John 9:6 – “After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus begins the miraculous healing of a man who was blind from birth. Unlike other healings where Jesus simply speaks or touches a person, here He takes an unusual approach—spitting on the ground, making mud, and applying it to the man’s eyes.

This action might seem strange, but it carries deep significance. It shows that Jesus is not limited to one method of healing. It also connects to creation itself—God formed Adam from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7), and here Jesus uses the earth to bring new sight. By doing this, He is demonstrating His divine power to create and restore.

Historical Context

In ancient times, people believed that saliva had healing properties. Some rabbis even taught that the saliva of a respected teacher could be used for medicinal purposes. While Jesus was not following superstition, His method would have been recognized by His audience as having a healing purpose.

However, this healing took place on the Sabbath, and Jewish religious leaders had strict rules against “working” on that day. Making mud was considered an act of work, so Jesus was intentionally challenging the religious system that had placed tradition above God’s power. This would later lead to a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, who were more focused on legalism than on the miracle itself.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important truths:

1. Jesus is sovereign over creation. By using dirt and saliva, He shows that He has authority over the physical world, just as God did when He formed mankind from the dust.
2. God’s methods are not always what we expect. Jesus could have healed this man with a simple word, but He chose a process that required the man’s participation (he had to go and wash, as stated in the next verse).
3. Jesus challenges religious traditions that hinder faith. The Pharisees would soon attack Him for healing on the Sabbath, but Jesus prioritizes compassion over legalism.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often uses physical actions to reveal deeper spiritual truths. Here, the physical act of giving sight represents Jesus’ mission to bring spiritual sight to the blind.

The use of spit and mud is unique in the Gospel of John. Other miracles, such as the healing of the official’s son (John 4:46-54) or the healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9), involve only Jesus’ words. The fact that John includes this specific detail suggests there is something more going on. Jesus is showing that His power is not tied to any one method—He works in ways that people may not expect.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 2:7 – “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” This shows how God used the earth to create life, just as Jesus used mud to bring sight.
• Isaiah 29:18 – “In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.” A prophecy about the Messiah restoring sight.
• Isaiah 35:5 – “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” Another prophecy fulfilled by Jesus in this moment.
• Mark 8:23-25 – Jesus heals another blind man using saliva, showing that He sometimes used physical elements in His miracles.
• John 5:16 – The Pharisees began persecuting Jesus because He healed on the Sabbath, just as they would later in John 9.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches us that God does not always work in ways we expect. Sometimes, His methods may seem unusual or even uncomfortable, but His plan is always for our good. Just as the blind man had to trust Jesus and follow His instructions, we also need to have faith in God’s process—even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

It also reminds us that Jesus is willing to get involved in our brokenness. He didn’t just heal from a distance—He physically engaged with the man’s condition. This shows that God is personal and compassionate, meeting us right where we are.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is demonstrated in the way Jesus interacts with this blind man. He could have ignored him, as many others likely did. Instead, He stopped, touched him, and brought healing.

This reminds us that God’s love is hands-on. He doesn’t just care from a distance—He enters into our struggles and brings restoration. Even when we don’t understand His ways, we can trust that His actions are always motivated by love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This miracle is not just about physical healing—it points to Jesus’ greater mission. He came to open spiritual eyes, bringing light into the darkness of sin (John 8:12).

Jesus often used physical healings as a sign of His power to forgive sin. For example, in Mark 2:1-12, He heals a paralyzed man but first declares his sins forgiven. Similarly, this miracle is about more than just sight—it is about Jesus revealing His identity as the one who brings true light and life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to heal this man in such a unique way?
2. Have you ever experienced a time when God worked in an unexpected way in your life? How did you respond?
3. How does this verse challenge you to trust God’s process, even when you don’t fully understand it?
4. What does this passage teach you about Jesus’ compassion for those who are suffering?
5. In what ways does Jesus still bring spiritual sight to people today?