Why Did Jesus SPIT in a Blind Man's Eyes?! #211

Some friends of a blind man bring him to Jesus and ask Jesus to touch the man, assuming that the touch of Jesus will somehow heal their friend. Amazingly, Jesus does not comply with their request, but takes the man out of town and SPITS in his eye, which ultimately results in the man's complete healing. Great story - but WHY did Jesus SPIT in the man's eyes?