John 9:31 – “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is spoken by the man whom Jesus healed from blindness as he debates with the religious leaders. By this point, he has grown more confident in defending Jesus against their accusations. The Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus, but the healed man responds with a simple truth: God does not listen to sinners, but He does hear those who obey Him.
In saying this, the man is arguing that Jesus must be from God. After all, how could a sinful man perform such a powerful miracle? If Jesus were truly against God, how could He have healed a man born blind? The religious leaders refused to acknowledge this, but the man saw it clearly—Jesus had to be from God, or the miracle could not have happened.
While his statement is generally true, it is important to understand that God can hear anyone. However, the Bible teaches that God listens to and answers those who seek Him in faith and live according to His will. This is what the healed man was getting at—Jesus’ ability to perform miracles proved that He had God’s approval.
Historical Context
In Jewish tradition, it was widely believed that God heard and responded to the prayers of the righteous while ignoring the prayers of the wicked. The Pharisees would have been familiar with passages like:
- Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
- Proverbs 15:29 – “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
The religious leaders claimed to be righteous, yet they refused to acknowledge the clearest evidence of God at work—Jesus. Meanwhile, this formerly blind man, who had no religious training, could see the truth.
This moment is significant because it marks a turning point in the healed man’s understanding. He moves from simply recognizing that Jesus healed him to arguing that Jesus must be sent from God. His spiritual sight is growing, while the Pharisees remain blinded by their rejection.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God listens to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. It reinforces the biblical truth that God honors those who walk in obedience. This does not mean that God never hears the prayers of sinners—after all, He hears those who call out to Him for salvation. But it does mean that those who reject God should not expect their prayers to be answered.
It also highlights the contrast between true faith and religious pride. The Pharisees thought they were close to God, but their actions showed otherwise. The healed man, on the other hand, had a simple but growing faith, and that faith led him to a deeper understanding of Jesus.
Additionally, this verse points to the reality that Jesus’ power and miracles were evidence that He was sent by God. The healed man correctly recognized that if Jesus had been a fraud, God would not have given Him the ability to perform such wonders.
Literary Analysis
John 9 is full of contrasts, and this verse is part of the ongoing theme of spiritual blindness versus spiritual sight. The man who was once physically blind is now growing in spiritual insight, while the religious leaders, who claim to see, are proving themselves to be blind.
This passage also has an element of irony. The religious leaders, who were supposed to be the experts in God’s law, refused to see the clear evidence of Jesus’ divine power. Meanwhile, this uneducated man is using their own reasoning to argue for Jesus.
The structure of the dialogue builds tension. The healed man’s responses become increasingly bold, while the Pharisees become more aggressive. This foreshadows their final rejection of him in John 9:34, when they throw him out of the synagogue.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 59:2 – “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
- John 14:13-14 – Jesus teaches that God answers prayers made in His name.
- James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
- 1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that God responds to those who seek Him with sincerity and faith. If we live in obedience to God, we can trust that He hears our prayers.
It also encourages believers to trust in the power of their testimony. The healed man didn’t have all the answers, but he knew what Jesus had done for him. That was enough to challenge even the most powerful religious leaders of his day. In the same way, Christians today don’t need to have a perfect understanding of theology to share their faith—they just need to tell the truth about what Jesus has done in their lives.
Additionally, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we truly seek God with a sincere heart? Or do we, like the Pharisees, cling to religious traditions while missing the bigger picture?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He responds to those who sincerely seek Him. He is not distant or uninterested—He listens, cares, and answers according to His will.
This verse also shows God’s love in how He reveals truth to those who are open to it. The healed man started with little knowledge, but because he had an open heart, God led him step by step to the truth. This shows that God’s love is not dependent on how much we know, but on our willingness to believe.
Even in the Pharisees’ rejection, God’s love is evident. Jesus continued to give them opportunities to see the truth, even though they resisted. God is patient, always offering the chance to turn to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of the truth in this verse. He was the ultimate “godly person who does His will.” His entire life was lived in perfect obedience to the Father, which is why His prayers were always heard.
- John 8:29 – Jesus said, “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
- Hebrews 5:7 – Jesus was heard because of His reverent submission.
- John 11:41-42 – Before raising Lazarus, Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me.”
This verse also connects to Jesus’ role as our mediator. Because of His righteousness, those who trust in Him have access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16). Even though sin separates people from God, Jesus makes a way for them to be heard and forgiven.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you in your prayer life?
- What does this story teach about the difference between religious pride and genuine faith?
- Have you ever felt intimidated when sharing your testimony? How does this passage encourage you to be bold?
- Why do you think the religious leaders refused to believe, even with clear evidence?
- How can we make sure we are truly seeking God’s will and not just following religious traditions?