John 9:15 – “Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. ‘He put mud on my eyes,’ the man replied, ‘and I washed, and now I see.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the religious leaders, the Pharisees, begin questioning the man who had been healed of blindness. They want to know how he received his sight. Rather than rejoicing over the miracle, they seem more interested in investigating what happened, possibly looking for reasons to dismiss or discredit it.

The man’s response is simple and direct:

1. Jesus put mud on my eyes.
2. I washed.
3. Now I see.

There is no exaggeration or interpretation—just plain facts. The healed man does not try to explain why or how it worked. He simply testifies to what Jesus did for him.

This moment sets up a contrast between the healed man’s growing faith and the Pharisees’ growing resistance. While he is willing to accept what happened at face value, they are determined to challenge it.

Historical Context

The Pharisees were a group of religious leaders known for their strict interpretation of Jewish law. They saw themselves as the guardians of religious tradition, often placing their own man-made rules above God’s actual commands.

The problem, from their perspective, was that Jesus had performed this healing on the Sabbath. According to their tradition, healing on the Sabbath (except in life-threatening cases) was considered work, and therefore a violation of the law. Making mud by mixing saliva with dirt was also considered “kneading,” which was one of the 39 types of work forbidden on the Sabbath.

Instead of seeing the healing as a sign of God’s power, they saw it as a threat to their authority. Their focus was not on whether the miracle was real but on whether it had been done “correctly” according to their traditions.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key theological truths:

1. Faith is about trusting what God has done, not getting caught up in legalism. The blind man simply testifies to the truth, while the Pharisees refuse to believe because it doesn’t fit their expectations.
2. God works in ways that challenge human traditions. Jesus intentionally performed miracles on the Sabbath to show that mercy and healing are more important than rigid rule-keeping (Mark 3:1-6).
3. A personal testimony is powerful. The healed man does not argue or try to convince anyone. He just states what happened. The most effective witness for Jesus is simply telling others how He has changed your life.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often uses repetition and dialogue to emphasize key points. The Pharisees’ questioning of the man in this verse is the first of several interrogations in this chapter. The fact that they keep asking the same question over and over reveals their unbelief and resistance to the truth.

The simplicity of the man’s answer contrasts sharply with the Pharisees’ complicated and legalistic thinking. His testimony is clear, while their motives are clouded by their refusal to accept Jesus.

This also follows a pattern seen throughout John’s Gospel:

• Jesus performs a miracle (John 9:1-7).
• People react and question it (John 9:8-12).
• The religious leaders resist and investigate (John 9:13-34).
• Jesus reveals deeper truth (John 9:35-41).

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 146:8 – “The Lord gives sight to the blind.” Jesus’ miracle fulfilled this prophecy.
• Isaiah 42:7 – A prophecy about the Messiah “opening eyes that are blind.”
• Mark 2:27-28 – Jesus says, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” challenging the Pharisees’ legalism.
• John 5:16-18 – Another example of Jesus being persecuted for healing on the Sabbath.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that when God works in someone’s life, not everyone will celebrate. Some people, like the Pharisees, will try to question, criticize, or discredit what God has done.

It also challenges believers to keep their faith simple. The blind man didn’t get caught up in arguments—he just told the truth about what Jesus did for him. Sometimes, we don’t need to have all the answers. A simple testimony is enough.

Additionally, this verse warns against legalism. Religious traditions can be helpful, but when they become more important than people, they can actually block us from seeing God’s power.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how Jesus heals freely and without conditions. He did not wait for the man to prove his faith or pass a religious test. He simply healed him because of His compassion.

It also shows that God’s love is not limited by human rules. The Pharisees thought healing should only happen on their terms, but God’s love is bigger than man-made religion.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights how Jesus’ authority is greater than human religious leaders. The Pharisees wanted to control people through legalism, but Jesus demonstrated true spiritual power by bringing healing and life.

It also connects to Jesus’ mission of bringing spiritual sight. The blind man was physically healed, but as the chapter continues, he will also gain spiritual understanding—recognizing Jesus not just as a healer, but as the Son of God (John 9:38).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the Pharisees were more focused on how the man was healed rather than on the fact that he was healed?
2. Have you ever had someone question or doubt what God has done in your life? How did you respond?
3. What does this verse teach about the power of a simple testimony?
4. How can we avoid becoming like the Pharisees—so focused on religious rules that we miss God’s work?
5. What are some ways you can share what Jesus has done in your life with others?