The answer is: He anointed his eyes with clay and told him to wash

John 9:6-7

In John's Gospel, the healing of the blind man is one of the most captivating miracles, rich in symbolism and deep lessons. Picture the scene: Jesus uses mud made from saliva and dirt to anoint the man’s eyes—a startling and unconventional approach! The act of using clay might remind us of God creating humanity from dust in Genesis. It's a beautiful echo, showing that Jesus, too, is performing a creative miracle, as He does at the beginning of all things.

After the anointing, He instructs the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, meaning “Sent.” The act of washing mud from one’s eyes is significant. Not just physical sight, but a symbol of spiritual purification and awakening! The blind man not only regains his sight but also undergoes a journey of faith that recognizes Jesus' true nature. The repeated questioning and skepticism from others afterwards highlights how society often struggles to accept profound changes or miracles.

Interestingly, this restoration of sight serves as a metaphor, inviting readers to reflect on their understanding and perceptions—how often do we walk about in spiritual blindness? It’s this lifestyle of questioning that broadens intellectual horizons! And in the end, the man’s newfound sight leads not just to healing but to worship, marking a ultimate transformation that speaks volumes beyond just restoring eyesight. So, this act illustrates profound changes—both in the miracle itself and its hints at the deeper truths Jesus communicated about perception and enlightenment.