John 9:14

The sabbath day. Inasmuch as the case of the blind man was not an emergency, that is, life was not in danger, the healing Jesus performed was a violation of Jewish traditional law (see on ch. 7:22-24). These laws also forbade the mixing of the clay and the anointing of the eyes (see on v. 6).

The Jews, the would-be champions of the law, completely mistook the intention and purpose of the Sabbath (see on Mark 2:27, 28). They did not sense that the day was sanctified for the good of man, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Its sanctification was never intended to prevent works of necessity and mercy, consistent with the creative energy it commemorates (see on Gen. 2:1-3). To heal the sick man was no breach of the divine law of the Sabbath. In finding fault with our Lord for such a breach the Jews showed their ignorance of a law they were supposed to observe.

Seven miracles in all are recorded as having taken place on the Sabbath (see Nos. 3, 5, 6, 9, 27, 28, 29, on pp. 205-207).