John 9:1-12 CSB
As he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" [3] "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that God's works might be displayed in him. [4] We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. [5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." [6] After he said these things he spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes. [7] "Go," he told him, "wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So he left, washed, and came back seeing. [8] His neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, "Isn't this the one who used to sit begging?" [9] Some said, "He's the one." Others were saying, "No, but he looks like him." He kept saying, "I'm the one." [10] So they asked him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" [11] He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and told me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So when I went and washed I received my sight." [12] "Where is he?" they asked. "I don't know," he said.
Site to the Blind
The Pool of Siloam was identified for centuries near the remains of a Byzantine church south of the Temple Mount. However, relatively recent excavations have unearthed a much larger, grander pool to the southeast. “Archaeologists found coins embedded directly into the plaster of the steps, dating the pool’s construction and use to the Second Temple period.
These coins act as a historical ‘time stamp,’ confirming that these were the very stones the blind man would have felt as he made his way down to wash.”This lower pool, with its wide stone steps leading down into the water, is believed by most scholars to be the actual site of this miracle. It was a place of ritual cleansing, but for one man, it became a place of total transformation.
Many people today believe—just as they did back then—that trouble, handicaps, or hardships are the direct result of a person’s sin or the sins of their family. We know that sin can certainly wreak havoc in our lives, but not all trials are a result of sin. Jesus’ disciples asked the question plainly: “Did this man or his parents sin?” Jesus’ answer is wonderful: Neither. This man had carried the burden of blindness from birth so that, at this exact moment in time, others might see the power of God and believe in His Son.
The Father was working through the Son so that those who could “see” physically, but were blind inwardly, might witness this miracle and be saved. Jesus placed mud on the man’s eyes. We don’t know exactly why—perhaps it signifies the original creation when we were formed from the dust of the earth, or maybe it demonstrates God as the Potter and us as the clay. Regardless of the method, the man obeyed; he went, he washed, and his sight returned.
Immediately, the man was drawn toward those who were spiritually blind: his neighbors and friends. He testified clearly that it was Jesus who healed him. The burden he had carried since birth was actually designed to be a blessing for many. Even today, we read his story, and his testimony continues to lead the spiritually blind to the Light. This man was no longer a beggar; he was a witness selected by God to lead others to Jesus.
There are many mysteries on this earth that we do not understand. Our loving Father works in people’s lives, and we know that all things work together for the good of those who believe—those with saving faith who are called according to the Father’s purpose. We may not know why there must be pain and suffering in this life, but things will become clear in the next. The mysteries of our own pain will eventually be revealed. Until then, may our trials be the very things that reveal the loving Father to those around us.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (CSB) For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever blamed yourself or others for a “handicap” or hardship, thinking it was a punishment? How does Jesus’ answer in verse 3 change your perspective on that burden?
- Jesus used common dirt and saliva to perform a miracle. What “common” or messy part of your life might God want to use to display His glory?
- The man’s neighbors hardly recognized him because he was so changed. If someone looked at your life today, would they see a “beggar” to the world’s circumstances, or a “witness” to God’s power?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You that You are the Light of the World and that no darkness is too thick for Your touch. Thank You for the reminder that our trials are not always a sign of Your displeasure, but often an opportunity for Your work to be displayed. Give us the faith of the blind man to obey even when we don’t fully understand the “mud” in our lives. Help us to wash in Your word and see clearly.
Amen.
