New Testament
John 9:28
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They reviled him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.
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Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.
What John 9:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders confront a man who was healed by Jesus. They insult him, asserting that he is a follower of Jesus, while they claim allegiance to Moses, the great lawgiver. This highlights the tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious authority of the time. The leaders are trying to discredit the healed man by emphasizing their own connection to Moses, who is revered in Jewish tradition. This moment illustrates the conflict between traditional beliefs and the new understanding that Jesus brings. The healed man stands firm in his experience, showing that personal encounters with Jesus can challenge societal norms and expectations. The verse reflects the broader theme of division between those who accept Jesus and those who reject him, often based on their adherence to tradition rather than personal faith.
How to apply John 9:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition. It reminds us that our personal experiences with faith can be powerful, and we should not be swayed by societal pressures or traditions that contradict our understanding of truth.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying John 9:28
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 9:28 mean?
John 9:28 depicts a confrontation where religious leaders insult a man healed by Jesus, claiming their loyalty to Moses while dismissing him as a disciple of Jesus. This highlights the conflict between traditional religious authority and the new teachings of Jesus.
What is the significance of Moses in John 9:28?
In John 9:28, Moses represents the established religious tradition that the leaders adhere to. By claiming to be Moses' disciples, they emphasize their authority and attempt to undermine the healed man's experience with Jesus.
How does John 9:28 illustrate conflict between faith and tradition?
John 9:28 illustrates the conflict between faith and tradition by showing how the healed man’s personal experience with Jesus challenges the established beliefs of the religious leaders, who cling to their traditional authority.
What themes are present in John 9:28?
Themes in John 9:28 include religious authority, discipleship, conflict between tradition and faith, and the importance of personal experience in understanding truth.
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