Healing the Man Born Blind

Illustration of Healing the Man Born Blind

In the Gospel of John, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth, and when his disciples inquire whether the condition resulted from the man's or his parents' sin, Jesus responds that it occurred so God's works could be revealed through him. He then mixes saliva with dirt to form clay, applies it to the man's eyes, and directs him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, after which the man returns able to see. This event underscores Jesus' identity as the light of the world, demonstrates his authority over congenital affliction long viewed as irreversible, and highlights themes of spiritual insight versus religious blindness as the healed man progresses in faith despite opposition from the Pharisees.

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Details

Category
Healing
Testament
New Testament
Performed by
Jesus

Key Passages

The Healing

John 9:1-7

A1nd as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

The Pharisees Investigate

John 9:13-17

T13hey brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16 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. 17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

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Did You Know?

1

Jesus healed blind people using different methods each time. Mud, touch, or just a word.

2

The man born blind in John 9 is the only person in the Gospels interrogated about his healing.

3

Blindness was considered a curse from God. Healing it challenged the entire religious framework.