👁️ Devotional on John 9:11–20 | "Then I Could See"

🗣️ From Testimony to Tension — When Healing Confronts Religion

📖 Scripture: John 9:11–20 (NIV)

11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."

12 "Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said.

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind.

14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath.

15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."

16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner perform such signs?" So they were divided.

17 Then they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."

18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents.

19 "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"

20 "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind."

🧎 1. Opening Prayer

Jesus, open my eyes to Your truth today. Give me the boldness to testify of Your work in my life, even when others doubt. May I stand in truth, not in fear. Amen.

🔁 2. Repeated Words or Phrases

• “Eyes” / “See” / “Sight” – vv. 11, 15, 17, 19, 20
• “Mud” – vv. 11, 14, 15
• “Sabbath” – vv. 14, 16
• “He is” / “This man” / “Jesus” – vv. 11, 16, 17

🎯 3. Theme

The transformed life becomes an undeniable testimony—even when met with resistance.

🕊️ 4. Observing God

• Jesus initiates healing in a personal and physical way (v.11).
• He heals on the Sabbath, challenging religious traditions (v.14).
• Jesus’ work causes division and confrontation (v.16).
• He allows the healed man to speak for himself, showing God's power through testimony (v.17).

🧍 5. Observing Humanity

• The healed man speaks truthfully and simply about what happened (v.11, 15).
• The Pharisees are divided—some judge by law, others by logic (v.16).
• The formerly blind man boldly calls Jesus a prophet (v.17).
• The religious leaders reject the miracle and demand confirmation (v.18).
• The parents cautiously confirm the facts without interpreting the miracle (v.20).

💡 6. Interpreting God

God delights in working through brokenness. Jesus chose to heal on the Sabbath not to defy the law, but to restore what is lost. His methods may provoke tradition, but His goal is transformation. Even when others resist or reject the testimony, Jesus’ work stands firm—it speaks through changed lives. God uses simple obedience to reveal divine power.

🧠 7. Interpreting Humanity

When faced with undeniable change, people either believe or resist. The man who was healed becomes a target—not because he lied, but because truth challenges religious comfort. His honesty contrasts with the fear-driven skepticism of the Pharisees and the cautious responses of his parents. This shows how social and spiritual pressures can silence truth unless we stand firm.

🪞 8. Application

Do I speak honestly about what Jesus has done for me? When questioned, do I retreat or testify? Today, I want to be like the blind man—clear, courageous, and truthful. I will not fear controversy if it means standing for Christ. And I will not judge others' transformation based on tradition or doubt.

💖 9. Spiritual Touch

"So I went and washed, and then I could see." (John 9:11)

🙏 10. Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to truth. Help me speak boldly of Your work. When others question, let me remain anchored in what I know You’ve done. Use my life as a testimony of Your power.

🌿 11. Live It Today

Take time today to recall what Jesus has done in your life. Share your story—simply and clearly—with someone who needs hope.