The Pulpit Commentary on John 9:39-41

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Moral result of Christ's coming into the world.

The incident now ended suggests a wider reflection.

I. THE DOUBLE RESULT OF CHRIST'S ADVENT. "I am come into this world to exercise judgment, that they which see not might see; and that they that see should become blind."

1. The Son did not come for judgment, but judgment was the result of his coming. His advent tested the false and the true; it revealed what was in the hearts of men; it brought light into the darkness with two opposite results.

2. The twofold result of the judgment.

II. THE PERSONAL APPLICATION OF THE TEST OF JUDGMENT. "And those of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said to him, Are we also blind?"

1. The question is dictated by the pride of sect, and by a touch of anger that they who were so learned should be classed with the ignorant rabble.

2. The answer of Jesus is terribly severe.

(a) They had no excuse for it. "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin." They were, therefore, witnesses against themselves.

(b) Sin rested upon them because they were responsible for their blindness.

HOMILIES BY J.R. THOMSON

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