How Many Blind People Did Jesus Heal?
If you’re searching for answers about the miracles performed by Jesus, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive article, we’ll examine how many blind people Jesus healed according to the Bible.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Jesus healed at least three blind people during his earthly ministry according to the four gospels of the New Testament.
We’ll take an in-depth look at each of these healings, examining the biblical accounts, historical context, and theological significance of these miracles. We’ll also consider a few additional partial healings of blind individuals.
By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of this aspect of Jesus’ ministry.
The Healing of Two Blind Men Near Jericho
The Biblical Account (Matthew 20:29-34)
The gospel of Matthew records one of Jesus’ miraculous healings during his final trip to Jerusalem before his crucifixion. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, two blind men sitting by the road called out to him for mercy.
Though the crowd tried to quiet the blind men, they continued crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matthew 20:30). Jesus stopped and called the blind men over, asking what they wanted him to do for them.
When they requested sight, Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes, immediately restoring their vision. The formerly blind men then followed Jesus into Jerusalem.
This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and authority over infirmities and disabilities. Though the blind men likely had their condition for many years or even their whole lives, Jesus instantly healed them with just a touch.
He did not need elaborate rituals or incantations – he healed through his own inherent supernatural ability. The blind men’s persistence in crying out to Jesus, despite opposition from the crowds, also shows the necessity of bold, persistent faith to receive healing and salvation from Christ.
Their physical healing was accompanied by spiritual sight as they immediately became disciples of Jesus.
Historical and Theological Notes
Most biblical scholars see this miracle as a distinct event from the healing of a blind man named Bartimaeus recorded in Mark 10:46-52. Though the miracles share similarities, the differences in precise location and number of blind men suggest two separate occasions.
According to the chronology of Matthew, this miracle likely took place in the spring of AD 30 as Jesus departed from Jericho, a city about 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem, during the final week before his triumphal entry and subsequent crucifixion.
Theologically, this healing demonstrates Christ’s compassion for those marginalized by disabilities and his power to overcome mankind’s most desperate needs. Though family and society often neglected or excluded the blind, Jesus stopped to heal them, showing how the kingdom of God embraces those frequently scorned.
The title by which the blind men address Jesus – “Son of David” – emphasizes Christ’s messianic identity and his authority as the greatest heir to King David’s throne (Isaiah 9:6-7). By healing blindness, Jesus exhibited traits attributed to the coming Messiah who would “open eyes that are blind” (Isaiah 42:7).
For Christians, this account underscores Christ’s compassion, power, and messianic identity.
The Healing of Bartimaeus on the Road to Jericho
The Biblical Account (Mark 10:46-52)
The story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, is found in Mark 10:46-52. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
(v. 47). Though many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, Bartimaeus kept calling out all the more. Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus sprang up and came to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Immediately Bartimaeus recovered his sight and followed Jesus on the way.
A few things stand out in this passage. First, Bartimaeus persistently cries out to Jesus for mercy despite the crowd trying to silence him. His bold and repeated appeals get Jesus’ attention. Second, Jesus does not hesitate to stop and call for Bartimaeus. He welcomes marginalized and needy people.
Third, Bartimaeus throws off his cloak when called. This cloak was likely his only possession as a blind beggar, yet he abandons it to come to Jesus. This shows his faith that Jesus can and will heal him. Finally, Bartimaeus receives his sight and becomes a follower of Jesus.
His physical blindness is healed, and his spiritual eyes are also opened to who Jesus is.
Historical and Theological Notes
Scholars generally accept this story as historical since it contains many details typical of Mark’s accounts. The name Bartimaeus means “son of Timaeus” and was likely included because this man was known to Mark’s audience. The title “Son of David” shows Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
Calling out would be normal for blind beggars. Jesus welcoming the blind was seen as a messianic act, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about the eyes of the blind being opened (Isa. 29:18; 35:5). The cloak was a poor man’s most basic possession.
Jesus commends Bartimaeus’ faith, showing the key role faith plays in Jesus’ healings.
This passage provides important theological insights. It shows Jesus’ compassion for people on the margins of society. The Son of God stops to help a blind beggar calling out to him. Jesus is approachable. Bartimaeus’ persistent prayer and faith despite opposition also exemplify bold, trusting prayer.
We see Jesus’ authority to heal both physical and spiritual blindness. This points ahead to salvation coming through Jesus, the Light of the World (John 9). Bartimaeus’ response of following Jesus illustrates the right response to his saving grace.
