John 9:15
Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
John 9:15
Verse 15 records the Pharisees’ second round of questioning: “how he had received his sight.” The man’s concise testimony—“He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see”—is a simple, verifiable account that contrasts with the Pharisees’ elaborate theories about ritual purity and Sabbath observance. The exchange reveals the gap between experiential witness (the man’s healed sight) and theological debate (Does Jesus keep the Sabbath?). The man demonstrates reliability and clarity in his own experience, which should be compelling evidence. Yet the Pharisees are unsettled because Jesus’ healing exposes their insecurity about their own spiritual authority. The scene also underscores the idea that truth often comes through humble, straightforward testimony rather than polemics.
Theological themes include the authority of Jesus’ deeds as signs pointing to his identity, and the importance of personal testimony in revealing truth. The man’s simple statement stands in contrast to the Pharisees’ complicated debates, highlighting that faith often begins with observable mercy and personal experience rather than doctrinal theater. It also showcases the role of witness—ordinary people can articulate what God has done in their lives with clarity, which can challenge religious elites to reconsider their posture toward mercy and grace. The verse invites readers to consider: what is your own testimony of Jesus, and how does it align with your actions?
In everyday life, emphasize clear, honest testimony about how faith has changed you, rather than getting drawn into theoretical disputes. Practical example: share a concise story of how prayer helped you through a difficult moment, rather than debating every doctrinal nuance. When confronted with judgment over one’s past or one’s experience of grace, respond with the measured confidence of the healed man: “He did this for me.” Also, encourage others to test Jesus by their lived experience of mercy and transformation. In small groups or churches, create space for personal testimonies that focus on impact—how has faith enabled forgiveness, resilience, or renewed purpose? The aim is not to win an argument but to invite others to encounter the living Jesus through real-life outcomes.
Cross-References: 1 John 1:1-3; Luke 4:22; John 10:37-38; Acts 4:20; Psalm 34:8