Picture a man who has never seen the colors of the world. In John 9, this man's life is about to change forever, thanks to an encounter with Jesus. What happens next is a powerful testament to faith and revelation.
The Reading: John 9
World English Bible1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.
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2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
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3 Jesus answered, “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him.
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4 I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.
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5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
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6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man’s eyes with the mud,
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7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he went away, washed, and came back seeing.
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8 The neighbors therefore, and those who saw that he was blind before, said, “Isn’t this he who sat and begged?”
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9 Others were saying, “It is he.” Still others were saying, “He looks like him.” He said, “I am he.”
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10 They therefore were asking him, “How were your eyes opened?”
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11 He answered, “A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash.’ So I went away and washed, and I received sight.”
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12 Then they asked him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don’t know.”
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13 They brought him who had been blind to the Pharisees.
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14 It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.
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15 Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see.”
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16 Some therefore of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was division among them.
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17 Therefore they asked the blind man again, “What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”
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18 The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight,
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19 and asked them, “Is this your son, whom you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”
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20 His parents answered them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;
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21 but how he now sees, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself.”
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22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.
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23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age. Ask him.”
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24 So they called the man who was blind a second time, and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.”
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25 He therefore answered, “I don’t know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
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26 They said to him again, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”
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27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don’t also want to become his disciples, do you?”
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28 They insulted him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.
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29 We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this man, we don’t know where he comes from.”
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30 The man answered them, “How amazing! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.
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31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God, and does his will, he listens to him.
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32 Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind.
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33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
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34 They answered him, “You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?” They threw him out.
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35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
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36 He answered, “Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?”
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37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you.”
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38 He said, “Lord, I believe!” and he worshiped him.
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39 Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, that those who don’t see may see; and that those who see may become blind.”
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40 Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?”
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41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Miracle of Healing
In John 9, Jesus encounters a man who was blind from birth. His disciples, perhaps trying to make sense of his condition, ask who sinned - him or his parents. Jesus responds that neither is to blame; rather, this situation will showcase the works of God.
Then, in a rather unconventional method, Jesus makes mud using his saliva and anoints the blind man's eyes. He instructs him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. After following the instructions, the man returns...seeing! This miraculous healing sparks a flurry of questions among the people who used to know him, as they struggle to believe that he is the same beggar they once ignored.
The Investigation
The excitement catches the attention of the Pharisees, who are not pleased about this miraculous event occurring on the Sabbath. They question the man about how he regained his sight, and he shares the simple truth of what happened. This leads to a heated debate among the Pharisees about whether Jesus can truly be from God if he breaks the Sabbath laws.
Despite their skepticism, the man stands firm in his testimony, insisting that Jesus is a prophet. However, the Pharisees refuse to accept his words, even calling his parents for confirmation. His parents affirm that he is indeed their son and was born blind but pass the buck on explaining the miracle, fearing repercussions from the Jewish authorities.
The Bold Declaration
Called in for questioning again, the once-blind man boldly asserts that he doesn't know if Jesus is a sinner, but he cannot deny that he was blind and now sees. This statement infuriates the Pharisees, leading them to dismiss him harshly. Jesus, hearing of the man's expulsion from the synagogue, finds him and reveals that he is the Son of God. The man believes and worships Him, recognizing the spiritual sight he has received amidst the physical one.
The chapter concludes with Jesus explaining that he came into the world to bring sight to the blind and to expose the blindness of those who think they can see. This interaction raises a thought-provoking question about spiritual insight versus physical sight.
Why It Matters
Understanding Blindness
John 9 challenges us to think about the concept of spiritual blindness versus physical blindness. The miracle invites readers to reflect on our own perceptions of faith, sin, and understanding. The blind man's journey from darkness to light symbolizes the transformative power of belief, showcasing that faith can illuminate even the darkest of circumstances.
Faith Over Fear
The man's parents show us the struggle many face when societal pressures come into play. They chose safety over the truth, highlighting how fear can blind us to the reality of faith. The blind man's courage in the face of opposition is a reminder that standing firm in one's beliefs may not always be easy, but it's essential.
Find Community
In navigating our own spiritual journeys, it can be helpful to find a supportive community. If you're looking for a church where you can explore your faith further, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Connecting with others on similar paths can provide encouragement and clarity.
As we reflect on this chapter, remember that every encounter with Christ has the potential to change our lives and open our eyes to new truths.
Coming Up Next: John 10
In the next part of our journey through the New Testament, John 10, we will delve into the profound imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Prepare to be inspired as we explore themes of guidance, protection, and belonging.