John 9:35-41 Scene 4

Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” Isn't this beautiful and comforting? The moment after the religious elite put this man out, Jesus hears about him and then finds him. Most Bible translations translate πιστεύεις (2nd Person, Singular, Present Active Indicative of the root πιστεύω) as 'believe.' While the English word 'believe' may span a wide spectra of meaning, the root πιστεύω plummets from the surface of whimsical thoughts to the gut wrenching resolve of confidence that also embraces total reliance. πιστεύω communicates "without 'Him' I am nothing." Liddell, Scott, Jones gives other possible translations that shed light on this nuance: belief, trust, faith, confidence, and rely. Jesus did a miracle in this man's life by enabling him to see for the first time in his life. But, Jesus now gets to a life change question: Do you rely, trust in the Son of Man? Why does Jesus call Himself "Son of Man" (see footnote)? It is commonly accepted that Jesus was communicating His Messiah-ship. This is supported by most Greek versions that Jesus was inquiring of this man concerning his trust in the 'Son of God.' 'Son of God' is consistent with the whole message of John as he communicates that Jesus is God incarnate (in the flesh). Remember, this is the first time this man has laid eyes on Jesus, the One who healed him. Jesus sent him away to wash and only after washing did he receive his sight. Thus the question. He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” Here is our word 'believe' again. The all definable purpose of knowing His identity was to believe in Him. Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” Jesus always reveals Himself to those who seek Him. And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. Our word 'believe' appears here with the man doing as he said. But, his belief takes a profoundly different dimension. He worships Him. This man's belief led him to worship. Does your belief lead you to worship? What is worship? The Greek work translated 'worship' here is προσεκύνησεν (3rd Person, Singular, Aorist Active Indicative) from the root word προσκυνέω which means: go down on one's knees, do obeisance to, worship. Liddell / Scott / Jones also gives other Greek Literature support to the idea of 'give reverence,' 'prostrate oneself,' 'throw a kiss.' And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” This is one of the most comforting statements made by Jesus to those who are humble and have no pretense of prideful knowledge, especially in the realm of religion. For those who are humble, contrite and seeking, He will give them eyes to see. For those who pridefully claim to see, He will judge making blind them that thought they could see. Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” Their question reveals their heart and invites His judgment. Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. Prideful expression of one's condition results in judgment and no life change with the continuance of sin. This was the ultimate state of the man born blind. Sin was not the issue for him. Blindness was the issue. Remember from verse 3, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him."


APPLICATION
1. Do not take pride in what you know, but boast in Who you know. Paul said it this way, 'I want to know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings.'
2. God is a jealous God. 'I am the Lord your God....you shall have no other gods before me.'
3. Drawn to Jesus? Call on Him. Seek Him. He will find you. He will answer you. Make sure your belief culminates in worship. For He is worthy!


FOOTNOTE
1. There is debate among the Greek versions regarding this word as to whether it is τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 'the Son of Man' or, τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 'the Son of God.' Majority Text and Textus Receptus render 'τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 'the Son of God.' Early versions render τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 'the Son of Man' (Westcott/Hort and Tischendorf).


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