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Book of John - Chapter 9 - Verse 28

9:28
Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.

Meaning

When the people reviled Jesus, accusing him of being a disciple of someone else, they were essentially trying to discredit his authority and teachings. They believed that by claiming to be followers of Moses, their own position of religious superiority would be elevated above Jesus. In Jewish tradition, Moses was revered as the greatest prophet and lawgiver, so by aligning themselves with him, they tried to prove their adherence to the laws and customs established by Moses. However, by rejecting Jesus and his teachings, they missed the opportunity to understand and follow the ultimate truth he represented. This verse highlights the tension between traditional practices and new revelations brought by Jesus, showing how resistance to change can blind people to the message of love, grace, and salvation offered to them.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Gospel of John, the religious leaders are confronting a man who has been healed by Jesus. They accuse him of being Jesus' disciple, implying that he is following a false teacher. They exalt their own connection to Moses, the revered leader of their faith, as a contrast to the man's association with Jesus. This interaction reveals a theological tension between the old way represented by Moses and the new way represented by Jesus. The religious leaders are clinging to the traditions and teachings of the past, while Jesus is ushering in a new era of spiritual understanding and renewal. The word "disciple" is significant here, as it denotes a follower or student of a particular teacher. By accusing the man of being a disciple of Jesus, they are trying to discredit him and elevate themselves as the true authorities. This verse invites readers to reflect on the dynamics of authority, tradition, and loyalty in matters of faith and spiritual truth.

American Standard Version

And they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are disciples of Moses.
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