John 9:29 – “We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of the heated conversation between the Pharisees and the man whom Jesus healed from blindness. The religious leaders had already made up their minds about Jesus, and they were looking for ways to dismiss Him. Instead of considering the miracle that had just taken place, they tried to undermine Jesus’ credibility by comparing Him to Moses.
They acknowledged that God spoke to Moses, which was true, but their statement about Jesus—”we don’t even know where he comes from”—was false. They knew exactly where Jesus was from in a physical sense (John 7:27), but they were blind to His divine origin. Their rejection of Jesus wasn’t based on lack of knowledge; it was based on their refusal to accept the truth.
This verse shows their stubbornness and unwillingness to believe, even when presented with clear evidence. They were holding onto their religious traditions while rejecting the very One whom those traditions pointed to.
Historical Context
The Pharisees considered themselves the guardians of God’s law, and they held Moses in the highest regard. Moses was the one through whom God gave the Law, and to them, he represented true authority. They saw Jesus as an outsider, someone who challenged their interpretations and threatened their power.
However, their claim that they didn’t know where Jesus came from was not entirely honest. Earlier in John’s Gospel, they debated His origins (John 7:41-42), and Jesus Himself had repeatedly told them that He was sent by the Father (John 8:14). Their statement here wasn’t about genuine confusion—it was a way of dismissing Jesus without considering the truth.
This also reflects a common response to Jesus throughout history. Many people reject Him, not because they lack information, but because accepting Him would require them to change.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the difference between religious knowledge and true faith. The Pharisees had deep knowledge of the Scriptures, yet they failed to recognize the One they were waiting for. This is a warning that knowing about God is not the same as knowing God.
It also exposes the danger of spiritual blindness. The Pharisees assumed that their traditions made them right with God, but their rejection of Jesus showed their hearts were far from Him. Jesus had already warned them that their reliance on Moses wouldn’t save them:
- John 5:46-47 – “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”
Finally, this verse reminds us that rejecting Jesus means rejecting God. The Pharisees thought they were defending God’s truth, but by rejecting Jesus, they were actually rejecting the very God they claimed to serve.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel often uses irony to make a point, and this verse is no exception. The Pharisees claim they don’t know where Jesus is from, yet they prided themselves on knowing the Scriptures. If they truly understood Moses, they would have recognized Jesus. Their statement reveals their spiritual blindness.
There is also a contrast between Moses and Jesus in this passage. While the Pharisees clung to Moses, they failed to see that Moses himself pointed forward to Christ. This sets up a theme that runs throughout the New Testament—Jesus is greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3-6).
This verse also builds the tension in the conversation. The Pharisees are becoming more hostile, while the healed man is growing bolder. Their increasing frustration shows that they are losing control of the situation, which will eventually lead to them casting the man out of the synagogue (John 9:34).
Biblical Cross-References
- John 7:27 – The Pharisees claimed they knew where Jesus was from but were confused about His true origin.
- John 5:39-40 – Jesus said that the Scriptures testify about Him, yet the Pharisees refused to come to Him for life.
- Exodus 33:11 – God spoke to Moses “face to face, as one speaks to a friend,” but Jesus is the very Word of God in human flesh.
- Hebrews 3:3-6 – Jesus is greater than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that religious knowledge alone doesn’t save. The Pharisees had plenty of knowledge, but their hearts were hardened. True faith isn’t just about knowing facts—it’s about believing in Jesus and following Him.
It also warns against dismissing Jesus too quickly. Many people today reject Christianity without truly examining who Jesus is. The Pharisees had the Son of God standing in front of them, but they refused to believe. In the same way, people today can be blinded by pride, tradition, or fear of change.
For believers, this verse is an encouragement to keep sharing the truth, even when others resist it. The healed man didn’t back down in the face of opposition, and neither should we.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He continually reveals Himself, even to those who resist Him. The Pharisees had multiple opportunities to believe, yet they hardened their hearts. But Jesus still engaged with them, giving them the chance to accept the truth.
God’s love is also seen in how He works through ordinary people, like the healed man. While the religious leaders rejected Jesus, this simple man embraced the truth. This shows that God’s love isn’t reserved for the “religious elite”—it is for anyone who is willing to believe.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Moses wrote about. The Pharisees thought they were honoring Moses, but in rejecting Jesus, they were rejecting the very message Moses had delivered.
- John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
- Luke 24:27 – After His resurrection, Jesus explained to His disciples how all the Scriptures pointed to Him.
- John 14:6 – Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life,” the only way to God.
Jesus didn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). The Pharisees couldn’t see this because they were focused on the wrong things. But those who truly seek God will find Him in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the Pharisees refused to acknowledge where Jesus came from?
- What does this passage teach about the difference between religious knowledge and true faith?
- Are there areas in your life where you resist what God is trying to show you?
- How can we respond to people who reject Jesus without honestly considering who He is?
- What does it mean to truly follow Jesus, rather than just following religious traditions?