John 9 - The Anointing of The Blind Man

Joh 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. Here we have a man who was born physically blind. (John 9:32).

Joh 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Some of the disciples asked (not necessarily of the twelve), what was the cause of this mans blindness? Was it his sin or his parents sin? Lets see what Jesus says. 

Joh 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. Jesus answers them, it was not his sins, or his parents sins. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him."

Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. It looks like there is going to be another miracle here about to take place while Jesus is still around. (The night coming is a reference to the cross). There was a time coming soon when Jesus would no longer be at work in the world. He was about to be crucified on the cross, rise from the dead, and ascend to heaven. i.e. Jesus is talking about taking advantage of the opportunities in front of us. (Don't be a procrastinator).

Joh 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. I AM: Our Lord here claims one of the titles given by the Jews to the Divine Being. So in (Bammidbar Rabba, § 15, fol. 229.1); "The Israelites said to God, O Lord of the universe, thou commandest us to light lamps to thee, yet thou art the light of the world." It was also a title of the Messiah (Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 60:1); and in a remarkable passage of (Yalkut Rubeni, fol. 6), it is said in (Genesis 1:4). "From this we learn that the holy and blessed God saw the light of the Messiah, and his works, before the world was created; and reserved it for the Messiah, and his generation, under the throne of his glory." Satan said to the holy and blessed God, For whom dost thou reserve that light which is under the throne of thy glory? God answered, For him who shall subdue thee, and overwhelm thee with confusion. Satan rejoined, Lord of the universe, shew that person to me. God said, Come, and see him. "When he saw him, he was greatly agitated, and fell upon his face, saying, Truly this is the Messiah, who shall cast me and idolaters into hell."

Joh 9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, Anointed the eyes of the blind with the clay, or, spread the clay upon the eyes of the blind man. There were also others ways in the bible that Jesus used to heal the blind. (Matthew 9:29, Mark 8:23. Mark 10:52). Keep in mind that the bible also talks about those who are spiritually blind because they are not believers, or they have been deceived by man.

Joh 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. This would be about a third of a mile walk to Siloam, but the man did what Jesus asked. "The man was healed and could see."

Joh 9:8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Those who knew this man were a little confused about all of a sudden this man could see.

Joh 9:9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Some said he was the beggar and some said he was a different man that looked like him. But, the man kept saying, "Yes, I am the one He healed and can see!"

Joh 9:10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? They wanted to know who healed him?

Joh 9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. The man told them that it was Jesus and explained what He had done. 

Joh 9:12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. The man did not know where Jesus was, but he knew what Jesus had done and shared the news with them.

Joh 9:13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. So, they took the man to the Pharisees. Here we go again; they are not going to be very happy when they hear this. What will they try to accuse Jesus of doing wrong now?

Joh 9:14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Looks like it is going to be a Sabbath law that they are going to blame Jesus for breaking. The actual Sabbath laws were written in (Exodus 20:8-10), but over time the Pharisees (the strictest sect of Judaism), developed more complex laws through their oral traditions. (Traditions of men). Jesus was constantly challenging the Pharisees about their regulations, especially those regarding the Sabbath tradition.

Joh 9:15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. The Pharisees asked the man about everything that happened and how Jesus did the healing. "They wanted details." So, the man told them everything. After all, they couldn't do what Jesus had just done, or anything even close, so they were a little upset and confused.

Joh 9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, because He is working on the Sabbath." (They thought He was sinning because of what He did on the Sabbath). Others said, "How could an ordinary sinner do such miracles?" And of course, there was deep division among them. You see, the Pharisees were putting just as high of value on their oral traditions (traditions of men), as they did on the written Scriptures. Jesus told them before in (Mark 7:9). You give up Gods Word for your own falseness. It still goes on today in many churches with all their long rituals, fancy robes, confession of sins to man, etc. (Hypocritical traditions of men).

Joh 9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. Since the man who had been blind was the one who experienced the healing of his sight, the Pharisees wanted to know his opinion on the man who healed him. The man told them, "I think He must be a prophet." (The man knew that He must have been from God to perform such a healing).

Joh 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. The Jewish leaders did not believe that the man was even blind to begin with. They wanted proof, so they called in his parents. (Always go right to the source for the truth).

Joh 9:19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? So, they asked the parents of the man who was healed from blindness. Is this you son? Was he born blind? How can he see now? "They are not going to like the answer they receive."

Joh 9:20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: The parents of the man confirmed that he was their son and he was born blind. 

Joh 9:21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. They did not know how he could see now, or who healed him. But, they told the Jewish leaders that he is old enough to speak for himself. (I think they knew more than they were saying).

Joh 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. The parents didn't want to say more than they had to because they were afraid of being excommunicated. (Expelled from the synagogue). How many today follow traditions of men instead of the truth of God's Word for the same reason? Do you really think excommunication from a certain religious organization can keep you from salvation? If you do; you are a bigger fool than they are. "Only God can determine ones salvation!" (Not any man, or religious organization).

Joh 9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. The parents put it all on their son. (They just wanted to stay out of it). "Talk about throwing your son under the buss." How would you act? Would you stand up for the truth, or just stand on the sidelines and see what happens?

