by Prisca | 5 December 2018 08:46 am12
The story of the man born blind in John 9:1–41 is one many have read or heard numerous times. Yet, there is a profound truth within it something hidden, which every believer needs to reflect on carefully. Take time to read the passage again, this time with a quiet heart and a seeking mind. Then, let us ask: Is divine intervention in our lives always a sign that we’ve truly encountered Christ? Does receiving healing or success mean we’ve seen His face?
Let’s read it again together:
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.
2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him…
6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud
7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Why did Jesus send him to wash in the Pool of Siloam rather than healing him on the spot? Could Jesus not have opened his eyes right then and there?
Jesus chose to use the process involving obedience, movement, and faith. The pool is named Siloam, meaning Sent, symbolizing Christ Himself as the One sent by the Father (John 3:17).
This teaches us that spiritual breakthroughs often require obedience before full revelation is received. God’s work in us unfolds over time, not always instantly.
Physically, yes his eyes were opened. But did he truly see Christ? Did he recognize Him?
Surprisingly, no. After receiving his sight, he didn’t even know who Jesus was. He couldn’t identify Him, didn’t know His face or where He went. He simply returned home, resuming his normal life. It wasn’t until much later after interrogation, rejection, and isolation that he truly encountered Christ.
When the man began publicly speaking of Jesus, he was questioned, challenged, and rejected:
In that era, being “put out of the synagogue” was a severe punishment. It meant total rejection social, religious, and familial isolation. The Jewish culture was fully interwoven with religion; being removed from the synagogue meant losing identity, community, and respect.
John 9:34 “They answered him, ‘You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?’ And they cast him out.”
Only after being cast out did Jesus find him again:
John 9:35-38
“Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’
He answered, ‘And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?’
Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.’
He said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him.”
He had received his physical sight earlier but only now does he see Christ spiritually, personally, intimately. And when he sees Him, he worships.
Today, many say they’ve “seen God” simply because their prayers were answered: a job came through, a disease was healed, or a door was opened. But the question remains:
Have you truly met Christ?
Have you seen His face?
Receiving blessings from God is not the same as encountering the Person of Jesus. The man born blind didn’t know Jesus when he was healed he only met Him after he was rejected by the world and remained faithful to the truth.
Like his parents, many believe in secret but won’t confess Christ in public fearing rejection.
John 12:42-43 (ESV)
“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
True encounter with Christ often comes outside the camp, in the place of rejection, where the world and even religious institutions have cast you aside.
Hebrews 13:13 (ESV)
“Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.”
Jesus is not always found within the structures of religion, denomination, or titles. He is often found outside, where the rejected, humble, and sincere seek Him.
1 Peter 2:7 (ESV)
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Christ is the Stone many religious builders rejected. But He is the true foundation. If you’re looking for Him among the proud, the powerful, or the popular you might miss Him.
Luke 13:24 (ESV)
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
The way to Christ is narrow, difficult, and often lonely. It requires denial of self, taking up your cross, and being willing to be misunderstood or rejected.
Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Maybe you’ve been to your own “Pool of Siloam”a church, a crusade, a prayer mountain, a prophet’s meeting and received healing or deliverance. But the real question is:
Have you met Jesus Himself? Have you seen His face?
You can receive a miracle and still not know the Miracle Worker. The blind man received sight, but only when he stood boldly for Christ and endured rejection, did he finally encounter Jesus and say:
“Lord, I believe.” (John 9:38)
Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Jesus desires fellowship, not just religious observance. But you must open the door even if it means rejection by the world.
If you’re only looking for Christ in your blessings, in success, or in religion you may never truly see Him. But if you’re willing to stand with Him in truth, even when it costs you everything, He will reveal His face to you.
Matthew 5:8 (ESV)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Let us seek Him with all our hearts, walk the narrow way, and be willing to be cast out so that, like the blind man, we may one day truly see Him, and say:
“Lord, I believe.”
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