Pharisaic Interrogation of the Healed Blind Man in John 9
The Pharisees' interrogation of the healed blind man in John 9:13-34 is a pivotal scene in the Gospel narrative, showcasing the tension between Jesus' miraculous works and the religious authorities' skepticism. The passage begins with the Pharisees summoning the formerly blind man, who had been healed by Jesus on the Sabbath [1].
Literary Context
The healing of the blind man is the culmination of a narrative thread that starts in John 9:1, where Jesus encounters a man blind from birth [3]. The miracle is not just a demonstration of Jesus' power but also a sign that sparks a chain of events, including the Pharisees' investigation. The surrounding narrative highlights the Pharisees' growing hostility towards Jesus, as they scrutinize his actions and motives.
Historical Setting
The Pharisees' interrogation takes place in a context where Sabbath observance is a critical aspect of Jewish law and tradition. Jesus' healing on the Sabbath is seen as a transgression, and the Pharisees seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the miracle [1, 2]. The scene reflects the complex dynamics between Jesus, his followers, and the Jewish authorities in the late Second Temple period.
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The term "Pharisees" refers to a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the law. In this context, they represent the religious establishment that is wary of Jesus' teachings and actions. The phrase "born blind" is significant, as it underscores the extraordinary nature of the miracle [3].
A crucial exegetical decision revolves around the interpretation of the blind man's testimony. The man's initial statement that Jesus is a prophet (John 9:17) is seen by some as an indication of his growing understanding of Jesus' identity [8]. Others, like Augustine, interpret the man's subsequent statements as evidence of his deepening faith [9].
Range of Interpretations
The early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, viewed the healed blind man as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. Augustine saw the man's journey from physical blindness to spiritual sight as a metaphor for the Christian experience [7, 4]. In contrast, modern commentators like those from the Reformed tradition emphasize the christological significance of the miracle, highlighting Jesus' role as the Light of the World [6].
The Pharisees' interrogation is also seen as a demonstration of their spiritual blindness. According to Augustine, the Pharisees' failure to recognize Jesus' divine authority is a manifestation of their own spiritual darkness [9]. This interpretation is echoed in the writings of other Church Fathers, who see the Pharisees' actions as a representation of the world's rejection of Jesus [5].
Function in Tradition
The narrative of the healed blind man has played a significant role in Christian theology and liturgy. The story has been used to illustrate the themes of spiritual blindness and enlightenment, as well as the tension between faith and unbelief. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the story is seen as a demonstration of Jesus' power to heal both physical and spiritual blindness [4].
The Pharisees' interrogation of the healed blind man serves as a turning point in the Gospel narrative, highlighting the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities. As the narrative unfolds, Jesus reveals himself to the formerly blind man, who comes to worship him as the Son of God (John 9:35-38). This climax underscores the significance of the miracle as a sign of Jesus' divine identity [6].
Sources
- John “John 9:13 (BSB) — They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind.”
- John “and asked them, “Is this your son, whom you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” -- John 9:19”
- John “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. -- John 9:1”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: Homily LVI. John ix. 1, 2 “And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” [1.] “ And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth.” Being full of love for man, and caring for our salvation, and desiring to stop the mouths of the foolish, He omitteth nothing of His own part, though there be none to give heed. And the Prophet knowing this saith, “That Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 9: Gospel of Peter, Diatessaron, Origen's Commentaries — SECTION XXXVI. (part 2): he went and washed, and came seeing. And his neighbours, which saw him of old begging, said, Is not this he that was sitting begging? 18 And some said, It is he; and others said, Nay, but he resembles him much. He 19, 20 said, I am he. They said unto him, How then were thine eyes opened? He answered and said unto them, A man named Jesus made clay, and smeared it on my eyes, and said unto me, Go and wash in the water of Siloam: and I went and 21 washed, and received sight.(5) They said unto him, Where is h”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 9:11: 9:11 The blind man identified Jesus and testified strongly about him. The man was healed of his physical infirmity, gained increasing spiritual insight (9:17, 33), and became Jesus’ disciple (9:38; cp. 5:11-15).”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER IX. (part 1): 1. WE have just read the long lesson of the man born blind, whom the Lord Jesus restored to the light; but were we to attempt handling the whole of it, and considering, according to our ability, each passage in a way proportionate to its worth, the day would be insufficient. Wherefore I ask and warn your Charity not to require any words of ours on those passages whose meaning is manifest; for it would be too protracted to linger at each. I proceed, therefore, to set forth briefly the mystery of this blind man's enlightenment. Al”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 9:17: the blind man . . . said, He is a prophet--rightly viewing the miracle as but a "sign" of His prophetic commission.”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER IX. (part 9): wrote of me."(2) Is it thus ye follow the servant, and turn your back against the Lord? But not even the servant do ye follow; for by him ye would be guided to the Lord. 13. "The man answered and said unto them, Herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth." He speaks still as one only anointed. For God heareth even sinners. For if God heard not sinners, in vai”