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.”
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 Blind Man’s Healing:The verse focuses on the reaction of the blind man’s parents to his healing. They acknowledge that their son can now see, but they are uncertain about how it happened. They direct the Pharisees to ask their son directly because he is now of age and able to speak for himself.
Importance of the Parents’ Response:The parents’ response is significant because it reveals the fear and hesitation they had due to the Pharisees’ authority and power. They likely didn’t want to be associated with Jesus or give a direct answer that could put them in trouble. Their response suggests that they did not want to take a stand for their son’s miraculous healing, even though they knew it was an extraordinary event.
Courage to Speak the Truth:While the parents were afraid to speak openly, their son, who was healed, demonstrated courage and boldly testified about Jesus. In the following verses, the Pharisees questioned the man further and eventually cast him out of the synagogue because of his testimony. Despite the consequences, the man remained faithful to the truth.
- Fear of Confrontation:The parents’ response reflects the fear many people have when it comes to confronting opposition or standing up for their faith. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to be bold and unashamed of the Gospel.
- Personal Testimony:Just as the blind man was able to speak for himself, we are called to share our personal testimonies of God’s work in our lives. Our stories have the power to impact others and bring glory to God.
- God’s Power and Sovereignty:The miraculous healing of the blind man highlights Jesus’ power to bring about transformation in people’s lives. It reminds us that God can work in unexpected ways, and His sovereignty extends beyond human understanding.
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.

