John 9:36

John 9:36: "He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?"

The healed man’s question marks a shift from seeing to believing. After Jesus hints at identity, the man asks for clarification: who is the one I might believe in? This reflects a genuine search for the person behind the miracle. The narrative continues the theme of personal revelation: knowledge of Jesus is not merely an abstract fact but a relationship requiring response. The man’s language—addressing Jesus as “Lord”—signifies a serious turning toward reverence and dependence. In the Jewish milieu, recognizing the Messiah involved both proclamation and trust. The man’s humility contrasts with the Pharisees’ self-assuredness; his readiness to believe marks a movement from physical sight to spiritual sight.

This moment emphasizes faith as response to revelation. Belief in the Son of God is not earned by lineage or ritual; it arises when Jesus discloses his identity, and the recipient responds. Theologically, it foreshadows the gospel pattern: Jesus reveals, humans respond in faith, and worship follows. The “Who is he?” question is a doorway to salvation, not a test of intellectual capacity. The verse reinforces that true knowledge is relational and salvific, not merely doctrinal.

If you’re on the journey of faith, this verse validates your questions. It’s okay to ask, “Who is Jesus to me?” In practical terms: spend time in Scripture asking Jesus to reveal himself; seek trusted friends or mentors who can articulate who Jesus is from the Bible; and notice how your heart responds when you encounter truth. The goal is a living relationship, not merely information. Try a simple practice: read a gospel passage, pray, and listen for Jesus’ promptings about who he is to you today—do you call him Lord? How might your daily plans reflect trust in his lordship? Allow your questions to lead to worship, not paralysis.

Cross-References: John 4:26; John 9:3; Romans 10:14-11; Philippians 3:10; 1 John 5:20