The disciples of Jesus were on a training course. They were being prepared to be the leaders of the church, after Jesus went back to heaven and the Holy Spirit had come. Jesus made the blind man see. It was a powerful demonstration that Jesus had come to bring light and understanding to blind human hearts. This was urgent work, as Jesus would be on earth for such a short time of ministry; but it taught the trainee apostles the need to work for Jesus while they had the time and opportunity (many of the disciples died early and violently at the hands of others).
 
We do not know how the man was made to see, but we do know that his healing involved the active desire of Jesus and the blind man's co-operation. Jesus took the initiative; the muddy poultice was a great reason for the man to wash his muddy eyes in the Pool of Siloam and prove his faith. In going, he showed that he believed Jesus and was willing to obey His command. For the disciples, it showed the importance of obeying the command to believe the gospel while there was time.
 
The gospel message carries an urgency with it. Hebrews 3:7-15 quotes from Psalm 95 in pressing the readers to take action when God speaks. "So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts ... See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." Faith is not only obedient but it is also timely. So, when the Lord speaks, act in faith and on time.