Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind (John 9)
Scripture: John 9 (CSB)
As he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' Jesus answered. 'This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.' After he said these things he spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes. 'Go,' he told him, 'wash in the pool of Siloam' (which means 'Sent'). So he left, washed, and came back seeing.
In this incredible account of healing, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. The disciples immediately assume that the man’s blindness is a result of sin—either his own or his parents’. But Jesus shifts their perspective, explaining that this man’s condition is not a punishment, but an opportunity for God’s works to be displayed.
Jesus’ response redirects the conversation from blame to purpose. He teaches that trials, such as this man’s blindness, can serve as platforms for God’s power to be revealed. He then demonstrates this by healing the man in a most unexpected way: using mud made from dirt and saliva. This miraculous healing not only restores the man’s sight but also testifies to Jesus’ identity as the “light of the world.”
The man’s healing sparks a debate among the Pharisees, who are more concerned that Jesus performed the miracle on the Sabbath than the miracle itself. They interrogate the man and even bring in his parents to verify his identity. Despite their attempts to discredit the miracle, the healed man boldly declares, “One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see!”
This story culminates in a powerful moment of worship when the man, now seeing both physically and spiritually, acknowledges Jesus as the Son of Man. Jesus contrasts man’s newfound sight with the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees, showing that it is not the absence of physical sight but the hardness of the heart that keeps people from seeing the truth.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Suffering Can Reveal God’s Glory: Jesus teaches that trials are not always a result of sin but can be opportunities for God’s glory to be displayed. In difficult times, do you view your suffering as a potential stage for God’s work? Consider how God might use your struggles to reveal His power and goodness.
Jesus is the Light of the World: In healing the blind man, Jesus reveals His identity as the light that brings sight—both physically and spiritually. How is Jesus illuminating the dark areas of your life? Are there parts of your heart or mind that need His light today?
Bold Faith and Testimony: The healed man didn’t have all the answers, but he knew one thing: “I was blind, and now I can see.” Sometimes, our testimony is as simple as that. How can you share your experience of God’s goodness, even if you don’t have all the answers?
Spiritual Blindness: The Pharisees were more focused on rules than on recognizing the miracle in front of them. Their spiritual blindness kept them from seeing who Jesus truly was. Are there areas in your life where legalism or pride might be blinding you to God’s work? Ask God to open your eyes to His truth and presence.
This passage challenges us to trust in Jesus as the light of the world, to see our struggles through the lens of God’s purpose, and to boldly testify to His work in our lives. Like the man born blind, we are called to move from darkness to light, both physically and spiritually, as we encounter the living Christ.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, the light of the world, who brings sight to the blind and healing to our hearts. Help us to trust that You have a purpose for our trials and that Your glory can be revealed even in our suffering. Open our eyes to see You more clearly, and give us the boldness to share our testimony, proclaiming Your goodness to those around us. May we walk in Your light and live in the fullness of Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.