Jhn 9:8-9, 8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?” 9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.” He said, “I am he.”
It is evident that the blind man was not unfamiliar to the people around him. For numerous years, he positioned himself in locations where large crowds gathered or passed by, making them ideal spots for begging. However, on this particular day, a remarkable occurrence took place – the blind beggar was no longer blind or in need of begging.
The restoration of sight to a man who was born blind was an extraordinary event that undoubtedly became the topic of conversation in the town. People pondered and questioned whether this was indeed the same man. They utilized their innate ability of sight to observe and seek confirmation, although not directly from him. While the neighbors and acquaintances deliberated among themselves, unsure of his identity, he put their doubts to rest by affirming that he was indeed the person they suspected. His voice, which they had heard for years, served as confirmation for some.
This event teaches us that those who have experienced a transformative change should not be ashamed to acknowledge their previous state. The contrast between the before and after adds to the beauty of the transformation. Psa 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,”