John 9:12

“Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.”

Context:In John 9, Jesus and His disciples come across a man who was blind from birth. The disciples ask Jesus about the cause of the man’s blindness, whether it was a result of his own sin or that of his parents. Jesus responds that neither the man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God might be revealed in him. Jesus then proceeds to heal the blind man by spitting on the ground, making clay, and anointing the man’s eyes. He instructs the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, and when the man obeys, he receives his sight.

The Question:In verse 12, after witnessing this miraculous healing, some people ask the formerly blind man where Jesus is. They are likely curious to know where this remarkable healer can be found.

The Man’s Response:The man who was healed responds, “I know not.” He was blind from birth and did not have the opportunity to see Jesus. Therefore, he does not have the information about Jesus’ whereabouts. This simple response highlights the man’s lack of knowledge regarding Jesus’ current location.

Themes:This verse highlights a few themes that are present in the broader passage:

• Divine Healing:The healing of the blind man demonstrates Jesus’ power and ability to perform miracles. It showcases His compassion and willingness to bring restoration and transformation to individuals.
• Spiritual Blindness:The man’s physical blindness serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness. Just as Jesus physically restored the man’s sight, He also has the power to heal spiritual blindness and bring people into the light of truth.
• Knowledge and Faith:The man’s response, “I know not,” reveals his limited knowledge about Jesus. However, his lack of knowledge does not prevent him from expressing gratitude and faith in the miracle he received. This suggests that one’s faith is not contingent upon complete understanding but can be based on personal experiences and encounters with God.

By examining the context and themes of this verse, we gain a deeper understanding of the miraculous healing performed by Jesus and the faith demonstrated by the man who was blind from birth.