John 9:13–15

In the third part of the Chapter, to ver. 35, We have the second effect or consequent that followed on this miracle; and it contains the proceedings of the Pharisees upon it, when it is made known to them. And it hath these particulars in it. 1. Their debates and divisions among themselves upon it. ver. 16. 2. Their conference with the man about Christ, ver. 17. 3. Their conference with his parents, ver. 18.—23. 4. Their conference yet again with the man, which at last ends in his excommunication, ver. 24.—34.

In these verses, somewhat is premitted by way of introduction to all these proceedings. As, first, that the neighbours brought the man to the Pharisees, ver. 13. Not so much out of their respect to Christ or the man, as to please the Pharisees and Council, who they knew were vexed with the rising glory of Christ, and who had made such a businesse of the miracle formerly wrought by him on the Sabbath. 2. The time when this miracle was wrought, which had been omitted in the history it selfe, is here recorded, ver. 14. as being the ground why the neighbours brought the man, and upon which the Pharisees took occasion to inveigh against Christ, 3. They examine the man concerning the circumstances of the fact, that so they may know what to do; And the neighbours (as would appear) having given a short account that he had been born blind, and that Jesus had cured him on the Sabbath day; The man in his answer only adds to what they had said, and relates the manner how the miracle was wrought, ver. 15.

From ver. 13. Learn, 1. When ever Christ begins to do a good turne to any, albeit they have but little acquaintance of him, yet they may expect that their friends and neighbours, who before pitied or respected them, will be ready to persecute them, and deliver them up into the hands of the most cruel adversaties, of Christ and his followers; for, so befel this man, they brought him to the Pharisees. 2. Ill instruments will never be wanting, to keep up contests betwixt Christ and his enemies; for, there are who brought him to the Pharisees, to set them on edge against Christ. 3. Were Church-men never so vile and corrupt, yet their titles and eminent places will still draw carnal men father to respect them, then Christ in his state of humiliation; for, this was it that made these neighbours, bring him to the Pharisees who aforetime was blind, they are taken up with their eminent places and titles, and therefore do take their part. 4. When men are once engaged in a course of persecution, and take delight in it; it is righteous with God, to give them up to many opportunities of persecution, till their cup be full; for, it was in Gods judgement that they brought him to the Pharisees. For, they had been Christs avowed enemies, and had persecute him formerly, and now this poor man must not be persecuted but by their hand, that so they may be made drunk with blood and persecution, since they delighted so much in it. See Matth. 23, 31, 32.

From verse 14. Learn. 1. Works of necessity and charity to these in distresse, are very consistent with the due sanctification of the Sabbath, Therefore doth Christ so often work these works upon the Sabbath, to confirme this truth. 2. As no offence taken by men at the doing of necessary and moral duties, whereby Christ is honoured, should be regarded so as to drive us from dutie: So, in particular, the offence of wicked persecutors is not to be regarded, in doing of these things that may set out the glory of God: Therefore, albeit it was the old contest that he had cured a man upon the Sabbath, yet he will do it over again, seeing the work is necessary, and the doing of it then was an occasion to manifest the glory of his work, by their opposition, whereof they had no occasion, if he had done it another time. It is true, we should give offence to none, either Jew or Gentile, 1 Cor. 10.32. but in doing necessary duties no offence is given, it is taken only; And albeit it should be matter of sorrow, when men do take offence injustly, especially if they be godly: Yet, Christ will have no respect to the unjust stambling of malicious persecutors, Matth 15.12, 13, 14. 3. Christ allowes no composition with avowed and malicious enemies, in matters of truth or dutie; Therefore also Christ will work these miracles on the Sabbath day, that he might not seem to comply in the least with their superstitious opinions concerning the Sabbath. See Gal. 2.3, 4, 5.

From verse 15. Learn, 1. It is but in vain for men to think, that their terrour will drive a man from avowing what he hath found in Christ, or received from him, unlesse he be under the strong power of a tentation; so much appeareth in this man. Albeit they were informed by the neighbours, (for the man needs not name Christ in his answer, of whom they had made mention) yet again they also asked him, as thinking their authority and terrour might cause him deny what he had said before his neighbours, that so there might be no more of the miracle. But all in vain; for he avowes it clearly. And indeed, it is a wonder how he is born up in all this debate, seeing as yet he neither knew where Christ was, nor fully what he was; But as sense of this favour obliged him to Christ, so it may be thought admirable, how much strength, courage, and ability, men may be furnished with, in defending Christs cause. 2. They who would undertake to speak of Christs working, will but spill it in the telling, in comparison of these who have sensibly found it in themselves; Therefore doth he, in this answer, adde to their report, and lay it out fully, which (it seemes) they had but thought worthy to be mentioned only in the general. 3. Such as are sensible of Christs goodnesse in his working, will look upon every circumstance in it as remarkable: Therefore doth he so punctually relate the manner of the cure; He put clay on mine eyes, and I washed, &c. not only that he might satisfie their question, how he had received his sight, but to testifie how much it affected him to dwell on every passage thereof. 4. Christs favours are solid and permanent, and ought to be remarked that they are so; Therefore doth he not only acknowledge that he saw, but yet still, I do see, as observing the continuance of the favour. 5. It is also required in men who receive favours from Christ, that the continuance thereof do not render them tastelesse, but that the sense of their former ill condition, and of Christs mercy, be entertained, that so the favours may be still fresh: Therefore also doth he say, I do see, to testifie the continuance of his affection and estimation of that mercy.