“We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.”
John 9:31 (NLT)
The healed man didn’t know everything about Jesus, but he knew the one thing that mattered: he was blind, and now he could see. As the Pharisees questioned and criticized him, his story stayed consistent. He didn’t try to be a theologian. He simply pointed people back to Jesus. When you’ve just met Him, your testimony doesn’t need to be complicated—just consistent.
The Pharisees wanted explanations: how, why, when. But the man’s answer stayed steady: “I already told you.” Then he said something profound—“Do you want to become his disciples too?” Even in frustration, he extended an invitation. People may think they already have everything they need, but like this man, we can still point them to Jesus.
His words in verse 31 reveal something deeper: God is ready to hear those who worship Him and do His will. That’s the heart of abiding. Jesus said it many ways—remain faithful to His teachings, love Him by obeying His commands, and the Father responds. Obedience brings benefits, but the benefits aren’t the point—relationship is.
The man’s statement about God not hearing sinners reflects an Old Testament understanding. We know God does hear a sinner who cries out for salvation. But he was right about this: God’s power flows through those who worship Him and walk in His ways. Jesus proved it by doing what no one had ever done—opening the eyes of the blind. And this untrained man recognized the truth the experts missed. Calling Jesus a sinner while watching Him perform miracles is blindness of the heart. We can learn from this healed man’s simple, steady, faithful witness.