Thought

It was common in the culture of Jesus’ time to believe that suffering was linked to sin. If a person was born with some physical difference, people thought sin was part of the reason. But Jesus brought the light of understanding to this situation. He showed that God’s power can be revealed in any way and that blindness takes all forms. The man born blind did what Jesus asked him to do even though he couldn’t know how it would turn out. Yet, some who witnessed the healing could not believe in the miracle even then. They couldn’t see the truth because they were blinded by their own prejudice. But the man who had been blind saw the truth clearly and believed: “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing” (John 9:33).

Word

John 9:33 NIV

[The man born blind said,] “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

Question

Why did Jesus use dirt and saliva to heal a man?

Jesus spit on the ground and used the mud He made as part of His healing. We know Jesus could have healed the man with just a word. Why do you think He used dirt and saliva this time? (Ask a parent or other trusted adult to help you find a Bible resource that might give you some answers.)

Challenge

Make your own mud at home. Ask a parent to give you a container to use. Go outside and find some dirt to dig up. You can dig it up with your hands, with a spoon, or with a trowel, if you have one. Or if you can’t get to an area where there is dirt to dig, you can ask a parent if you can have a little soil from a houseplant instead. You don’t need very much dirt to make a little mud. A few spoonfuls will be plenty! Then add a little water to the bowl—just a few spoonfuls of water. Add water until you get a thick, muddy material. Mix well. Then, if you want, put a little mud on your skin (be careful—not by your eyes!) to see what it feels like. When you are finished, make sure to dump the mud outside or in the trash and clean out the container and tools you used—and wash your face!

Prayer

God, I believe in Jesus, and I believe You have the power to do anything. Thank You for letting me see the beauty in the world You made. Amen.