John 9

John 9 narrates the story of a man born blind whom Jesus heals, sparking a significant dispute among the Pharisees about Jesus’ identity and authority. The chapter highlights themes of spiritual blindness versus sight, as well as the contrasting reactions of faith and skepticism toward Jesus' works. Through this healing, Jesus reveals His role as the “light of the world,” demonstrating that true sight comes from Him, not only in physical healing but also in spiritual understanding.

John 9:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.
2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

The disciples question whether sin caused the man’s blindness, reflecting a common belief that suffering is due to personal or ancestral sin. Jesus clarifies that his blindness serves a higher purpose: to display God’s power. Jesus emphasizes the urgency of His mission, indicating that His time on earth is limited and describing Himself as the “light of the world,” bringing both physical and spiritual illumination.

John 9:6-7 (NKJV)
6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.
7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

Jesus’ method of healing, involving clay and saliva, may seem unconventional, but it underscores His authority over creation and His personal touch in healing. By instructing the man to wash in the pool of Siloam, Jesus tests his faith and obedience. The man’s return with sight symbolizes the transformative power of Jesus’ intervention, both physically and spiritually.

John 9:8-12 (NKJV)
8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”
9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.” He said, “I am he.”
10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”
11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”
12 Then they said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.”

The neighbors’ astonishment at the man’s healing highlights the impact of Jesus’ miracle. While some recognize him, others are skeptical. His straightforward testimony about Jesus shows his limited understanding at this point, as he only knows Jesus by name. Their question, “Where is He?” reflects a desire to know more about the source of such an astounding change.

John 9:13-17 (NKJV)
13 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees.
14 Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.
15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”
16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.
17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

The Pharisees examine the man and, troubled by the Sabbath healing, debate among themselves. Their legalistic view of the Sabbath blinds them to the miracle’s significance. Some Pharisees question Jesus’ origins, while others are open to the possibility of His divinity. The healed man, perceiving Jesus’ extraordinary power, recognizes Him as a prophet, though his understanding is still developing.

John 9:18-23 (NKJV)
18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight.
19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”
20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;
21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.”
22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.
23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

The Pharisees’ skepticism leads them to interrogate the man’s parents. Although the parents confirm his blindness, they avoid discussing the healing’s details, fearing excommunication. Their fear of being ostracized from the synagogue demonstrates the social cost of acknowledging Jesus. This scene illustrates the tension between the Pharisees’ authority and individuals’ growing belief in Jesus.

John 9:24-34 (NKJV)
24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”
25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”
27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”
28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples.
29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”
30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes!
31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.
32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind.
33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”
34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

The Pharisees pressure the man to denounce Jesus, but he courageously defends his healing experience. His response, “Though I was blind, now I see,” powerfully conveys his newfound insight. His bold argument—that God would not work through a sinner—challenges the Pharisees’ assumptions. Their inability to refute him and their final dismissal expose their spiritual blindness.

John 9:35-41 (NKJV)
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”
37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”
38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”
40 Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?”
41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.”

After hearing of the man’s rejection, Jesus seeks him out, inviting him to believe. The man’s response shows his spiritual transformation, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and worshiping Him. Jesus’ concluding statement reveals that His mission includes judgment: to give spiritual sight to the humble and reveal the blindness of the self-righteous. The Pharisees’ response demonstrates their unwillingness to acknowledge their own blindness.