John 9:35 Meaning: Do You Believe in the Son of God?

The Greek verb for heard (ēkousen) means more than just receiving sound. It carries the sense of taking something in and acting on it. Jesus did not let the news pass by. He responded. The verb for found (heurōn) implies a deliberate search. Jesus did not stumble on this man. He looked for him. And the phrase believe in (pisteueis eis) is the same verb John uses for saving faith throughout his Gospel. It is not just believing facts about Jesus. It is trusting into him, leaning your whole weight on him. The question itself carries an expectation. Vincent notes that the form of the question indicates confident expectation of an affirmative answer. Jesus was almost saying, 'You do believe, don't you?' He was drawing the man from the faith he already had into a deeper personal trust. The oldest Greek manuscripts have Jesus asking about 'the Son of Man,' the title he used most often. Some ancient copies read 'the Son of God,' and both point to his divine identity.

Christians across traditions have been struck by Jesus seeking this man. John Calvin saw it as an encouragement for anyone cast out by a church that does not represent Christ. Matthew Henry wrote that Jesus will be sure to stand by his witnesses and own those who own him. Others have focused on the question itself. The man had already confessed Jesus as a prophet and as one from God (vv17, 33). Now Jesus invites him to take the next step. Some ancient manuscripts read 'Son of Man' and others 'Son of God,' but both titles call for faith in who Jesus truly is. The man's response is the same in any case: 'Lord, I believe,' and he worshipped Jesus.

A common mistake is to think this man had no faith before Jesus questioned him. In fact, he had already risked everything by defending Jesus to the Pharisees. He called Jesus a prophet and said he came from God (vv17, 33). Jesus was not starting from scratch. He was taking the man's existing trust and leading it to its full destination. The question invited him to name the One who had already found him.

Maybe you have taken a stand for Jesus and it cost you a relationship or a place you valued. Or maybe you feel distant from God because of how others treated you. Notice what Jesus does. He hears about the rejection, and he goes looking for the one who was pushed out. He does not start with a lecture. He asks a question, an invitation to say out loud who he is. You can answer that question with whatever faith you have right now. He will meet you there and reveal more of himself to you.