The discussion of where Jesus comes from and where is is going continues. The argument comes back again to earthly descent and pride of race and blood. The Jews insist on their status and destiny as descendants of Abraham. This is their guarantee of ultimate freedom, and life in the age to come. Jesus rejects this claim. The ultimate blasphemy of Jesus’ opponents is reached when they accuse him of demon possession. In chapter 9 the incurable spiritual blindness of the Jews is now dramatically illustrated in the great sign of healing of a man physically born blind. An interesting detail which indicates how the evangelist uses allusive symbolism is the reference to the pool of Siloam where the healing takes place. This pool was the source of water used at the Tabernacles ceremonies. Isaiah noted how Israel refused these waters and hence would be overwhelmed by waters of another river. Light is yet another symbol taken up in the story. “I am the light of the world.”
The discussion of where Jesus comes from and where is is going continues. The argument comes back again to earthly descent and pride of race and blood. The Jews insist on their status and destiny as descendants of Abraham. This is their guarantee of ultimate freedom, and life in the age to come. Jesus rejects this claim. The ultimate blasphemy of Jesus’ opponents is reached when they accuse him of demon possession. In chapter 9 the incurable spiritual blindness of the Jews is now dramatically illustrated in the great sign of healing of a man physically born blind. An interesting detail which indicates how the evangelist uses allusive symbolism is the reference to the pool of Siloam where the healing takes place. This pool was the source of water used at the Tabernacles ceremonies. Isaiah noted how Israel refused these waters and hence would be overwhelmed by waters of another river. Light is yet another symbol taken up in the story. “I am the light of the world.”
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