The temple discourse is over, but Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem continues with no discernible break in the narrative. Having escaped death by stoning, Jesus “slipped away from the temple grounds” (8:59), and, as he went along (apparently just outside the sacred precincts), he noticed a man blind from birth (v. 1). Despite the smooth transition, it is clear that a new chapter, indeed a new division in the structure of the Gospel, is under way. Jesus’ disciples, out of the picture since the end of chapter 6, are with him again (v. 2), and once more Jesus will assume the role of miracle-worker. The healing of the man born blind gives rise to a series of investigations by the religious authorities (vv. 13–34) and finally to the blind man’s confession of faith (vv. 35–41) and a new discourse in …