John 9:12 – “‘Where is this man?’ they asked him. ‘I don’t know,’ he said.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the people who had just heard the blind man’s testimony now ask him a direct question: “Where is this man?” They are referring to Jesus, who had just healed him.

The healed man simply replies, “I don’t know.” This response is honest—he had never actually seen Jesus! He was blind when Jesus put the mud on his eyes and sent him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. By the time he returned with sight, Jesus was no longer there.

His answer reflects both a physical and a spiritual truth. At this point, he knows that Jesus has healed him, but he doesn’t yet fully understand who Jesus really is. His journey of faith is just beginning, and in the coming verses, he will grow in his understanding of Jesus’ identity.

Historical Context

During Jesus’ time, miracles were not common, and the Jewish leaders were deeply concerned about anyone performing signs that might challenge their authority. The people’s question, “Where is this man?”, could have been asked for different reasons:

1. Some were genuinely curious about Jesus and wanted to see Him for themselves.
2. Some were skeptical and wanted proof that He had actually performed the miracle.
3. Some were looking for Jesus to confront Him, since healing on the Sabbath was considered a violation of religious law.

This verse also foreshadows the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. The healed man’s answer, “I don’t know,” sets the stage for the investigation that will follow, where the Pharisees will question him and his parents in an attempt to discredit Jesus.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights a few key spiritual lessons:

1. People will always seek Jesus for different reasons. Some want to know Him personally, while others look for ways to dismiss Him.
2. Healing does not mean instant spiritual understanding. The blind man had experienced Jesus’ power, but he still had much to learn about who Jesus really was. Faith often grows in stages.
3. Not knowing everything about Jesus does not disqualify a person from sharing their testimony. The man didn’t have all the answers, but he still testified to what had happened to him.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often presents questions as a way to drive the story forward. Here, the question “Where is this man?” creates suspense. The people want answers, but Jesus is not present to respond. This absence increases the tension that will unfold in the rest of the chapter.

There is also a symbolic meaning in the man’s response: “I don’t know.” At this point, his physical sight has been restored, but he has not yet gained spiritual sight. As the chapter progresses, he will come to recognize Jesus as more than just a healer—he will eventually worship Him as Lord (John 9:38).

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 4:29 – “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This verse speaks to the idea that those who genuinely seek Jesus will find Him.
• Isaiah 55:6 – “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Some of the people asking about Jesus may have had the right motives, but others were only interested in challenging Him.
• John 7:11 – “Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, ‘Where is he?'” This is another example of people searching for Jesus, often with mixed motives.
• John 9:35-38 – Later in this chapter, Jesus finds the healed man and reveals His true identity to him, leading the man to faith.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that people are still asking, “Where is Jesus?” Some ask out of genuine curiosity, while others ask out of skepticism or opposition. As believers, we should be ready to help people find the true Jesus—not just as a historical figure, but as the Savior who transforms lives.

It also teaches that faith is a journey. The healed man did not have all the answers immediately, but he was on the path to discovering the truth. Many Christians grow in their faith over time, learning more about Jesus as they walk with Him.

Finally, this verse encourages Christians to share their testimony, even if they don’t have all the answers. The blind man didn’t know everything, but he knew one thing: Jesus had changed his life. That was enough.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He meets people where they are. Jesus did not require the man to fully understand Him before healing him. Instead, He healed first and revealed the deeper truth later. This shows that God’s love is not based on how much a person knows—it is freely given.

God also desires for people to seek Him. Even though the healed man did not know where Jesus was, Jesus would later come and find him (John 9:35). This shows that God is always pursuing us, even when we are unsure of where to find Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus often withdrew after performing miracles, not because He was hiding, but because He wanted people to seek Him for the right reasons. He did not want to be seen as just a miracle worker—He wanted people to recognize Him as the Son of God.

Later in the chapter, Jesus will reveal Himself to the healed man, showing that physical healing was just the beginning of a deeper spiritual transformation. In the same way, Jesus does not just meet physical needs—He comes to give people eternal life (John 10:10).

This verse also foreshadows Jesus’ eventual death and resurrection. The people wanted to know where He was, but soon He would be taken away, crucified, and buried. However, just as Jesus sought out the healed man later in the chapter, He would rise again to reveal Himself to His disciples and the world.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the people wanted to know where Jesus was? Were they curious, skeptical, or something else?
2. Have you ever felt like the healed man—not knowing exactly where Jesus was, but knowing He had changed your life?
3. How can we help people today who are asking, “Where is Jesus?”
4. What does this passage teach us about growing in faith over time?
5. How does this verse encourage you to share your testimony, even if you don’t have all the answers?