John Calvin Commentary John 9:6

"When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and anointed his eyes with the clay," — John 9:6 (ASV)

He spat on the ground. Christ's intention was to restore sight to the blind man, but He begins the operation in a way that appears highly absurd. For by anointing his eyes with clay, He in some ways doubles the blindness. Who would not have thought either that He was mocking the wretched man, or that He was practicing senseless and absurd foolish acts?

But in this way He intended to test the faith and obedience of the blind man, so that he might be an example to all. It certainly was no ordinary proof of faith that the blind man, relying on a mere word, is fully convinced that his sight will be restored to him, and with this conviction hastens to go to the place where he was commanded.

It is a remarkable commendation of his obedience that he simply obeys Christ, though there are many reasons to act otherwise. And this is the test of true faith: when the devout mind, satisfied with the simple word of God, expects what otherwise seems incredible. Faith is instantly followed by a readiness to obey, so that the one who is convinced that God will be his faithful guide calmly submits to God's direction.

There can be no doubt that some suspicion and fear that he was being mocked entered the mind of the blind man; but he found it easy to overcome every obstacle when he concluded that it was safe to follow Christ. It may be objected that the blind man did not know Christ and, therefore, could not give the honor due to Him as the Son of God.

I acknowledge this to be true; but as he believed that Christ had been sent by God, he submits to Him, and not doubting that He speaks the truth, he perceives in Him nothing but what is divine. In addition to all this, his faith deserves greater commendation because, although his knowledge was so limited, he devoted himself entirely to Christ.