One of Jesus' more surprising miracles

An unusual detail in John 9 gives us a reason to look closer.

An Unexpected Way to Heal    Jesus' disciples assumed the man's blindness was the result of sin—his own, or his parents'. Jesus told them neither was true.    Then He healed him. Sometimes Jesus healed with a word. Sometimes He touched someone.    And sometimes, He worked in ways that might surprise us.    John gives us an unusual detail in verse 6:    When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. —John 9:6 (NKJV)  Why clay and saliva?    The passage doesn't tell us why Jesus chose to heal this way. But the NKJV MacArthur Study Bible, available with Bible Gateway Plus, offers a possible connection:    9:6 made clay with the saliva. As He had done when He originally made human beings out of the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7), Jesus may have used the clay to fashion a new pair of eyes.     That word may is worth noticing. The study note isn't giving us a definitive explanation. Instead, it gives us another passage to explore.    Read Genesis 2:7 alongside John 9:6. What do you notice when you compare the two?   Consider:  Am I open to God working in ways that surprise me?  Where do I need Jesus' help in my life right now?  What does this encounter show me about Jesus' care for people and their real needs?  Follow the connection from John 9:6 to Genesis 2:7 →  When a passage raises a question, keep digging.    Bible Gateway Plus gives you trusted Study Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and more alongside Scripture—so you can explore the context and connections for yourself.    Pick the plan that helps you go deeper  Yearly plan: $69.99/year (just $5.83/month)  Monthly plan: $6.99/month  Choose yearly and get 2 months free. Start My Free Trial 7 days free. Cancel anytime.  Have any questions? Please write to us at support@biblegateway.com. *All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only.   This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this email because you are signed up for communications from Bible Gateway. If you have questions or comments about this email, please contact us.   Manage all Bible Gateway communication | Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication   VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►

Verse of the Day - October 12, 2026

Proverbs 1:8-9 New International Version   Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. Read on Bible Gateway Read all of Proverbs 1 ► NIV Application Bible Buy Now Forward this email to your friends, or invite them to subscribe to receive the Verse of the Day here. Ever read a verse and wish someone could explain what it really means? With Bible Gateway Plus, it's easier than you think. You get: Over $5,300 in study Bibles, commentaries, and reference tools Insights that appear right alongside the verse you're reading Ad-free reading on any device Study notes, real-world application, and deeper context — right where you're already reading. Move from reading to really understanding with one click. Start My Free Trial RECOMMENDED FOR YOU NIV Application Bible, Red Letter, Comfort Print Shop Now Take God's Word With You     Bible Gateway Plus Study ad-free with $5,300+ in commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals—go from just reading God's Word to truly understanding it.   Try It Free Bible Gateway App Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere. Bible Audio App Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God.  Copyright Information   Bible Gateway Verse of the Day VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►     This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA.  You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about     this email, please contact us.   Manage all Bible Gateway subscriptions   Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►   This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway,  501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about     this email, please contact us.     Manage all Bible Gateway subscriptions     Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication