John 9:40 – “Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What? Are we blind too?’”
Extended Explanation
This verse comes immediately after Jesus declares, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” (John 9:39). The Pharisees, who were nearby, hear this and react with offense. They ask, “Are we blind too?”
Their question reveals their pride. They assume they are spiritually enlightened, knowledgeable in God’s law, and superior to others. However, Jesus’ teaching challenges their self-perception. He has just made it clear that spiritual blindness is not about physical sight but about the heart’s ability to recognize the truth. The healed man, once physically blind, now sees both physically and spiritually. The Pharisees, though physically able to see, remain spiritually blind because they reject Jesus.
This verse captures their defensive reaction. They don’t genuinely ask Jesus for understanding; they are responding with sarcasm and offense. They believe they are the ones who “see,” and they are insulted by the idea that Jesus might be calling them blind. Their response shows how pride can keep people from recognizing their need for God.
Historical Context
The Pharisees were religious leaders in Israel. They were experts in the law, devoted to strict religious practices, and seen as the spiritual authorities of their time. However, despite their knowledge, they often missed the heart of God’s message.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees opposed Him because He did not fit their expectations of the Messiah. They expected a political leader who would overthrow Rome, not a humble teacher who healed the sick and called people to repentance.
The idea of spiritual blindness was not new. In the Old Testament, blindness was often used as a metaphor for people who refused to listen to God:
- Isaiah 6:9-10 – God tells Isaiah that the people will “see but never perceive.”
- Jeremiah 5:21 – The prophet describes people who have eyes but do not see.
The Pharisees should have understood this concept, but their hearts were hardened. Instead of admitting their blindness, they resisted the truth.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that spiritual blindness is not about physical sight but about the condition of the heart. The Pharisees had access to Scripture, religious training, and years of studying God’s law, yet they still rejected Jesus.
It also warns about the danger of pride. The Pharisees assumed they were righteous because of their knowledge and traditions. They did not see their need for a Savior. Pride is one of the greatest barriers to faith. Those who think they “see” everything clearly may actually be the most blind.
Additionally, this verse reinforces the theme that Jesus’ presence exposes people’s hearts. Some respond with faith (like the healed man), while others respond with rejection (like the Pharisees). Jesus’ teachings force people to make a decision—either to accept Him or to turn away.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel frequently uses light and darkness, sight and blindness as spiritual symbols. This verse continues that pattern.
- The healed man represents those who come to the light and receive spiritual sight.
- The Pharisees represent those who reject the light and remain in spiritual darkness.
There is also irony in their question. The Pharisees ask, “Are we blind too?” when the answer is obviously yes! But instead of humbling themselves and seeking understanding, they ask sarcastically, as if to say, “How dare you suggest we are blind!” This response further proves their blindness.
Additionally, the tone of the Pharisees’ question suggests offense. They are insulted by the idea that Jesus might be implying that they, the supposed spiritual elite, are actually lost. Their pride blinds them from seeing the very truth they need.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 23:16-17 – Jesus calls the Pharisees “blind guides.”
- Isaiah 42:6-7 – A prophecy about the Messiah opening the eyes of the blind.
- Luke 6:39 – Jesus asks, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.”
- Revelation 3:17 – Jesus rebukes those who think they are rich and wise but are actually blind and poor.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse warns believers against spiritual pride. Many people assume they have all the answers or that they are spiritually strong because they go to church, read the Bible, or follow religious traditions. But none of these things automatically mean a person is truly seeing Jesus for who He is. The Pharisees had religious knowledge, but their hearts were far from God.
It also challenges people to examine their own spiritual blindness. Are there areas where we assume we “see” but are actually blind? Do we resist God’s truth because it challenges our thinking? True faith requires humility—a willingness to admit that we need God to open our eyes.
Additionally, this verse reminds believers that pride keeps people from recognizing their need for Jesus. Many today reject Jesus, not because they lack knowledge, but because they don’t want to surrender control. The Pharisees could not accept Jesus because it would mean admitting they were wrong. The same struggle exists today.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He continually offers people the chance to see the truth. Even though the Pharisees rejected Jesus, He continued to speak to them, giving them opportunities to repent.
God does not force spiritual sight on anyone, but He invites all people to come to the light. His love is evident in how He patiently teaches, corrects, and seeks those who are lost.
This verse also reminds us that God’s love is for the humble. The blind man, who had nothing, received sight and salvation. The Pharisees, who thought they had everything, remained blind. God’s love reaches those who admit their need for Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse reinforces Jesus’ role as the Light of the World (John 8:12). Those who come to Him receive sight, but those who reject Him remain blind.
Jesus is also the Great Physician (Luke 5:31-32). He came to heal the spiritually sick, but those who refuse to acknowledge their sickness will not receive healing. The Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus proves this point—they could have been healed spiritually, but their pride kept them blind.
- John 1:9-11 – Jesus is the true light, but many rejected Him.
- John 14:6 – Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Those who reject Him reject truth itself.
- John 8:12 – “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
- Matthew 9:12-13 – Jesus came for those who recognize their need for Him, not those who think they are already righteous.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ statement about blindness?
- In what ways can pride prevent someone from seeing their need for Jesus?
- Are there areas in your life where you might be spiritually blind? How can you ask God to help you see?
- What does this passage teach about how Jesus exposes the true condition of people’s hearts?
- How can you stay humble and open to God’s truth, rather than becoming like the Pharisees?