John 9:31 is a powerful verse often cited in discussions about prayer, righteousness, and God’s attentiveness to humanity. Found within the narrative of Jesus healing a man born blind, this statement made by the healed man to the Pharisees carries significant theological weight. Let’s delve into the depths of John 9:31 to understand its meaning, context, and implications for believers today.
“We Know That God Does Not Listen to Sinners”
This part of John 9:31 reflects a widely held belief in Jewish tradition, deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The understanding was that sin creates a barrier, hindering communication between God and humanity. Scriptures like Psalm 66:18, “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear,” and Isaiah 59:2, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,” underscore this principle. In the context of John 9, the Pharisees, known for their rigorous adherence to the law, would have readily grasped this concept. They questioned Jesus’ authority and actions, deeming him a sinner because he didn’t conform to their Sabbath interpretations (John 9:16, 24). The healed man’s statement in John 9:31 cleverly uses their own theological framework to challenge their rejection of Jesus.
Theologically, this concept highlights the consequence of sin. It’s not that God is unwilling to hear, but sin fundamentally disrupts the relationship, creating a distance. This is a consistent theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and its impact on our connection with the divine.
“But He Does Listen to the One Who Worships Him and Does His Will”
The second part of John 9:31 offers a contrasting perspective, illuminating the conditions under which God does listen. It emphasizes the importance of worship and obedience as pathways to God’s attentiveness. Worship, in its biblical sense, goes beyond ritualistic practices; it encompasses a heart posture of reverence, submission, and genuine devotion. Psalm 145:18 assures us, “The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth,” reflecting God’s responsiveness to sincere seekers.
Jesus himself reinforces this in the New Testament, teaching in John 4:23-24 that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” This highlights that authentic worship is not merely external but originates from a transformed heart and aligns with God’s revealed truth. Doing God’s will is the practical outworking of this worship. It’s about aligning our lives with God’s purposes, demonstrating our faith through obedience and righteous living.
In John 9, the healed man implies that Jesus, by performing the miraculous healing, is acting in accordance with God’s will. This aligns with Jesus’ own declarations, such as in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” Doing God’s will is not about legalistic adherence but about actively participating in His redemptive purposes in the world. Matthew 7:21 further clarifies this, stating, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
John 9:31 and the Miracle of Healing
The context of John 9:31 is crucial. The healed man’s statement is not a general theological treatise but a direct response to the Pharisees’ skepticism regarding Jesus. Having experienced a profound miracle – the restoration of his sight after a lifetime of blindness – the man recognizes the divine power at work in Jesus. He argues logically: if Jesus were a sinner, as the Pharisees claimed, God would not have answered his prayers to perform such a sign. The very miracle itself becomes evidence for the man that Jesus is not a sinner but someone who is heard by God, someone who worships God and does His will.
This highlights a key teaching point: God’s attentiveness is linked to righteousness. While the verse in John 9:31 speaks of “sinners” not being heard, it’s essential to understand this in the context of deliberate, unrepentant sin and the rejection of God’s will. God’s grace and mercy are available to all, and He desires relationship with everyone. However, our prayers are most effective when they are offered from a heart that seeks to honor God, live in obedience, and align with His will.
Conclusion: Prayer, Righteousness, and God’s Ear
John 9:31 is not a verse of condemnation but an invitation to reflection. It prompts us to consider the condition of our hearts and lives as we approach God in prayer. Do we worship Him in spirit and truth? Are we seeking to do His will? While we are all sinners in need of grace, John 9:31 encourages us to pursue a life of worship and obedience, assuring us that God is attentive to those who genuinely seek Him and desire to live according to His purposes. The verse reminds us that a right relationship with God, characterized by worship and obedience, opens the door for Him to hear and respond to our prayers, just as He heard and responded to the unspoken prayer of the blind man through the miracle performed by Jesus.
