John 9:17

The Jews were awaiting the ultimate Prophet who was prophesized by Moses in Deuteronomy – the One who would speak God’s Word and provide deliverance for God’s people. Moses set the standard for every future prophet until the One – the Prophet - Jesus Christ – would come and introduce the New Covenant. We find God speaking through Moses to the Israelites regarding this in Deuteronomy:

14 The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so. 15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. Deut 18:14-15 (NIV)

Earlier in John, at the height of Jesus’ popularity, some declared this title upon Him as the miracles He performed clearly demonstrated He was the promised Messiah - His miraculous works matching His Word. While they perhaps gave credence to and were convinced of Jesus being the fulfillment of Moses’ prophecy, many, unfortunately, did not receive His doctrine. Sadly, it is possible for men to believe that Christ is that Prophet sent from God and yet turn a deaf ear to Him.

14 After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." John 6:14 (NIV)

“There are many who stumble in the noon-day, not for want of light, but for want of eyes” John Newton

In our verse for today, our once blind protagonist is questioned yet again by the religious leaders in hopes to perhaps get him to speak disparagingly of our Lord. Nothing comes to the temporal triumph of the enemies of Jesus and to their aid faster than slights from those who have passed for Jesus’ friends. Interestingly, they do not question him about the miracle itself – which they could not refute - rather his opinion of the Miracle Worker. We find our guy stepping up to the plate – the expression of the healed man being the beginning of his faith. Even with the prospect of being prosecuted by his hearers, he states what he knew to be true of our Lord according to the light he had been given – “He is a prophet”. He did not say “He is the Prophet” indicating his belief that Jesus was the Messiah rather that he knew he was a prophet. The term prophet being a technical name for an interpreter of a divine message indicating one to whom and through whom God spoke and revealed His purposes. Prophesying was not merely speaking forth prediction but showing forth God’s will – his job description would include preaching, warning and miracle working. A prophet had insights granted by God and he communicated these insights to others – they were God’s messengers and communicators. This healed man knew for certain this Jesus was from God else there would have been no way He could have accomplished this mighty work of restoring his sight.

This begs the question for us to ponder as well – are we faithful to speak in our Lord’s favor – stating forth the light we have received – when asked by those who perhaps oppose Him? Scripture tells us we are to always be prepared to give an answer – for both God’s glory and for the love of man:

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:13-17 (NIV)

“Only he who can say, ‘The Lord is the strength of my life’ can go on to say, ‘Of whom shall I be afraid?’” Alexander Maclaren

As followers of Jesus we are not to fear mere men but, like our Savior, we are to entrust ourselves to God – remaining faithful. Scripture tells us:

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23 (NIV)