JUNE 27, 2025 – HEALING OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

READ: John 9:1–41: … ‘Lord, I believe!’ And he worshiped Him …

Next comes the healing of the man born blind. This man is not blind due to particular sins of his or his parents, but is destined to encounter the Savior, who will give him sight—light in his eyes.

The Lord says: I am the Light of the world (v.5). Then He spits on the ground, makes mud with the saliva, and applies it to the man’s eyes. That by itself has no healing power; but Jesus tells him to wash in the pool, and behold: he can see—a divine miracle!

His neighbors and others cannot believe it: is this the blind beggar (v.8)? But the man confirms it and tells how Jesus healed him. Then they bring him to the Pharisees. It is the Sabbath (v.14). The Pharisees question him about who did it. Some say: this man can’t be from God if He heals on the Sabbath. Others disagree.

They’re stuck in their reasoning. Eventually, they refuse to believe he was ever blind. So they summon his parents. But they are afraid to say that Jesus healed him, fearing excommunication. They point to their son: let him speak for himself (v.23).

The Pharisees demand that the man declare Jesus a sinner. But he says, “Whether He is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.” Again they try to extract details. But the man refuses to repeat it: “Do you also want to become His disciples?” They insult him. Then he boldly states: “If this man were not from God, He could do nothing” (v.33). Now the Pharisees are furious and throw him out of the synagogue.

When Jesus finds him later, He brings the man to confess faith in Him as the Son of God. Then the man worships Him. Jesus says: “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” (v.39). If you do not confess your own sinful blindness, Jesus will not heal you.

Do you understand the parents’ fear? What about under persecution?

Sing: Ps. 72:10