John 9:13

The Pharisees were experts in interpreting the Jewish law. So the community asked them to explain this miracle (see 1:24). Instead of celebrating the healing, these religious leaders questioned the man because Jesus had performed the miracle on the Sabbath (see 5:16–18).

At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus claimed to be the light of the world (chapters 7–8; see 8:12). Now John tells about Jesus giving light, both physically and spiritually, to a blind man who lived in darkness (see 9:5).

The story ends with a surprising reversal (a complete change) of roles: The man who had been blind was assumed to live in spiritual darkness. Yet he came to see and accept God’s light. The Pharisees could see with their physical eyes. People thought they were spiritually enlightened (well taught and wise). However, they refused to believe. In the end, they were shown to be spiritually blind.