John 9:1-12


"As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.' Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, 'Go, wash in the pool of Siloam' (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, 'Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?' Some said, 'It is he.' Others said, 'No, but he is like him.' He kept saying, 'I am the man.' So they said to him, 'Then how were your eyes opened?' He answered, 'The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, "Go to Siloam and wash." So I went and washed and received my sight.' They said to him, 'Where is he?' He said, 'I do not know.'" (John 9:1-12 ESV)


The Purpose in Suffering

When Jesus encounters the man born blind, His disciples assume that the man’s condition is a result of sin. This reflects a common belief of the time that suffering and disability were direct consequences of someone's wrongdoing. Jesus, however, refutes this notion, explaining that the man's blindness is not a result of anyone’s sin, but rather an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed in his life.

This teaches us an important truth: God can use even the most difficult circumstances to reveal His glory. In moments of suffering, instead of focusing on blame or trying to understand why things happen, we are called to trust that God has a purpose beyond what we can see. Through Christ, our struggles can become a platform for the power of God to be revealed, bringing healing, transformation, and deeper faith.

Scriptures to Study:

Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13


Jesus, the Light of the World

In this passage, Jesus declares once again, “I am the light of the world” (v. 5). This statement reminds us of Christ’s role in bringing spiritual illumination to a darkened world. Physical blindness is symbolic of the spiritual blindness that affects all humanity. Just as the blind man was unable to see until Jesus intervened, so too we are unable to see the truth of God without Christ opening our spiritual eyes.

Jesus is the only source of true light, and it is through Him that we can have clear vision—both physically and spiritually. As disciples, we must continually walk in this light, allowing Christ to reveal His truth to us through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we are lost in the darkness of sin, but with Him, we are given new sight and understanding.

Scriptures to Study:

John 8:12, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 5:8-9


Obedience in Faith

Jesus’ method of healing the blind man is unusual—He makes mud with His saliva, anoints the man’s eyes, and tells him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The blind man could have questioned this or refused, but instead, he responds in simple obedience. His faith is demonstrated by his willingness to act on Jesus' command, even though it may not have made sense to him in the moment.

In the same way, our faith often requires us to obey God’s Word, even when we do not fully understand His ways. Trusting in God means submitting to His will and following His guidance, even when His methods seem unexpected. It is through this obedience that we experience the fullness of His power in our lives. The man’s healing is a testimony to the truth that faith and obedience go hand in hand, opening the door to God's miraculous work in our lives.

Scriptures to Study:

Hebrews 11:1, John 14:21, James 2:17-18, Isaiah 55:8-9


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions