Are you ready to see? (Pt.1)

(Part 1)

“He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received my sight.”-John 9:11

The story of Jesus and the man born blind is unique; not regarding Jesus’ willingness or ability to heal, but in method. His method was distinct from how He had healed on other occasions. Little did this man know that his healing would communicate a significant truth that every person reading this column today needs to hear. 

When John writes this passage he is clear to point out a couple of important observations for us:

“Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”-John 9:1-2

First we read that the man was blind from birth. His blindness was not caused by an accident or traumatic event. Secondly we are told that his blindness was also not the by-product of his or his parents’ sin. Instead, Jesus makes a bold declaration:

“Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in in him.”-John 9:3 

Jesus’ answer leads us to believe that there is more to be understood from this moment than God’s ability to restore sight to a blind man. After saying this, Jesus turns spits on the ground and makes clay from the mud and saliva. He then applies the muddy concoction to the man’s eyes. Why would Jesus apply mud over the eyes of someone who already could not see? Wouldn’t that make seeing even more difficult? Perhaps, Jesus was making a statement; that the man’s blindness was two fold, both physical and spiritual. 

After anointing both his eyes Jesus gives him some very specific directions:

“Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.”-John 9:7

Jesus told him to go, where to go, and what to do. Throughout the New Testament there is always an act or step of faith that accompanies every miracle. If this man had not went as he was told, had failed to wash, or had even gone to the wrong pool; he would have remained in darkness. 

The miracle that took place was transformational and recognizable:

“Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged? Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.” He said, “ I am he.”-John 9:8-9

The impact on this man’s life was evident to everyone around him; even though they couldn’t explain it. Therefore, they brought him to the Pharisees and that is when things got spiritual! 

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church