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

John 9:6-7

In the Gospel of John, the account of Jesus healing the blind man not only emphasizes Jesus' compassionate nature, but it also adds a fascinating layer of symbolism. When Jesus takes mud, mixed it with his saliva, and applies it to the blind man's eyes, it echoes the creation narrative found in Genesis where God forms man out of dust. This enriching connection suggests that the act of healing goes beyond mere physical restoration; it's a recreation, a new beginning for the man who was once marginalized.

After he anointed the man's eyes, Jesus instructed him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The pool was historically important in Jerusalem, serving as a primary water source — its name literally meaning "sent." It's almost as if the man is being symbolically sent, not just to wash his eyes, but to embark on a journey of faith and transformation.

Interestingly, this miracle takes place on the Sabbath, a day of rest, leading to fierce debates about Jesus' authority and Torah observance. It shows that true compassion can sometimes challenge societal norms. And did you know that this healing marks one of several profound signs in John's Gospel that explicitly highlight Jesus' purpose to bring light into human darkness? By restoring sight, Jesus not only changes one man's life but also invites others to see the truth about himself and the nature of a loving, inclusive community.