What does John 9:7 mean?

Jesus is performing the sixth of seven miraculous "signs" recorded in the gospel of John. In this case, the miracle is giving sight to a man who was born blind. This state is unique for several reasons. First, it means Jesus is about to grant this man an ability he does not naturally possess (John 9:1–2). Second, it corresponds to Old Testament predictions that the Messiah would give sight to the blind (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5; 42:7)—this is a miracle Scripture credits only to Christ (Matthew 11:5; 12:22–23). Third, Jesus uses this moment as an example to teach the disciples that not all suffering is punishment for sin (John 9:3–4). Lastly, this miracle occurs on a Sabbath day (John 9:14), further irritating the Pharisees, whom Jesus seems to be deliberately antagonizing.

Jesus is recorded as healing blindness in several instances (Matthew 9:27–28; Mark 8:22–26), but in each case His methods differ. This dispels any suggestion that Jesus was using some form of ritual magic, or advanced medicine. It also prevents modern people from claiming that they can achieve the same results by using "the Jesus method." Here, the use of mud not only reflects man's creation by God (Genesis 2:7), it also directly contradicts the Pharisee's traditional law which forbade mixing clay on the Sabbath. Further, having gritty clay packed into one's eye-sockets is hardly comfortable, giving the man ample motivation to obey Jesus' command to wash it out.

The result of this action is a miracle that becomes a signature moment for Jesus' public ministry. Until Jesus resurrects Lazarus, this will be seen by many as the primary evidence of His power (John 11:37).