John 9:37 – “Jesus said, ‘You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.’”
Extended Explanation
This verse is Jesus’ response to the healed man’s question in the previous verse, “Who is he, sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him.” (John 9:36). After being rejected by the religious leaders, the man is now face to face with the One who healed him, though he does not yet realize it.
Jesus now reveals Himself fully, saying, “You have now seen him.” This statement is deeply meaningful, not only because the man is seeing Jesus physically for the first time, but because he is also beginning to see spiritually. His journey from blindness to sight mirrors his journey from partial understanding to full faith.
Jesus’ declaration, “He is the one speaking with you,” is clear and personal. Unlike the Pharisees, who rejected Jesus despite the evidence, this man is ready to believe. Jesus does not make belief complicated—He simply introduces Himself, and the man responds with faith (John 9:38).
Historical Context
At this time, many Jews were expecting the Messiah, but they had different ideas about what He would look like. Some thought He would be a political leader who would free Israel from Roman rule. The religious leaders, despite their knowledge of Scripture, had hardened their hearts to Jesus, rejecting Him because He did not fit their expectations.
The healed man, however, had no such expectations. He had been a beggar, blind from birth, and had no status in society. Yet, unlike the Pharisees, he was ready to believe. His heart was open, and Jesus rewarded that openness by revealing Himself.
The phrase “Son of Man” (John 9:35) was well-known among Jews as a title referring to the Messiah. It comes from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is described as a heavenly figure with divine authority. By using this title, Jesus was confirming that He was not just a teacher or a prophet—He was the one sent by God to rule with power and glory.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights an important truth: Jesus reveals Himself to those who are willing to believe. The healed man did not have religious training, but his heart was ready. This shows that faith is not about intellect—it is about a heart that is open to God’s truth.
It also teaches that faith in Jesus is personal. Jesus did not ask the man to follow a set of rules—He simply revealed Himself, and the man had to choose whether to believe. This is the essence of Christianity: a personal relationship with Jesus, not just a religious system.
Additionally, this verse points to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. He was not just a healer or a prophet—He was the one with divine authority, sent by God to bring salvation. His words leave no doubt about who He is.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel is structured around themes of light and darkness, spiritual sight and blindness. This verse is a turning point—while the Pharisees remain spiritually blind, the healed man’s eyes are now fully opened, both physically and spiritually.
There is also an intentional contrast between this moment and the earlier interrogation by the Pharisees. The religious leaders questioned the man aggressively, trying to trap him. Jesus, on the other hand, simply speaks to him with love and truth. The religious leaders rejected him, but Jesus welcomes him.
The phrase “You have now seen him” is also significant. A man who was blind his whole life now not only sees physically but also recognizes the One who has given him true sight. This is a moment of transformation.
Biblical Cross-References
- Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of Man is given authority and dominion by God.
- John 14:9 – Jesus tells Philip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
- John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory.”
- Matthew 16:15-16 – Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?”, and Peter responds, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
- Luke 10:21 – Jesus rejoices that God reveals truth to the humble rather than the wise and learned.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that Jesus makes Himself known to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. The healed man did not have all the answers, but he was willing to believe. In the same way, we do not need perfect knowledge to follow Jesus—we just need faith.
It also challenges people to ask themselves: Have I truly “seen” Jesus? Many people know about Jesus but have not fully recognized Him for who He is. Like the healed man, every person must come to a moment of decision—will they accept Jesus as Lord, or will they turn away like the Pharisees?
Additionally, this verse offers comfort to those who feel rejected. The healed man was thrown out of the synagogue, but Jesus welcomed him. Many believers today face rejection for their faith, but Jesus promises to never leave them.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He personally reveals Himself to those who seek Him. Jesus did not leave the healed man alone after he was cast out—He sought him out and introduced Himself. This reflects God’s heart for the lost, the rejected, and the humble.
This verse also shows that God’s love is not about status or religious knowledge. The Pharisees, who had all the religious training, rejected Jesus. The healed man, who had none, believed. God’s love is for those who are willing to receive it, no matter their background.
Additionally, this verse reveals God’s desire for a personal relationship with people. Jesus does not just perform miracles from a distance—He speaks, He reveals, and He invites people to believe. This is the essence of God’s love: He wants to be known.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse confirms Jesus’ divine identity. He does not say, “I am just a prophet” or “I am only a teacher.” He declares that He is the one sent by God, the Son of Man, the fulfillment of prophecy.
Jesus’ revelation to the healed man mirrors His other self-revelations in the Gospel of John:
- John 4:25-26 – Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
- John 8:58 – Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was born, I am.”
- John 11:25-26 – Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
This verse is another moment where Jesus openly declares His identity, calling people to recognize Him as the one who brings true life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of Jesus?
- Have you had a personal moment where you recognized who Jesus truly is? If not, what is holding you back?
- How does Jesus’ personal approach to the healed man encourage you in your faith?
- Why do you think the healed man was so ready to believe, while the Pharisees refused to accept the truth?
- How can this passage help you share your faith with others who are searching for truth?