Definition: Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from John 9:16. It's a really interesting and complex verse about faith and obedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The Pharisees are arguing – and feeling very uncomfortable – about a man who is doing something incredible – seemingly defying God – like not keeping the Sabbath day. Let's unpack each part: "Therefore said some of the Pharisees..." : The Pharisees are a group of Jewish leaders, and they were really strict about following religious rules. They believed it was crucial to observe the Sabbath – a day of rest and worship. "...This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day." : This is the core of the argument. They’re saying this person doesn't honor the Sabbath. They think that if someone doesn’t follow the rules of the Sabbath, they aren't truly devoted to God. It’s a judgment based on their behavior. "Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?" : This is where it gets really interesting. The Pharisees are puzzled! They don't understand why this person could perform something so remarkable – like healing someone – if they're not following the rules of God. "And there was a division among them." : The Pharisees were in a HUGE disagreement about what to do. Some were angry, some were confused, and some even debated whether it was right for this person to do such a thing. What does this verse really mean? This passage is a bit metaphorical. It’s suggesting that true faith and obedience are more important than simply following rules. The Pharisees were focused on observing the Sabbath, but they weren't truly worshipping God in the way that demonstrated true devotion. Here's a deeper thought: God’s Grace: The verse implies that God doesn’t just focus on what we do, but also on who we are. It suggests that God sees our hearts – our intentions and actions – as more important than simply following a set of rules. The Importance of Love & Obedience: It's about showing love and obedience to God by living a righteous life - a life that reflects his character. In essence, the verse is asking: “Can a person truly follow God if they aren’t loving him and showing respect to his principles?” --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Give you some examples of how this idea applies to real-life situations?