"NEIGHBORS" = geiton, meaning, "fellow-countrymen."
These extend beyond the ones indicated with the use of a different word found as an example in Mk.12:33, plesion, meaning only those "immediately next to." The difference in the use of these two distinct Greek words is to convey the meaning of both location and numbers, with the latter being limited in both cases, but the former conveying a broader scope on both counts.
So, what does this means for us?

All his Works (miracles) are increasing in intensity for the purpose of leading His chosen into Absolute Faith in His own Resurrection in just a few months. It is essential for them to have the witnesses of these works done for others, to see and assist in their faith of the bold promise of His Resurrection when it comes. They must believe all that John has shown of Him (and He has said of Himself): that He is the Word from the Beginning who holds within His Power all that He has created -- as much in death as in life! There can be no questioning His origins and destiny, hence, the imperativeness of the credibility of His current Work. hrough these works, that no one but the Father can do, they must know that He came from the Father. Lazarus will be his culminating Work for this convincing before His own.

As God had prepared the great fish for Jonah's convincing and the sparing of a nation (albeit his enemy, and that only temporary), this blind man was born for this time and God's Glory. Do not misunderstand here. All the works of God are equally important, but each has its place in the line of succession to the final, for the purpose of man's focus to be directed upon the identical subject of all, when it finally appears. See the picture here -- each in line in the thread of time pointing to the One who will appear at the end for man's trust and acceptance -- JESUS! It began in Genesis with God's first witness to Adam, and has appeared in every generation since. No one, then, will have any excuse when asked of their continued disbelief, especially we of today who have the benefit of their accumulative voices. However, His name and His witness is so common place in His world today, that men continue to look for something (or someone) new, but neither it nor they will come as expected or hoped.

Such was the case in Jesus' own day. He did not fit the mold in the intellectual minds for the one they expected to appear to solve all their political, social, and personal problems. And as such in any day, no amount of convincing will be sufficient for their belief! How sad. Are not their descendants among us today -- still awaiting for more to be convinced? Therefore, He is not to be argued when they are engaged, but with a quiet spirit as His, shared with personal conviction. This is all He expects from anyone; He will be His own Advocate, we simply, as this blind man, His witnesses.

Now unable to impeach this miracle, the Pharisees attempt to discredit the man's testimony as to its source. They will accuse and try to prove him a liar.

But, he is both undeterred by their efforts, and determined in his own gratitude toward his benefactor.

From this man's gratitude comes a courage that rises above that of his own parents. Unlike them, he neither fears the Pharisees, nor is ashamed of Jesus. How many times has our own courage been tested on both counts, and unlike this man, failed miserably.

TRUTH:
GENUINE GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF CHRIST FAR OUTWEIGHS ANY FEAR ONE IS EXPECTED TO HAVE OF MAN.
( Mt.10:28; I Jn.4:17-18)

This man was neither lacking in courage nor weak of mind. It is plainly seen that his wisdom was far superior than his detractors. Their ignorance is revealed. Refusal to see what is plain before the eye reveals without question the hardness of one's heart, putting one in grave jeopardy ( Heb.4:7; 3:7-19).

The emphasis here is on one being "PUT OUT," not yet "CUT OFF." Therefore, it is most likely that he was simply put out of the assembly, rather than being fully excommunicated from the synagogue yet. That required an official inquiry and a decree from the Council, which this was certainly not. In Jewish Law, excommunication consisted of 3 degrees, or successive steps:

This grateful man is at last reunited again with his compassionate Saviour he has been faithful to give witness to. His heart is prepared for Jesus to fully reveal Himself to him and bring him (as all the others) into full faith. Notice the same 3-phase progression in this one's faith as was seen in the noble man of Capernaum:

Notice, too, the contrasting positions of these 2 classes of hearers:

TRUTH:
WHEN CHRIST CONFRONTS ONE, IT IS ALWAYS FOR A DECISION. IT IS INESCAPABLE. RECEIVE OR REJECT, ARE THE ONLY OPTIONS, WITH THE CONSEQUENCES CLEARLY MADE KNOWN BY HIM.

This truth, and contrast, illustrated by the once blind man and the forever blind Pharisees, is typical in any generation, no matter how modern man may become. ( 8:24; 9:39,41)