What does John 9:13 mean?

Jesus chose a man who was blind from birth (John 9:1–2) and granted him sight (John 9:6–7). This echoes the way in which God, through His grace, offers salvation to those who would otherwise never have had it. It also gives a potent example, proving that not all suffering is a punishment for that person's wrongdoing (John 9:3–5). The people of the city recognize the man and are shocked that he is now able to see. Though a few doubt that this is the same person (John 9:8–9), most are more interested in knowing how he came to be healed. The man—who left Jesus to wash his eyes while still blind—knows little about how his eyes were cured, other than the fact that it was Jesus who spoke to him (John 9:11).

If the man's sudden change in condition wasn't controversial enough, referring to Jesus certainly was. This is likely one reason the people bring the formerly blind man to the Pharisees. Jesus has had some recent arguments with these religious leaders (John 5:18; 7:32; 8:39–41). This miraculous healing not only defies their legalism surrounding the Sabbath (John 9:14), it violates their traditional interpretation which forbade mixing clay on those days.

As with other incidents, it's important not to automatically condemn everything the Pharisees do, just because. As the religious leaders of their people, these men are supposed to investigate these kinds of incidents. As was the case with John the Baptist, the Scribes and Pharisees are completely justified in asking what has happened, and why. The problem is not in the asking of questions—it's in the hardened hearts and hypocritical attitudes which they bring. And there are those within this sect who are more open to the truth (John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19).