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

John 9:6-7

In the Gospel of John, the healing of the blind man is a profound story that carries deep symbolism and vivid imagery. Picture it: Jesus uses clay made from the dirt, another creation of God, to anoint the man's eyes. This act of mixing saliva with dirt evokes the Creation itself, where God fashioned humanity from the earth. In essence, a rejuvenating and creative principle runs through Jesus’ miracles.

What’s intriguing is how the blind man's journey mirrors many of our own. He was not only physically blind but also lived in a society filled with misconceptions about sin and suffering. This event shatters those notions when Jesus declares that the man's blindness isn’t due to his or his parents' sin (John 9:3). It's David and Goliath-style deliverance and enlightenment all at once.

After being healed, the former blind man faces the skepticism of his neighbors and even challenges the Pharisees. His bold testimony — “I was blind, now I see!” (John 9:25) — is timeless. It reminds us that transformative experiences often lead us on a path of questioning and courage.

Fun fact: This incident occurs on a Sabbath, showcasing how Jesus often pushed boundaries when it came to societal norms. The tension continues, reminding us that doing good might not always be accepted straight away. Each detail, from the method to the aftermath, jives with deeper themes of revelation and the nature of faith!