After he said these things he spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes. 

"Go," he told him, 

"wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). 

So he left, washed, and came back seeing.

John 9:6-7 CSB

Ever wondered how long it takes to make mud pies for the eyes?

How much spit?

Jesus was in no hurry.

Was that time for the blind man?

For the disciples?

For the people who no doubt were gathered around? 

Maybe Jesus had already said enough about innocent people suffering and who is or isn't to blame, and just wanted to give that time to sink in.

Maybe Jesus wanted to give a lesson about the cleanliness rules that it's not the outside that matters, that it's a heart thing. 

Jesus had just said he's the light of the world (Ch8). Was this blind man who's eyes are now covered in mud, this doubly blind man, symbolic in some way of the light that Jesus is. 

Bringing sight to those who cannot see, sight for those blinded by the things of this world.

Sometimes it's good to just sit in the space, in the Inbetweeness, and wonder.

And ask.

Jesus, what are you up to here?

What is it that you want me to see as you make mud from the dirt and your spit?

Do you want me to know Jesus closeness as the mud is pressed into my face? 

As the chatter of the crowd fades and Jesus is right there, his hands at work, holding your head, working the mud...

Hope is right there.

#gospelofjohn

#hopeishere

#inbetweenspaces