Definition: Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from John 9:35. It's a really profound statement about forgiveness and redemption. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus was walking through a field when he heard people saying that he had been abandoned or cast out. They were essentially saying he wasn’t valued, weren’t important, and that he was alone. What Happened Next? Instead of getting angry or dismissing them, Jesus actually listened to what they said. Then, he approached him and asked, “Dost thou believe in the Son of God?” What Does It Mean? This is where it gets really significant. “Believing” in something means accepting it as true and having faith in it. Jesus wasn’t just asking if he could believe; he was asking if he should . The Core of the Verse – It's About Forgiveness & Redemption: This verse speaks about Jesus offering forgiveness to someone who had been treated unfairly or abandoned. Think of it like this: Abandonment: When people leave you, it can feel like a huge loss and a rejection. The Son of God: In the context of Christianity, “the Son of God” refers to Jesus Christ – his divine nature and the belief that he is God's son. So, the verse means: Jesus saw someone who was rejected and left behind, and he offered him a chance for forgiveness. It’s saying that even though someone has made mistakes or been treated poorly, Jesus offers them a path to be forgiven and reconciled with him. Why is it important? This story highlights the idea of atonement . Atonement means making things right – bringing about reconciliation. Jesus' response shows us that forgiveness isn’t just about stopping someone from doing wrong, but about allowing them to be saved and restored. --- To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., are you interested in the historical context, the theological significance, or a specific aspect of the story?)