John 9:7 – “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus completes the healing of the man born blind by giving him a simple command: “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” The man obeys, and for the first time in his life, he receives sight.
Jesus could have healed him instantly, but instead, He required the man to take a step of faith. The man had to obey before experiencing the miracle. This is a powerful reminder that faith often requires action.
The mention that Siloam means “Sent” is also significant. John includes this detail to show that the miracle is connected to Jesus, the One sent by God. The blind man was sent to the pool, just as Jesus was sent into the world to bring healing and salvation.
Historical Context
The Pool of Siloam was an important part of Jerusalem’s water system. It was a reservoir fed by the Gihon Spring through Hezekiah’s Tunnel (built around 700 B.C.). The water was used for both practical and religious purposes, especially during the Feast of Tabernacles, when priests would draw water from the pool and pour it out at the temple as part of their worship.
By sending the man to this particular pool, Jesus may have been making a deeper point. The Jews associated Siloam with God’s provision, but now Jesus was revealing Himself as the true source of life and healing.
The fact that Jesus performed this miracle on the Sabbath also sets the stage for conflict with the Pharisees. They would soon question the man, not celebrating his healing, but accusing Jesus of breaking religious law by working on the Sabbath.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important spiritual lessons:
- Faith requires obedience. The man was healed only after he followed Jesus’ instructions. This shows that trusting Jesus involves action.
- Jesus works in unexpected ways. He could have healed the man instantly, but He chose to involve him in the process. Sometimes God’s answers to prayer require us to step forward in faith.
- Jesus is the One sent by God. John makes a point to highlight the meaning of “Siloam” (Sent), reinforcing that Jesus Himself is the One sent to bring spiritual sight.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel frequently highlights symbolic actions that reveal deeper truths. This passage is no exception. The physical washing in the Pool of Siloam represents the spiritual cleansing Jesus brings.
The structure of the sentence is also important. The verse begins with Jesus’ command and ends with the man’s transformation. This reinforces the theme of faith leading to healing.
Additionally, John’s note about Siloam meaning “Sent” ties this miracle into the broader theme of Jesus’ mission. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to Himself as the One sent by the Father (John 5:36-37, John 7:28-29, John 12:49). This miracle serves as another confirmation of that truth.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Kings 5:10-14 – Naaman was told to wash in the Jordan River to be healed of leprosy. Like the blind man, he had to obey before receiving healing.
- John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Jesus, the One sent by God, brings salvation.
- John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This miracle physically demonstrates Jesus’ claim.
- Titus 3:5 – “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” The washing in Siloam points to the greater spiritual cleansing Jesus provides.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that faith involves action. The blind man could have ignored Jesus’ command, but his obedience led to transformation. In the same way, we are called to respond to Jesus in faith, even when we don’t fully understand what He is doing.
It also challenges us to trust God’s process. Sometimes His plans don’t make immediate sense, but if we follow Him, we will experience His power and blessing.
Finally, this verse points to the importance of spiritual sight. The man received physical sight, but the greater miracle is when people receive spiritual sight by believing in Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how Jesus not only healed the blind man but also gave him a role to play in the process. God’s love is interactive—He invites people to trust Him and take part in His work.
This also shows that God cares about the whole person. Jesus did not just offer this man religious knowledge—He met his physical and spiritual needs. This is the heart of God: He desires to restore and transform lives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This miracle is a direct sign of Jesus’ identity. He is the One sent by God to bring healing and light to the world.
The washing in Siloam also points to the washing of spiritual rebirth that Jesus offers. Just as this man was cleansed and received sight, Jesus cleanses sinners and opens their eyes to the truth.
Later in the chapter, the healed man recognizes Jesus as the Son of Man and worships Him (John 9:35-38). This shows that his healing was not just physical—it led him to a deeper faith in Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus required the man to take action before receiving healing?
- Have you ever experienced a time when God asked you to step out in faith before seeing the results? How did that impact your faith?
- How does this miracle illustrate the difference between physical sight and spiritual sight?
- What does the meaning of “Siloam” (Sent) teach us about Jesus’ mission?
- How does this story challenge you to trust God’s process, even when His instructions don’t make immediate sense?