John 9:10

John 9:10 captures the immediate human reaction to a profound miracle: curiosity mixed with disbelief. After Jesus heals a man born blind from birth, his neighbors and those who knew him well are astonished and perplexed, leading them to question the man directly about the impossible change in his condition.

Context

This verse follows the miraculous healing recounted in John 9:1-7, where Jesus anoints the eyes of a man born blind with clay and sends him to wash in the pool of Siloam. The man's obedience leads to his sight being restored. The initial reaction from his neighbors and acquaintances, described in John 9:8-9, is one of confusion and debate over his identity. Some believed it was him, others thought it was someone who merely resembled him. Verse 10 marks a pivotal moment where they shift from debating his identity to directly asking how such an extraordinary event occurred. This question sets the stage for the intense interrogation by the Pharisees that follows, highlighting the tension between divine power and human skepticism, especially regarding Jesus' actions on the Sabbath.

Key Themes

• The Nature of Miracles: The direct question, "How were thine eyes opened?" underscores the supernatural and undeniable nature of the healing. It wasn't a gradual improvement but an instantaneous, inexplicable restoration of sight, demanding an explanation beyond natural means.
• Skepticism and Inquiry: Rather than immediate rejoicing or belief, the crowd's first response is doubt and a demand for a rational explanation. This reflects a common human tendency to question what defies conventional understanding, even when it is clearly divine intervention.
• Witness and Testimony: The man's simple answer in John 9:11 becomes his initial testimony, initiating a series of confrontations where he must repeatedly explain what happened to him. His personal experience becomes a powerful witness to Jesus' power.
• Spiritual vs. Physical Sight: The physical opening of the man's eyes serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. While the crowd struggles with the physical reality, the narrative subtly points towards a deeper truth about spiritual blindness and insight.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "opened" is ἀνεῴχθησαν (aneōchthēsan), which is an aorist passive indicative form. The passive voice ("were opened") emphasizes that the action was performed upon the man, not by his own effort or will. This grammatical construction highlights the direct, external agency of God (through Jesus) in performing the miracle. It was a divine act, not a human accomplishment, making the question "How?" even more profound as it points to the source of such power.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to consider our own reactions when confronted with God's work in the world or in our lives. Do we respond with genuine curiosity and a willingness to understand, or with skepticism and a demand for explanations that fit our preconceived notions? The man born blind quickly becomes a witness, and his simple account of "how" Jesus changed his life is a powerful reminder that our personal testimonies, even when questioned, can reveal God's power to others. Like the man, we are called to share our hope and the reason for the transformation within us, even when facing disbelief.

Reflection

John 9:10 serves as a pivotal moment, shifting the focus from the miraculous healing itself to the societal and religious response. It underscores that God's work often provokes inquiry and sometimes opposition. For us, it's an invitation to ponder not just the "what" of God's actions, but the "how" – recognizing that the means are often as divine and instructive as the end result, leading us to deeper faith and understanding.