The stories in the Bible often carry deeper spiritual teachings that can be applied to modern life, regardless of religious affiliation. The encounter between Jesus and the man born blind is not merely about restoring physical sight but also about spiritual awakening.
This story highlights the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and spiritual growth. It calls us to recognize and follow divine guidance, which has the power to transform every aspect of our lives.
The Bible teaches through relatable examples that remain relevant today, offering practical insights for daily life—even for those who do not adhere to Christian beliefs.
Exploring the story of the blind man, it’s worth noting that biblical teachings often center on people, as it makes the message more accessible. (However, this does not necessarily mean the characters were historical figures!)
We connect more easily with another person’s story, allowing us to place ourselves within the events and grasp their essence more deeply.
The story of the man born blind can be found in the Gospel of John (John 9:1-12)
Biblical Story vs. Modern Spiritual Perspective
| Biblical Account | Spiritual Interpretation |
| „As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.” | Jesus encountered someone who was spiritually unawakened. |
| His disciples asked, „Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” | They are talking about karma (from a past life, which might have come through family relationships as a task to be resolved, or something done in this life that now needs to be made right). It’s worth noting that they were asked about reincarnation and karma! So, it’s not about promoting a life as the Bible or Jesus would, where we can do anything to ourselves, our environment, or others without taking responsibility. |
| Jesus answered, „Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” | Through ongoing learning, we grow and transform, guided by God’s divine wisdom toward spiritual awakening. This is the one clear path. As we learn and grow, we also influence our surroundings. (With so many spiritual teachings out there, it’s hard to choose which one truly helps us.) |
| „As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” | While we have the opportunity, we should seek spiritual awakening and act with purpose, as there may come a time when growth is not possible. |
| „While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” | As long as we remember Jesus (and God), believe in Him, and follow His teachings, we are guided by His light. |
| „He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.” | Spittle can be understood as the Word, the water that purifies us and helps us grow and transform through His teachings: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37,38) Or „…but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). Holy water reminds us that God’s teachings bless us, helping us awaken to our true selves in a spiritual sense. |
| Jesus told the man to “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means „Sent”). The man went and washed and came home, seeing. | Following Jesus’ guidance, the man gained spiritual insight, transforming his perspective and awakening to divine truth. |
| His neighbors questioned whether he was the same person they had known. Some recognized him; others said “he only looks like him”. But he said, „I am the man.” | People noticed the transformation in him. He explained that he was the same person but now saw life from a new perspective. |
| „How then were your eyes opened?” – they asked. | They inquired about the source and process of his spiritual transformation. |
| He recounted Jesus’ instructions and his actions. | He shared the journey of learning and awakening that led to his transformation. |
| „Where is this man?” they asked him. „I don’t know,” he said. | Jesus’ teachings must be sought individually. Each person must find their unique path to spiritual truth. |
Jesus brought us profound and transformative knowledge, often symbolized as „gold” or a higher quality of wisdom. This wisdom has guided humanity for ages and continues to support us on the path to spiritual awakening.
