John 9:36 – “‘Who is he, sir?’ the man asked. ‘Tell me so that I may believe in him.’”
Extended Explanation
This verse comes from a powerful moment between Jesus and the man He healed from blindness. After being rejected and thrown out of the synagogue by the religious leaders, the man is now face to face with Jesus, though he does not yet realize who He is.
When Jesus asks him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (John 9:35), the healed man responds with a sincere heart. He does not yet know who the “Son of Man” is, but he is eager to believe once he finds out. His question, “Who is he, sir?”, reveals a heart that is open and ready to receive the truth.
This verse shows the humility and teachability of the healed man. Unlike the Pharisees, who stubbornly refused to acknowledge Jesus despite clear evidence, this man is eager to learn and follow wherever the truth leads him. His journey is one of growing faith—first recognizing Jesus as a healer, then as a prophet, and now as someone with divine authority.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, the title “Son of Man” was known from the Old Testament, particularly from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is described as a heavenly figure with authority and an everlasting kingdom. Many Jews expected the Messiah to be this figure. However, their understanding of the Messiah was often political—they expected a ruler who would deliver them from Roman oppression.
The healed man, being a beggar who had been blind from birth, likely did not have deep theological knowledge. Yet, he knew enough to recognize that Jesus was extraordinary. His response shows that faith is not about intellectual knowledge alone—it is about a willingness to believe when the truth is revealed.
This moment is also significant because it takes place after the man had been cast out of the synagogue (John 9:34). In contrast to the rejection he experienced from the Pharisees, Jesus seeks him out and invites him into something far greater. This shows that following Jesus is not about religious acceptance but about a personal relationship with Him.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that faith begins with an open heart. The healed man did not demand signs or proof—he simply wanted to know who the Son of Man was so that he could believe. His attitude contrasts sharply with the Pharisees, who had all the knowledge but refused to believe.
It also shows that faith is progressive. The man’s understanding of Jesus grew over time. First, he knew Jesus as “the man” who healed him (John 9:11). Then, he recognized Him as a prophet (John 9:17). Now, he is about to take the final step—acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God. This is a reminder that spiritual growth often happens step by step.
Additionally, this verse highlights the personal nature of faith. Jesus does not demand blind belief; He invites the man into a relationship. The question “Do you believe?” (John 9:35) is one that every person must answer. Faith is not inherited or assumed—it requires a personal response.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel often presents contrasts, and this passage is a key example. The healed man, who was once physically blind, is now seeing more clearly than the religious leaders who claim to have spiritual insight. His humility and eagerness to believe stand in direct contrast to the pride and stubbornness of the Pharisees.
The structure of this chapter follows a pattern of increasing spiritual sight and increasing spiritual blindness. The healed man moves from physical blindness to full spiritual sight, while the Pharisees move from rejection to full spiritual blindness.
John also uses a technique where characters respond to Jesus with questions. This allows the reader to journey with them in discovering who Jesus really is. The healed man’s question, “Who is he, sir?”, is not one of doubt, but of anticipation—he is ready to believe.
Biblical Cross-References
- Daniel 7:13-14 – The prophecy of the Son of Man, who has authority and an everlasting kingdom.
- John 6:29 – Jesus says, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
- John 20:29 – Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
- Matthew 7:7-8 – “Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” The healed man is seeking, and Jesus is revealing Himself.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that faith requires a willingness to seek and receive the truth. The healed man did not fully understand everything about Jesus, but he was ready to believe when the truth was made clear. Many today hesitate to follow Jesus because they think they need to understand everything first. But faith often begins with a simple openness to the truth.
It also challenges Christians to have a teachable spirit. Many people, like the Pharisees, reject Jesus because they are unwilling to listen. The healed man, on the other hand, was eager to learn. Faith grows in those who are humble and willing to seek God’s truth.
Additionally, this verse is an encouragement to those who feel rejected by the world. The religious leaders cast the man out, but Jesus sought him out. In the same way, Jesus comes to those who have been hurt, rejected, or left behind, offering them something far greater than what the world can give.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He meets people where they are. Jesus does not expect the healed man to have everything figured out—He simply asks if he is willing to believe. This shows that God’s love is patient, guiding people step by step into the truth.
God’s love is also personal. Jesus could have left the man alone after healing him, but He didn’t. He sought him out to offer something even greater—eternal life. This shows that God’s love is not just about meeting physical needs but about bringing people into a lasting relationship with Him.
Additionally, this verse demonstrates that God reveals Himself to those who seek Him. The healed man was ready to believe, and Jesus made Himself known. In the same way, God promises to reveal Himself to those who genuinely seek Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points directly to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Son of Man prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus was not just a prophet or a healer—He was the one with divine authority. By asking the man if he believes in the Son of Man, Jesus is leading him to the full realization of who He is.
This moment also highlights the personal invitation of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus asked people to believe in Him—not just as a teacher, but as the Savior.
- John 11:25-26 – Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die… Do you believe this?”
- Matthew 16:15-16 – Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say I am?”, leading Peter to confess Him as the Messiah.
This verse challenges every person to consider their own response to Jesus. Like the healed man, each person must answer the question: “Who is He?” and decide whether to believe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the healed man’s willingness to believe challenge your own faith?
- What does this verse teach about the importance of a teachable and open heart?
- How does Jesus’ response to the healed man encourage those who feel rejected or alone?
- Why do you think the religious leaders refused to acknowledge what the healed man accepted so quickly?
- How can this verse encourage someone who is hesitant about following Jesus because they don’t have all the answers?