Fathers

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What the Fathers say

John 9:4

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"I must work the works of Him that sent Me." That is, "I must manifest Myself, and do the things which may show that I do the same things with the Father"; not things "similar," but, "the same," an expression which marks greater unvaryingness, and which is used of those who do not differ ever so little. Who then after this will face Him, when he seeth that He hath the same power with the Father? For not only did He form or open eyes, but gave also the gift of sight, which is a proof that He also breathed in the soul. …

Homily on the Gospel of John 56 ↗

Cyril of Alexandria

Lo here again in these words, plainly and reasonably, He rebukes in a similar manner the disciples, as if they had done something they ought not, and having left the high road, well-trodden and firm, had ventured on another which seemed not at all fit for them. For, why do ye ask, says He, things touching which it is good to be silent? Or why, leaving that which suits the time, do ye hasten to learn things beyond the capacity of man? …

Commentary on the Gospel of John, Book 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

He adds: "I must do the works of Him who sent Me." "I," He says, "must reveal Myself and perform works that can show that I accomplish the same things that the Father does." Notice, He did not say that I must do works such as the Father does, but the very same ones that the Father does. "I," He says, "must do the very same works that He who sent Me does." I must do them "while it is day," while the present life lasts and people can believe in Me. …

Commentary on John ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day." Recall to thy mind the way in which He gives universal glory to Him of whom He is: for that One has the Son who is of Him; He Himself has no One of whom He is. But wherefore, Lord, saidst Thou, "While it is day"? Hearken why He did so. "The night cometh when no man can work." Not even Thou, Lord. Will that night have such power that not even Thou, whose work the night is, wilt be able to work therein?

Tractates on John 44 ↗

Bede

For when the Son declared that He worked the works of the Father, He proved that His and His Father's works were the same: which are to heal the sick, to strengthen the weak, and enlighten man.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

1303 Next he explains the true reason. And because he had mentioned God's works, first he states the opportunity for manifesting God's works; secondly, the reason for this opportunity or need, night comes; and thirdly, he explains this (v 5). 1304 He says, therefore, this man was born blind that the works of God might be made manifest in him. …

Commentary on John ↗