After the man who was born blind gained his sight, he was questioned first by his neighbours and then taken to the Pharisees where he was questioned and challenged again. What is striking in this narrative is that the man becomes increasingly bold as he speaks about his experience and especially about who Jesus is. The more he speaks the clearer he becomes. He begins by calling Jesus a man and eventually tells the Pharisees that Jesus must be from God if he can do such a sign. Jesus eventually finds him and he believes that Jesus is the Son of Man and he worships him.

This man’s experience illustrates a few things. First, our gaining spiritual sight is not only a gift but also often comes through trials and possible challenges from unbelievers. These challenges force us to dig deeper in our understanding of Jesus. Second, the more we speak the clearer our spiritual sight becomes. It also indicates that at first, we may not be that clear but we should speak anyway. Finally, today Jesus is not present with us and so like this man, we are Jesus spokespersons. This man’s boldness should be a pattern for us.