← Back to John

John 9

41 verses

TL;DR

Jesus heals a man born blind, using clay and a pool of Siloam to demonstrate divine authority, provoking debate about sin and revelation among the Pharisees.

Summary

Jesus encounters a man blind from birth and explains that the man’s blindness is not a punishment for sin but a means to display God's works. He heals the man with clay made from his spit and instructs him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, after which the man receives sight. Neighbors recognize him and question how his sight was restored. The healed man explains that Jesus performed the miracle, but the Pharisees are perplexed by the Sabbath violation and the miracle’s origin. They debate whether Jesus is a prophet or a sinner, ultimately rejecting him and casting him out. Jesus finds the cast-out man, questions his belief in the Son of God, and the man declares faith, worshiping Jesus. Jesus then teaches that the purpose of His coming is to give sight to the spiritually blind while warning that those who believe may become spiritually blind, and he confronts the Pharisees about their remaining sin.

Outline
  1. Jesus heals a blind man using clay and the Pool of Siloam
  2. The miracle prompts debate among Pharisees about sin, Sabbath, and Jesus’ identity
  3. Jesus confirms faith, declares purpose of judgment, and confronts the Pharisees
Themes
sin versus divine purposeauthority and revelationfaith and judgment
Keywords
blindnesssightJesusPhariseesSiloamclayspittlesabbathlightworks of Godjudgment
People
JesusDisciplesBlind manPhariseesParents of blind man
Places
SiloamPool of Siloam
Things
clayspittlepoolsightblindnesslightworks of God
Key Verses
  • John 9:1: Introduces the blind man and sets the context for the miracle
  • John 9:6: Describes the miracle of healing using clay and the pool
  • John 9:15: Highlights the Sabbath issue and the Pharisees’ concern
  • John 9:39: Jesus explains His purpose for judgment and granting sight
  • John 9:41: Jesus directly challenges the Pharisees about their blindness
Questions
  • What does Jesus’ explanation of the blind man’s condition say about sin and divine purpose?
  • How does the use of clay and the Pool of Siloam function symbolically in this narrative?
  • Why is the Sabbath issue significant to the Pharisees’ reaction?
  • What is the significance of the healed man’s declaration that Jesus is a prophet?
  • How does Jesus’ statement about judgment and sight challenge the Pharisees’ understanding of faith?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both uplifting miracles and tense confrontations, reflecting both hope and conflict.