stephen R Harrison

“By the Pool”

“He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash.

So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

-John 9:11

One of my favorite miracles of Jesus is the healing of the man born blind. Interestingly, the disciples begin this story with the question, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus replied, “Neither…but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). It was assumed in that day that if someone was a leper, blind, or lame, they must have done something wrong, and their infirmity was punishment from God for their sin. By calling Jesus “Rabbi” (teacher) and asking him this question, it shows (at least to me) that they were willing to be taught the truth surrounding this man’s blindness. One quality we need more of is submission to Jesus the teacher. We need to be humble, teachable, and desirous of the truth. 

Now, some consequences come directly from our sins. I’ll never forget receiving a phone call about a teenager in my student ministry hit and killed by a drunk driver. I’ll also never forget the call about the husband who murdered his wife! My heart still aches over a decade later! Like millions of others, this man had been born blind. Jesus did something very shocking to this man. He spit on the ground, made a mud ball, and put it on the man’s eyes (John 9:6). This seems like an odd, maybe even disrespectful, way to help someone. Why didn’t he command the blind man to “See”? Jesus could have, but remember, all of this was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Jesus told him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (v. 7). That man could have been offended and even angry at Jesus’ actions and went away from him. However, he submitted to Jesus, and the Scripture tells us, “So the man went and washed, and came home seeing”. Would he have been healed if he had walked away without obeying? No! Would we have had as much trust as the blind man? Would we have obeyed? Would we have submitted ourselves to Jesus or been offended by him? Not only did the man go home seeing, but he also testified to the miracle to others. When asked about it, he replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So, I went and washed, and then I could see.” What a miracle!

The miracle would not have happened had the man not submitted himself to the Lord and trusted his words and actions. He continued to testify of the miracle – wouldn’t you? He didn’t know all the answers to the questions coming his way. He knew one thing and continued to say to everyone who asked, “One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see!” (v. 27). 

Although this man was physically blind, Jesus used this miracle to point out the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. The man was thankful not only for his physical healing but also believed in and worshipped Jesus when he encountered him (v. 38). He could now see physically and spiritually! However, the Pharisees continued to doubt their spiritual blindness (vv. 39-41). For all who repent of their sins and believe, Jesus will open their spiritually blind eyes, causing them to see and be saved.

Questions: 

What causes us to doubt Jesus at times?

Which is better – physical or spiritual healing of blindness? Why?

Prayer:

Jesus, you can make the physically blind see. Even more remarkable, you can forgive sin and open spiritually blind eyes. Help us submit to your commands and trust your words even when we don’t understand. Help us obey you without delay. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Read: 

John 9:1-41

Action Step:

In this season of Lent, allow the Lord to help you see those needing physical help from the Lord. How can you serve them? As you do, how can you serve their spiritual need? Consider serving a neighbor, in a ministry at church, or someone in the hospital or assisted living facility. Serve them practically. Share the gospel with them!