The Miracles of Jesus

The Man Born Blind

John 9:1-12 ^NLT

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. ‘Rabbi,’ his disciples asked him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?’” - John 9:1-2

            In Jesus’ day, it was the common belief as perpetrated by the Pharisees, that a person’s suffering was the direct result of some great sin. Depending on their condition it could have been a sin committed either by themselves, or as with this man who was born blind, their parents, or grandparents. The disciples asked Jesus about this very thing, no doubt remembering Exodus 34:7 which says, “I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations.” Jesus was quick to respond that this man had this condition from birth so that God’s power could manifest itself in a miraculous way. 

There is no indication as to the age of this man. It’s also interesting that the blind man didn’t ask to be healed. Apparently the other blind people Jesus had encountered had had sight at one time in their life. Therefore perhaps this blind man wasn’t expecting to be given his sight.

Furthermore, it is interesting that Jesus never said to the blind man that he was healed or even that he would be healed if he followed the Lord’s instruction by washing off the mud covering his eyes with water from the Pool of Siloam. Now there is no indication as to where Jesus was walking when he encountered this blind man. It is completely possible that the Pool of Siloam was quite a distance away. It would have had to be faith that drove the man to follow Jesus instructions for walking a long distance without sight had to have been quite a chore. Having said that, I can believe that some, if not all, of the people present when this event took place would have followed the blind man, perhaps even directing him to the place he was told to go.

            Once the man had done what he was told and could see there were several reactions from those in attendance. The neighbors were both surprised and skeptical, at first not believing it to have been the same man they had given alms* to. The Pharisees revealed their disbelief and preconceived prejudice against Jesus. The man’s parents kept silent not wanting to be asked to leave their synagogue for supporting Jesus’ works. But now the once blind man had a different reaction altogether. His faith was rewarded and would no doubt continue to grow. In subsequent verses the man was brought before the Pharisees. He told them precisely what had taken place. The Pharisees, blind themselves due to their hatred for Jesus, stated that He could not be from God because He healed on the Sabbath. The man had a classic answer: to paraphrase, I don’t know anything about what you are saying. All I know is that I was born blind and now I can see. Facts will defeat prejudicial lies every time. 

            How does this relate to us? God heals who He chooses to heal, how He chooses to heal and when He chooses to heal. He healed those that were enemies of the Jews and the Jews themselves. He may choose to heal you of your affliction or for some reason known only to Him, He may choose not to. We must trust that God always knows what is best for us. He created us, surely He cares enough for us to sustain us in this life that He has given us. Don’t spend your time looking at your surroundings. To end, I quote a chorus: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament.

* The money people gave to the poor.