Joh 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. The Jewish leaders called the man back and told him to give God the glory, because they think that Jesus is a sinner. This wouldn't be the first time they called Jesus a sinner. Jesus hung with sinners, so of course they figured he was a sinner also. (Luke 7:39, Luke 15:2, Luke 19:7). All the Holier than thou people and teachers of the religious law didn't like the fact that He associated with sinners. (That is who Christ came to save, so why wouldn't He associate with them). You don't need to be afraid to hang around sinners as long as you are in Christ. These are the people who need to be reached.

Joh 9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. "I don't know whether He is a sinner," the man replied. All I know is that I was blind, and now I can see!" This man gave them the straight facts. The lesson here is not how much you know about God's Word, but rather how much God has done for you. (Many were searching for God, but this man found Him). Kind of reminds me of the song "Amazing Grace."

Joh 9:26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? Again they said to the man, "How did He heal you?" (They wanted to know so bad if there was some secret behind the healing).

Joh 9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? "Look!" The man said. I have already told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do I have to keep repeating myself? Do you want to become one of His disciples too? This man knew they didn't want to, but he asked the question anyway. (Maybe a little sarcasm here on the mans part). I think he knew that would upset them a little. 

Joh 9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. So, they cursed the man and said; You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! (A little "holier than thou" answer from the Jewish leaders). The man was not only rebuked, but abused. Just as you will be if you teach the truth. (1 Corinthians 4:12). Be patient with those who abuse us as Christ did. (1 Peter 2:23). Christ did not retaliate when He was insulted. He did not threaten revenge when He suffered. Everything that happened to Christ was God's will and He carried it out. (This may be a little hard for us at times, but do your best). After all, we are only human. God knows we will never have the heart, or mind of Christ; but He wants us to be as wise as possible with the knowledge He has given us.

Joh 9:29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. We know about God speaking to Moses, but we don't even know where this man comes form. (They didn't know because they never really studied the scriptures). It was written! Moses knew about the coming messiah. (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).

Joh 9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. The man replied; "Why that's strange." He healed my eyes, and you don't know where He comes from?

Joh 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Yes... God does not hear sinners. (Psalm 66:18). If you do not repent of your sins to God; He will not hear you. (Matthew 3:2, Acts 3:19). However, He will listen to those who obey Him and do His will. (1 John 3:21-22). If you please God and keep His commandments, He will please you.

Joh 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. From the beginning of time, till the time of this event, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born physically blind. Yet, Isaiah would say in the old testament: And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. (Isaiah 29:18). We are not only talking about physical blindness, but we are speaking of the spiritually blind here.

Joh 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. The healed man tells them; "If this man was not from God, He couldn't have done this." (Is there some kind of warning here)? Lets go to the book of Acts and listen to what a Pharisee named Gamaliel (a doctor of law), says to the council about the apostles. (Acts 5:38-39). His advice was to leave these men alone; if what they teach and do is on their own it will also fail. (If it is not of God and only men, it will always fail). If what they teach and do is of God, you cannot stop them, or you will be fighting against God. (This Pharisee Gamaliel was a wise man and knew God was with them). Just as this man knew Jesus was of God.  

Joh 9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. You were born a sinner they said to the man. (a little judgmental here). "Are you trying to teach us?" (Sounds like the holier than thou know it alls). So, they threw the man out of the synagogue. (Excommunicated him)! Believe me; any church, organization, denomination, priest, pastor or teacher, that thinks they have all the answers, "is full of it." Only God has all the answers, and He will reveal them to us in the end times at Christ's return in the millennium teachings.   

Joh 9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? When Jesus heard what happened, He found the man and asked him, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The key here is that "Jesus found the man." He looked for him and found the man because the man was standing up for Him. If you stand up for Jesus, He will stand up for you when in need. (1 Peter 4:14). If you are made fun of or insulted for being a Christian, don't let it get you down, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.  

Joh 9:36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? The man was still not sure here and asked, Who is he Lord? "I want to believe in Him."

Joh 9:37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. You have seen Him Jesus replies, "He is speaking to you." I believe the man finally recognizes the voice of Jesus who spoke to him and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. But now not only was his physical sight restored to see Jesus, but his spiritual eyes were open as well. (Psalm 146:8), God opens the eyes of the spiritual blind.

Joh 9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. The man believed! "He worshiped Jesus." The man was cast out of the synagogue by the Pharisees, but Jesus will never cast him out. (John 6:37).

Joh 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. Jesus explains to the man, "I entered this world to render judgment; to give sight to the blind (spiritual blind), and to show those who think they see (the know it alls), that they are blind." (Blind to the truth)!

Joh 9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? The Pharisees get a little bold here. "Are you saying that we are blind?"

Joh 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. Jesus replies to them; "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," "but you remain blind because you claim you can see." The Pharisees claimed to know God, but they didn't. You see, if you claim to know God but you don't know Jesus, you are deceiving yourself. "Just like the Pharisees." A good play on (1 John 1:8-10). If we say we will never sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. (Many believe that once you are saved you cannot sin). Not so... We are all sinners as long as we are in this flesh body. If we confess our sins, we can count on God to wash away all our sins. (Christ became that one time sacrifice for our sins). If we say we have not sinned, we are lying to ourselves and we are calling God a liar, because He said we have all sinned. We are all sinners! (Romans 3:23).

Keep the faith,
Barton