John 9:21

But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

John 9:21 (KJV)

Context

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. The healing took place on the Sabbath, which caused controversy among the Pharisees and religious leaders. The man’s parents were brought before the Pharisees to testify about their son’s condition and healing.

The parents affirm what they know with certainty: that this is their son and that he was born blind. But when asked how he now sees or who opened his eyes, they plead ignorance and direct the Pharisees to ask the man himself, saying he is of age and can speak for himself.

Meaning

The phrase “he is of age” indicates that their son was legally old enough to give testimony on his own behalf. The parents’ response is cautious and evasive. The immediate context reveals their motivation: they spoke this way because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Jesus as the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22). Their fear of excommunication led them to distance themselves from the implications of the miracle.

They acknowledged the undeniable fact of their son’s healing but avoided confessing Jesus as the Christ. This contrasts with their son, who, when pressed, boldly testified, “one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). The parents could not speak for their son’s experience; a personal encounter with Christ demands a personal testimony.

Application

As believers, we should be willing to share our faith and speak up for the truth, even when faced with opposition or fear of the consequences. We can draw inspiration from the blind man’s courage and trust in God’s power, knowing that He can work in remarkable ways through us.

Reflection

The parents knew the facts of their son’s past but could not explain his present transformation. Their hesitation reminds us that secondhand knowledge is not enough. Each person must encounter Christ for himself and bear witness to what God has done. May we, like the healed man, be ready to say, “Whereas I was blind, now I see.“