This passage encourages readers to come to Christ in faith like Bartimaeus did.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind
The Biblical Account (John 9:1-41)
The story of Jesus healing a man born blind is found in John 9:1-41. As Jesus was passing by, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples asked Jesus if the man’s blindness was due to his own sin or that of his parents.
Jesus responded that it was neither, but rather so “the works of God might be displayed in him.” Jesus then spit on the ground, made some mud, spread it on the man’s eyes, and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man did so and came back seeing.
This caused quite a stir among the Pharisees. They were divided about whether Jesus was from God or not. Some argued that no sinner could perform such signs, while others countered that Jesus could not be from God since he healed on the Sabbath.
When they asked the formerly blind man about it, he simply stated that Jesus healed him. Frustrated, the Pharisees called on his parents, who confirmed that he had indeed been born blind but deferred to their son regarding how he was healed.
So the Pharisees called on the man again and tried to get him to deny Jesus, but he boldly proclaimed that Jesus was a prophet and had healed him.
Angered, the Pharisees threw the man out of the synagogue. When Jesus heard about it, he sought out the man and revealed himself as the Son of Man. The formerly blind man believed and worshiped Jesus.
Historical and Theological Notes
This story powerfully illustrates Jesus’ divine identity and mission. By giving sight to the man born blind, Jesus demonstrates his power over disability and the effects of the Fall. The man’s physical blindness parallels the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders who can’t see Jesus for who he is.
Ironically, it is the blind man who comes to see the truth about Jesus.
The manner in which Jesus heals also carries symbolic meaning. Making mud with his saliva represents how the eternal divine Son humbled himself by taking on human flesh. The instructions to wash in the Pool of Siloam (which means “Sent”) suggest how we are cleansed from spiritual blindness through the One whom God has sent into the world.
The increasing confrontation with the religious authorities reveals their hardness of heart. No amount of evidence would convince them to believe in Jesus. Meanwhile, the faith of the healed man continues to grow.
His bold confession before hostile inquisitors inspires believers in any age to stand up for Jesus in the face of opposition.
Additional Partial Healings
Jesus performed many miraculous healings during his ministry, not all of which were complete restorations of sight. There are a few instances in the Gospels where Jesus healed someone’s vision only partially or for a limited time. Here are some examples:
The Blind Man at Bethsaida
In Mark 8:22-26, Jesus healed a blind man in the town of Bethsaida. However, this healing seemed to occur in stages:
“And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.” (KJV)
Initially after Jesus touched him, the man only had partial sight. People looked to him like walking trees. But after Jesus laid hands on him a second time, his vision was fully restored. This unusual two-part healing shows that sometimes Jesus healed people in steps, for reasons we can only speculate about.
The Blind Man at Pool of Siloam
In John 9:1-41, Jesus healed a man blind from birth by making clay with his saliva and putting it on the man’s eyes, then sending him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. When the man washed off the clay, he could see – but imperfectly.
The people who knew him wondered if he was really the same blind beggar they were familiar with (John 9:8-9). The man confirmed his identity and explained how Jesus healed him. So while not stated explicitly, this account also suggests a partial healing or process of healing occurring over time.
Bartimaeus
In Mark 10:46-52, Jesus healed a blind beggar named Bartimaeus who cried out for mercy. The text says Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. But in the parallel account in Luke 18:35-43, it adds this detail: “And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”
(KJV) The fact that the people “saw” Bartimaeus receiving sight implies it was visibly obvious, suggesting a full and instantaneous healing.
Analysis
So there are a few biblical examples of Jesus performing incomplete or partial healings of blindness. While most of His miraculous healings were instant and comprehensive, sometimes Jesus chose to heal people in stages or over time.
We do not always know the reasons, but we see examples of Jesus’ divine wisdom and compassion at work in different ways for different individuals.
In the end, these accounts build our faith. Jesus is not limited in how He chooses to heal. His methods and timing reflect His perfect love and understanding of each person’s needs. When it comes to Christ’s miracles, we simply trust His heart and rejoice in His great kindness towards those crying out for healing.
Conclusion
In summary, the gospels record at least three definitive instances where Jesus healed blind individuals – the two blind men near Jericho, Bartimaeus, and the man born blind. These accounts provide valuable insights into Jesus’ compassion and divine power.
While blindness was a hopeless condition in the ancient world, Jesus demonstrated his authority to reverse blindness and give sight to the blind. These miracles prompted many witnesses to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah and Son of God.
