Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: The Blind Man Whom Jesus Healed on the Sabbath

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The account of the blind man whom Jesus healed on the Sabbath is a profound illustration of faith in Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 9. This narrative not only highlights the miraculous power of Jesus but also underscores the transformative faith of the man who was healed.

Context and Setting

The event takes place in Jerusalem, where Jesus encounters a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples, observing the man's condition, inquire of Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:2). Jesus responds, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him" (John 9:3). This statement sets the stage for a demonstration of divine power and the revelation of Jesus as the Light of the World.

The Miracle

Jesus proceeds to heal the man in a manner that is both symbolic and significant. He spits on the ground, makes mud with the saliva, and applies it to the man's eyes. He then instructs the man, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam" (John 9:7). The man obeys, and upon washing, he returns with his sight restored. This act of obedience is a testament to his faith, as he follows Jesus' command without question, despite the unconventional method of healing.

The Reaction of the Pharisees

The healing occurs on the Sabbath, which leads to controversy among the Pharisees. They are divided, with some questioning how a sinner could perform such signs, while others are concerned about the violation of the Sabbath law. The Pharisees interrogate the man, who boldly declares, "He is a prophet" (John 9:17), when asked about Jesus. His faith grows stronger as he faces opposition, and he remains steadfast in his testimony.

The Man's Confession of Faith

The Pharisees summon the man a second time, pressuring him to denounce Jesus. Instead, he challenges their disbelief, saying, "If this man were not from God, He could do nothing" (John 9:33). His unwavering faith in the face of persecution is evident. Eventually, Jesus finds the man and asks, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" (John 9:35). The man responds, "Lord, I believe," and he worships Jesus (John 9:38). This confession marks the culmination of his journey from physical blindness to spiritual sight.

Theological Implications

The healing of the blind man serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and the necessity of faith in Christ. The man's journey from darkness to light parallels the believer's journey from unbelief to faith. His willingness to trust and obey Jesus, despite societal and religious pressures, exemplifies the essence of true faith. The narrative also challenges the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath, emphasizing the priority of mercy and divine purpose over ritualistic observance.

Conclusion

The account of the blind man healed on the Sabbath is a testament to the transformative power of faith in Christ. It illustrates the profound impact of encountering Jesus and the courage required to stand firm in one's belief, even amidst opposition. Through this miracle, the glory of God is revealed, and the path to spiritual sight is illuminated for all who choose to believe.

Nave's Topical Index

John 9:13-38
They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jesus and the Blind Man.
... all who were healed something to do as a test of faith. ... The name of the pool was
one of the titles of Christ. ... did not help open the eyes of one blind from birth ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus and the blind man.htm

Sabbath Cure at Bethesda.
... He heals the blind, and therein sets Himself before men as the ... be a continuous use
made of the strength Christ gives ... to do them in faith"in the faith that He ...
/.../xii sabbath cure at bethesda.htm

The Blind Beggar
... in the next place, we shall notice his faith in ITS ... as he went into the city there
was a blind man standing by ... he did not get a blessing till Christ was about ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blind beggar.htm

A Pressed Man Yielding to Christ
... he said that he was the Son of God:; and, in this case of the blind man whom he
had ... If you have any sort of faith which does not recognize Christ as God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a pressed man yielding to.htm

The Healing of the Man Born Blind.
... has opened the eyes of the blind-born - and ... without experience, and yet beyond
experience; faith not superseded by ... it needed only the directing Word of Christ. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the healing of.htm

True Sabbath Observance
... have received in the new nature given them through faith. ... cowardice in attacking
the people when he meant Christ. ... and if you want to find men blind as bats to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/true sabbath observance.htm

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
... multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered. ... an unutterable power, so
also when Christ saith, 'I ... These works would produce faith in those of right ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxvii jesus heals on the.htm

Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Men?
... happening in the case of the man born blind, and this was his want of faith, as
Chrysostom ... Consequently it was not fitting that Christ should heal a man's ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ worked miracles fittingly.htm

John ix. 6, 7
... Now if faith is needed in matters which are felt ... God, but that He who healed the
blind could not ... the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lvii john ix 6.htm

The First Period. Ch. 4:14-44
... captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at ... enjoyed the best opportunities
for knowing Christ often reject him; but, where faith is present ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first period ch.htm