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

John 9:6-7

Isn't it fascinating how the story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9 opens a whole world of reflections on faith and revelation? Jesus creates clay using his own saliva and applies it to the man's eyes—a rather unconventional method for healing, right? This action is rich with symbolic meaning. Just as God formed man from the dust of the earth in Genesis, we see a creative, almost tactile connection in Jesus’ actions.

But what’s truly intriguing is the nature of the man's healing process. After applying the clay, Jesus instructs him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. That’s where faith comes into the picture! The blind man acted on Jesus’ command, demonstrating that sometimes healing requires not just divine action but a personal response. The pool itself is steeped in history, as it was a source of healing and funded by Hezekiah’s tunnel—an engineering marvel!

This narrative also sets off echoes throughout the Gospels, reminding us of other miraculous healings—like when Jesus heals the lepers or calms the storm. Each miracle shows a different layer of Jesus' mission to restore wholeness and community.

Interestingly, the phrase "wash in the Pool of Siloam" could mean "sent," hinting at a deeper, perhaps more spiritual journey of being sent out into the broader world in faith and transformation after experiencing re-birth. The story invites everyone to ponder what it means to see clearly—both physically and spiritually.