John 9: Sight to the Blind
Revealing Spiritual Vision and Transformation in the Gospel of John
John Chapter 9
The Man Born Blind
As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Some said, “It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.”
So they said to him, “[So] how were your eyes opened?”
He replied, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went there and washed and was able to see.”
And they said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don’t know.”
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”
So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the sabbath.” [But] others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”
Now the Jews did not believe that he had been blind and gained his sight until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight.
They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How does he now see?”
His parents answered and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.
We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself.”
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone acknowledged him as the Messiah, he would be expelled from the synagogue.
For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; question him.”
So a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner.”
He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”
So they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”
He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
They ridiculed him and said, “You are that man’s disciple; we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from.”
The man answered and said to them, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.”
They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.
Spiritual Blindness
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him, “You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he.”
He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”
Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.
Commentary on John Chapter 9
The Miracle of Healing
The chapter begins with Jesus encountering a man who was blind from birth. His disciples question whether the man's blindness is due to his own sin or that of his parents. Jesus responds that neither is the case; rather, the man's condition provides an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed. Jesus then heals the man by making mud with his saliva, applying it to the man's eyes, and instructing him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. This miracle not only restores the man's physical sight but also serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and the revelation of God's power.
The Investigation by the Pharisees
Following the healing, the Pharisees launch an investigation, questioning the man and his parents about the miracle. The Pharisees are divided, with some refusing to believe that Jesus, who healed on the Sabbath, could be from God. The healed man boldly testifies to Jesus' power, asserting that only someone from God could perform such a miracle. This interaction highlights the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders, who are unable to see the truth of Jesus' identity despite the evidence before them.
Spiritual Sight and Blindness
The chapter concludes with a profound discourse on spiritual sight and blindness. Jesus declares that he came into the world so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind. This statement underscores the theme of spiritual perception, where true sight is not merely physical but involves recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Messiah. The healed man's journey from physical blindness to spiritual insight contrasts with the Pharisees' persistent spiritual blindness, despite their physical sight.
Catechism References for John Chapter 9
The themes of John Chapter 9 resonate with several teachings in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
CCC 457: Discusses the purpose of the Incarnation, which includes enlightening those in spiritual darkness, aligning with Jesus' role in bringing sight to the blind.
CCC 1504: Reflects on Jesus' healing ministry, emphasizing that his miracles are signs of the coming Kingdom of God and the restoration of wholeness.
CCC 2089: Addresses the sin of incredulity, which involves neglecting revealed truth, as demonstrated by the Pharisees' refusal to accept Jesus' miracle.
Applying John Chapter 9 to Daily Life
Recognize Opportunities for God's Work
Jesus' response to the disciples' question about the blind man's condition encourages us to see challenges and suffering as opportunities for God's work to be revealed. In our own lives, we can look for ways that difficult situations might serve a greater purpose, allowing God's power and love to manifest through us.
Seek Spiritual Insight
The story of the man born blind invites us to seek spiritual insight and understanding. We are called to move beyond physical appearances and societal norms to perceive the deeper truths of faith. By cultivating a relationship with Jesus, we can gain spiritual sight, recognizing his presence and guidance in our lives.
Stand Firm in Faith
The healed man's courage in testifying to Jesus' power, despite opposition, serves as an example for us to stand firm in our faith. In the face of skepticism or criticism, we are encouraged to boldly witness to the transformative power of Christ in our lives, trusting in his truth and love.
In summary, John Chapter 9 offers profound lessons on spiritual sight, faith, and the revelation of God's power through Jesus. By applying these teachings to our lives, we can deepen our faith and become more attuned to the presence and work of God in the world.
Action Plan
Reflect on Spiritual Blindness and Sight:
Read the account of Jesus healing the man born blind (John 9:1-12).
Reflect on the concept of spiritual blindness versus sight. Consider areas in your life where you might be "blind" to certain truths or insights.
Pray or meditate on gaining spiritual insight and understanding, asking for clarity in areas where you seek guidance.
Consider the Role of Faith and Testimony:
Study the man's testimony and his interactions with the Pharisees (John 9:13-34).
Reflect on the importance of personal testimony and how your experiences can bear witness to your faith.
Think about how you can share your own story or experiences to inspire or help others in their faith journey.
Understand the Nature of True Belief:
Read Jesus' discussion with the healed man about belief and spiritual sight (John 9:35-41).
Contemplate what it means to truly believe in Jesus and how that belief impacts your life.
Identify any doubts or questions you have about your faith, and seek answers through study, prayer, or discussion with others.
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