John 9:1–23 – Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind (Part 1)
Quick Summary
In John 9:1–23, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth and heals him at the Pool of Siloam. The miracle sparks debate among neighbors, religious leaders, and even the man’s parents. The passage raises questions of sin, healing, and the authority of Jesus as the light of the world.
Introduction
John 9 unfolds as one of the most dramatic signs in the Gospel. Jesus heals a man blind from birth, setting in motion a chain of conversations that reveal the blindness of those who refuse to see him. The chapter is not only about physical healing but also about spiritual sight and the identity of Jesus as the light of the world.
This first part of the story (John 9:1–23) introduces the healing itself and the initial reactions from neighbors, the Pharisees, and the man’s parents. Each response highlights the growing tension around Jesus’ ministry. The miracle is undeniable, yet its meaning becomes a dividing line between faith and fear.
John 9:1–5 – Jesus, the Light of the World
“As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work 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.’” (John 9:1–5)
The disciples assume the man’s blindness is punishment for sin. In the worldview of the time, suffering was often traced back to moral failure (similar to Luke 13:1-9 and the Tower of Siloam that fell).
Jesus overturns this assumption. The man’s condition is not about blame but about God’s glory. His blindness becomes the stage for God’s work to be revealed.
Jesus emphasizes urgency: “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day.” His mission is bound to divine timing. He reminds them again that he is the light of the world, echoing his earlier declaration in John 8:12. This healing will embody that claim, showing that Jesus brings sight where there was none before.
John 9:6–7 – The Healing at the Pool of Siloam
“When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.” (John 9:6–7)
Jesus’ method is unusual: mixing saliva and dirt to make mud. This act recalls God forming humanity from the dust in Genesis 2:7. Just as God gave life to Adam, Jesus brings new creation to this man’s eyes. The Pool of Siloam, whose name means Sent, underscores the symbolism. The one sent by the Father sends the man to wash, and through obedience, he receives sight.
The healing is both physical and symbolic. Sight comes not only through the touch of Jesus but through trust in his command. This anticipates the theme of faith throughout the chapter: responding to the word of Jesus leads to transformation. What a beautiful idea!
Read More: I Was Blind, But Now I See [Sermon]
John 9:8–12 – Neighbors’ Reaction
“The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’” (John 9:8–12)
The neighbors can hardly believe their eyes. The man who once begged by the roadside now sees. Some doubt his identity, suggesting he only looks like the beggar they knew. Their confusion reveals how transformative Jesus’ healing is—it makes the man almost unrecognizable.
When asked, the man gives a simple testimony: Jesus put mud on his eyes, told him to wash, and now he sees. He does not yet fully understand who Jesus is, but his obedience has already changed his life. This progression—from knowing little about Jesus to confessing him as Lord—unfolds through the chapter.
John 9:13–17 – Pharisees Question the Healing
“They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’”(John 9:13–17)
The miracle is investigated by the Pharisees, who immediately note that it happened on the Sabbath. Instead of celebrating the man’s healing, they treat it as a violation of law. This recalls earlier conflicts when Jesus healed on the Sabbath (John 5:1–18). For some leaders, Jesus’ disregard for their rules disqualified him from being sent by God.
Others hesitate, pointing to the undeniable nature of the miracle. Division runs through their ranks. When pressed, the healed man identifies Jesus as a prophet—the first step in his journey toward deeper faith.
John 9:18–23 – Parents Fear the Jews
“The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, ‘Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?’ His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.’ His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’” (John 9:18–23)
The leaders press further, questioning the man’s parents. They confirm his identity and his blindness but refuse to explain the healing. Fear keeps them from acknowledging Jesus. To be expelled from the synagogue would mean losing community, identity, and economic support. Their hesitation shows how costly it was becoming to confess faith in Christ.
By contrast, their son will not shrink back. His testimony will grow stronger even as the pressure intensifies. The narrative is moving toward a clash between religious fear and courageous confession.
John 9:1–23 Meaning for Today
This part of the story reminds us that suffering is not always the result of personal sin. Jesus reframes the question, showing that God’s glory can shine through human weakness. He is still the light of the world, illuminating dark places and bringing sight where there is blindness.
The passage also challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus’ work. Some doubted, some feared, and some began to believe. Faith grows as we act on Jesus’ word, even when we do not understand fully. Like the man born blind, we are called to take the first step of obedience and discover the life-changing power of Christ.
FAQ: John 9:1–23
Why did the disciples assume the man’s blindness was caused by sin?
Because many in their time believed suffering came as punishment for sin. Jesus rejected this idea, teaching that the man’s blindness was an opportunity for God’s works to be revealed.
Why did Jesus use mud and saliva to heal the man?
His action recalls God creating humanity from dust in Genesis 2:7. The healing points to new creation through Christ.
What is the Pool of Siloam?
A pool in Jerusalem whose name means “Sent.” It became the place of healing for the blind man, symbolizing Jesus as the one sent by the Father.
Why were the man’s parents afraid to speak openly?
They feared expulsion from the synagogue, which would mean social and religious isolation.
Sources / Further Reading
Raymond E. Brown, John (AYB), John 9
Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John, John 9
Gail R. O’Day, John (NIB), John 9
D. A. Carson, John (PNTC), John 9
Andreas J. Köstenberger, John (BECNT), John 9
