John 9:30 – “The man answered, ‘Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.’”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of the conversation between the man Jesus healed from blindness and the religious leaders who were interrogating him. The Pharisees had repeatedly questioned him, trying to discredit Jesus, but the man refused to back down.
Here, he calls out their hypocrisy. They claim they don’t know where Jesus comes from, yet they can’t deny the miracle that just took place. To him, the logic is simple: Jesus performed an undeniable act of God, so the religious leaders should be able to recognize who He is.
The healed man may not have had formal religious training, but he had something more valuable—real experience with Jesus. His testimony is a reminder that knowing the truth isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about recognizing what God has done.
Historical Context
During this time, blindness was considered a curse or punishment for sin (John 9:2). When Jesus healed this man, it was a direct challenge to the Pharisees’ beliefs. Instead of celebrating the miracle, they became defensive because it threatened their authority.
By saying they didn’t know where Jesus came from, the Pharisees were denying His divine mission. They had already decided that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue (John 9:22), and they were looking for reasons to dismiss His miracles.
This moment is significant because it shows a shift in power. The Pharisees, who usually controlled religious discussions, were being confronted by an ordinary man who saw more clearly than they did. His confidence shook them because he had firsthand experience with Jesus, and they had no way to refute it.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of personal testimony. The healed man didn’t have all the theological answers, but he knew what Jesus had done for him. That was enough. His story is a reminder that believers don’t need to be experts to share their faith—they just need to tell the truth about how Jesus has changed their lives.
It also reveals the danger of spiritual blindness. The Pharisees had deep religious knowledge, yet they missed the obvious truth standing before them. This shows that knowing about God is not the same as knowing God. True understanding comes from faith, not just intellectual study.
Finally, this verse teaches that genuine faith leads to boldness. The man who was once a beggar had now become a witness, speaking fearlessly to the religious leaders. His confidence came not from his education or status, but from his experience with Jesus.
Literary Analysis
John 9 is structured like a courtroom drama, with the blind man being interrogated as if he were on trial. The tension builds as the religious leaders grow more frustrated, while the healed man grows more confident.
This verse contains irony. The Pharisees, who were supposed to be spiritual guides, claim ignorance about Jesus, while a formerly blind man sees the truth clearly. His response—“Now that is remarkable!”—is almost sarcastic, exposing their hypocrisy.
John’s Gospel often contrasts light and darkness, truth and deception. Here, the healed man represents light and truth, while the Pharisees remain in spiritual darkness. Their refusal to acknowledge Jesus is a key theme in the Gospel of John.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 3:2 – Nicodemus, a Pharisee, admitted that Jesus’ miracles proved He was from God.
- John 7:27 – The Pharisees debated where the Messiah would come from, showing their confusion.
- Psalm 146:8 – “The Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” The healed man, an ordinary person, exposes the blindness of the religious experts.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a powerful reminder that a personal encounter with Jesus is more important than religious knowledge. Many people today think they need deep theological understanding to share their faith, but the healed man proves otherwise. His simple testimony—”I was blind, but now I see” (John 9:25)—was enough to challenge the most educated men of his time.
It also teaches that true faith often faces opposition. The Pharisees refused to believe, not because they lacked evidence, but because they didn’t want to accept it. Many people today reject Jesus for the same reason. Christians should expect resistance but remain confident in what Jesus has done in their lives.
Lastly, this verse encourages believers to trust in the power of their testimony. Even when others doubt or question, the truth of what Jesus has done cannot be taken away. Like the healed man, Christians can stand firm, knowing that their faith is real.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He reveals truth to those who are willing to see it. The healed man was not a scholar or religious leader, yet God gave him understanding that the Pharisees lacked. This shows that God’s love is not reserved for the “qualified”—it is for anyone who seeks Him with an open heart.
God also shows His love by working in individual lives. Jesus didn’t just perform a general miracle—He personally healed this man. This reflects God’s desire for a personal relationship with His people.
Even in the Pharisees’ resistance, God’s love is evident. He continued to give them opportunities to believe, even though they rejected Him. This shows that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but wanting all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the central figure in this conflict. The Pharisees refuse to accept Him, while the healed man is growing in his understanding of who Jesus is. This moment is part of his journey toward faith. By the end of the chapter, he fully believes in Jesus and worships Him (John 9:38).
Jesus also fulfills Old Testament prophecies about opening the eyes of the blind, both physically and spiritually:
- Isaiah 42:6-7 – The Messiah was prophesied to “open eyes that are blind.”
- Luke 4:18 – Jesus declared that He came to “proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind.”
The Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus foreshadows the greater rejection that will lead to His crucifixion. Yet, even in their opposition, God’s plan is unfolding. Jesus’ miracles and teachings continue to reveal who He truly is—the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to be bold in sharing your faith?
- What does this story teach about the difference between religious knowledge and personal experience with Jesus?
- Have you ever faced opposition when sharing your testimony? How did you respond?
- What are some ways people today, like the Pharisees, reject Jesus despite clear evidence of His truth?
- How can you grow in confidence like the healed man, even when others challenge your faith?