse reminds us that true discipleship is not about tradition but about faith in Jesus. The Pharisees thought they were right with God because of their religious background, but the healed man, with no formal religious training, was the one truly seeing and understanding God’s work.
Literary Analysis
John 9 is full of irony, and this verse is another example. The Pharisees, who claim to see and understand God’s law, are the ones who are spiritually blind. Meanwhile, the formerly blind man, who they consider uneducated, is the one recognizing the truth.
There is also a contrast between their anger and his calm confidence. The healed man stands firm in his testimony, while the Pharisees become more aggressive. Their insults reveal that they are losing control of the argument—when people run out of logical reasons to reject the truth, they often turn to mockery.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 5:39-40 – Jesus says that the Scriptures testify about Him, yet the religious leaders refuse to come to Him for life.
- Acts 7:51-52 – Stephen accuses the religious leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors rejected the prophets.
- Matthew 23:2-3 – Jesus acknowledges that the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat, but warns that they do not practice what they preach.
- Romans 10:2-4 – Paul says that the Jews have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge, because they reject Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that following Jesus often brings opposition. The healed man was simply telling the truth about what Jesus had done for him, yet he was met with insults and rejection. In the same way, Christians today may face ridicule for their faith.
It also challenges believers to think about what it really means to follow God. The Pharisees assumed they were right with God because they followed traditions, but they missed the heart of faith. This is a warning for anyone who relies on religion rather than a personal relationship with Jesus.
Lastly, this verse encourages believers to stand firm. The healed man didn’t let insults shake him. He knew what Jesus had done for him, and that was enough. Today, Christians should have the same confidence—our faith is not based on the opinions of others, but on the reality of what Jesus has done in our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He opens people’s eyes, even when they face opposition. The healed man had a personal encounter with Jesus, and no amount of insults could change that. This shows that God’s love is not just about knowledge—it’s about transformation.
It also reveals God’s patience. Even though the Pharisees resisted the truth, Jesus still engaged with them, giving them opportunities to believe. God continues to show love even to those who reject Him, offering them chances to turn to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Moses taught. The Pharisees claimed to follow Moses, but they rejected the very One Moses pointed to. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels—many people refuse to accept Jesus because He doesn’t fit their expectations.
- John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
- Matthew 5:17 – Jesus said He came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.
- Hebrews 3:5-6 – Moses was a faithful servant, but Jesus is the Son over God’s house.
Jesus is greater than Moses. While Moses gave the Law, Jesus brings grace and truth. The Pharisees failed to see this, but the healed man was beginning to understand.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever faced insults or criticism for your faith? How did you respond?
- Why do you think the Pharisees were so resistant to Jesus, even with clear evidence?
- What does this passage teach about the danger of religious pride?
- How can you grow in boldness like the healed man, even when facing opposition?
- What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus? How is that different from simply following religious traditions?