The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 30

Vers. 35-38.-A hap'PY 'TMeting. We have in this passage- !. JEsus IN SEA.ROH FOR THE OUTCAST. 1. He had lost sight of him for a while. He had not seen him since he went on the path of duty and obedience to the pool of Siloarn. It was well that they should be apart for some time. Important pnrposes were thus answered. But neither Jesus nor the man was idle. Jesus was about his Father's business; and the man that had been blind, according to Christ's statement, was busily manifesting the works of God. Establishing the miracle and pointing to the claims and Divinity of its wonderful Performer. 2. Jesus sought him. If out of sight, he was not out of mind. "Jesus heard that," etc. He listened for him; his ear was on the watch for intelligence respecting him. If you listen attentively you will hear soon. Jesus sought him in distress, when his need was greatest. 3. He found him. "Seek, and ye shall find." Jesus knew this law nnd obeyed it. No one sought so sure to find as he. He never gave up the search till it resulted in finding, whether for the lost piece of silver or for the wandering sheep. Why did he seek this man? (1) There was afdlow-feding. He heard that they had cast him out. By the law of sympathy he looked out for him. He was an outcast from the synagogue himself; he had now a companion. (2) The man sought him. We are not told this by the recorder, but we know it. He was full of Christ since he had received his sight. He could scarcely see nor talk of anything else. His mind and heart yearned for him. Especially now in hie distress and persecution. (3) Jesus was anxious to succour and help him. To give him his soul's want and his heart's desire-what would make him satisfied and happy. He knew that he needed aud desired a spiritual Guide and a Saviour, and he hastened to give to him him.self. Jesus is a Friend in need, and the need of the guilty and weary soul IL JEsus' DE!il..il""D FOR FA.ITH. "Dost thou believe," etc.? 1. This is the reason- able and natural demand of the miracle. Faith in its great Performer. It was a Divine act of mercy, and was eminently calculated to inspire faith-to open the eye of the soul to see the spiritual, the eternal, and the Divine. Christ looked out for fruit after cultivation and sowing. 2. A most worthy Object of faith is introduced. "The Son of God." The human soul should have an object of faith suitable to its spiritual condition and wants, and worthy of its native dignity and high capacities. Such au Object is here introduced-the Son of God, who also is the Son of man, whom faith cau grasp, and being grasped will elevate the soul and fill it with satisfaction and joy. 3. A simple test of adherence is only ,·equired. " Dost thou believe," etc.? 'l'he memory is not ta:xed, the understanding is not burdened, but the willing acceptance of the heart, or faith, is made the test of adherence and the bond of union. It is very ,,imple and easy, and yet most effective. "Dost thou believe? "-that is all. llL FA.ITH IN PRAYER. 'l'his was the prayer of faith inspired by the demand of Jesus. 1. The prayer is to the proper ol,ject. "Lord." Although the man's knowledge of Jesus was limited, yet he knew sufficient to appeal to him for more light. He felt confident that he wbo opened his eyes could and would give him greater illumination still. 2. The prayer ia for a 'Tl.eeessary revelation. " Who is he?" The elementary exercise of faith requires some elementary knowledge of its object. We are not expected to believe on a Saviour we know nothing or but little of. Christ requires faith, and faith en. 1x. 1-41.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 31