John 9:38 – “Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him.”
Extended Explanation
This verse marks the final stage of the healed man’s journey—not just from blindness to sight, but from uncertainty to full faith in Jesus. After being healed physically, interrogated by the Pharisees, and cast out of the synagogue, he now comes to the most important moment of all: recognizing Jesus as Lord.
When Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of Man (John 9:37), the man’s response is immediate. He declares, “Lord, I believe,” and then worships Jesus. This is significant because true faith is not just about recognizing Jesus intellectually—it is about surrender and worship.
The healed man’s reaction contrasts sharply with that of the religious leaders, who refused to acknowledge Jesus despite overwhelming evidence. His simple but powerful response shows what true faith looks like: belief that leads to worship.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, worship was reserved for God alone. For this man to worship Jesus meant that he recognized Him as more than just a prophet or a teacher—he saw Jesus as divine. This was a bold statement of faith, especially considering that he had already been cast out of the synagogue for standing by the truth.
The title “Son of Man” (John 9:35-37) would have been understood in light of Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is described as a divine figure who rules with everlasting authority. By worshiping Jesus, the healed man was acknowledging that Jesus was not just sent by God—He was God.
This moment is also a contrast to what happened earlier in the chapter. The Pharisees refused to believe, despite having knowledge of Scripture and religious authority. Meanwhile, this man, who had been a blind beggar, was the one who truly saw. His faith was not based on social status or religious background, but on a personal encounter with Jesus.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that faith in Jesus leads to worship. The man did not just accept Jesus as a wise teacher—he recognized Him as Lord. True belief is not just acknowledging facts about Jesus; it is responding with worship, surrender, and devotion.
It also shows that faith is a journey. The man’s understanding of Jesus grew over time. First, he called Jesus “the man” (John 9:11), then “a prophet” (John 9:17), then “from God” (John 9:33), and finally, “Lord” (John 9:38). His faith deepened as he encountered Jesus more. This reminds us that faith is often a process—God leads people step by step into a fuller understanding of who He is.
Additionally, this verse confirms Jesus’ divinity. The fact that Jesus accepted worship is proof that He was more than just a man. Throughout Scripture, angels and godly people reject worship (Acts 10:25-26, Revelation 19:10), but Jesus receives it. This shows that He is worthy of worship because He is God.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel is filled with themes of light and darkness, sight and blindness, belief and unbelief. This verse is the conclusion of a dramatic contrast between the healed man and the Pharisees. The religious leaders, who should have seen the truth, remain spiritually blind, while the man who was once blind now sees Jesus clearly.
There is also a strong progression of faith in this chapter. The healed man moves from not knowing who Jesus is, to defending Him against the Pharisees, to finally worshiping Him. His physical healing was the first step, but his spiritual awakening was the real miracle.
The act of worship is significant. Worship in John’s Gospel is tied to recognizing Jesus as the Son of God (John 4:23-24). By worshiping Jesus, the man is doing what true believers are called to do—giving Jesus the honor He deserves.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 4:23-24 – Jesus teaches that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.
- Philippians 2:9-11 – Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- Revelation 5:12-14 – Jesus, the Lamb, is worshiped in heaven by all creation.
- Matthew 14:33 – The disciples worship Jesus after He calms the storm, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
- John 20:28 – Thomas, upon seeing the risen Jesus, declares, “My Lord and my God!”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that true faith in Jesus leads to worship. Christianity is not just about believing facts—it is about recognizing Jesus as Lord and responding with love, surrender, and devotion.
It also encourages Christians in their spiritual growth. Just as the healed man’s faith grew over time, believers should expect their faith to deepen as they walk with Jesus. God reveals more of Himself to those who seek Him.
Additionally, this verse is an encouragement to those who have faced rejection for their faith. The healed man was cast out of the synagogue, but Jesus sought him out and revealed Himself. In the same way, when the world rejects believers, Jesus draws them closer to Him.
Finally, this verse challenges people to ask: Have I truly worshiped Jesus as Lord? Many people believe in Jesus intellectually but have not surrendered to Him in worship. True faith involves both belief and response.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He personally reveals Himself to those who seek Him. Jesus did not leave the healed man alone—He found him and gave him the opportunity to fully believe. This shows that God desires a personal relationship with His people.
God’s love is also seen in how He honors the faith of the humble. The Pharisees, despite all their knowledge, remained blind, while this once-forgotten beggar received the greatest revelation of all—Jesus Himself. This is a reminder that God looks at the heart, not status or knowledge.
Additionally, this verse shows that God’s love is transformational. The man’s life was forever changed, not just because he could see physically, but because he met Jesus and found true life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse confirms Jesus’ divine identity. He accepts worship, something only God is worthy of. Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that He is more than a teacher—He is the Son of God.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ mission. He came not just to heal physical sickness but to bring spiritual sight to those who are willing to believe. Jesus’ question “Do you believe?” (John 9:35) is one He asks all people. Those who respond in faith, like the healed man, receive the greatest gift—eternal life in Him.
- John 1:4-5 – Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
- John 14:6 – Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
- Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.
- Colossians 1:15-16 – Jesus is the image of the invisible God, through whom all things were created.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of faith and worship?
- What does the healed man’s response teach about true belief?
- Have you ever experienced spiritual growth like the healed man—moving from knowing about Jesus to fully believing in Him?
- Why do you think Jesus revealed Himself to this man, but the Pharisees remained blind?
- What does this verse teach about how Jesus treats those who have been rejected by the world?