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Commentaries
English
John
  
16Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them.17So again they said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."


After hearing his testimony, the legalists began to argue. Some said that Jesus has no power from God, since he has broken God’s commandment. They thus passed judgment on Jesus by legalistic reasoning.
Others saw the connection between the blind man’s sin and his cure and pardon. They commented that the healing must have a deeper meaning, because it relates to God’s pardoning ability. It was therefore impossible for Jesus to be a sinner, because he forgave the sin and resolved the cause of the affliction.
The two parties could not find a compromise. Both sides were blind, like many in our day who discuss Jesus superficially and pointlessly. Then they questioned the healed man to find out if Jesus had said anything else, and what he did feel about Jesus. Such inquiries are useful for folk who know something about Jesus, it is good to question those who are born again. For they know how to be freed from sin and God’s wrath. Apart from our spiritual rebirth we cannot see God.
The healed man began to think, "Who then is Jesus?" He compared Jesus to men of God in the history of his people. During that historical age many miracles were performed, but no one had ever cured a man born blind. From Jesus’ actions any thinking person could see that here was a unique savior. So the man called Jesus a prophet, who not only discerns the future but decides the present in God’s power. He searches hearts and expresses God’s will.