John 9:20

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John 9:20 KJV

His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

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John 9:20 Bible Commentary

Commentary on John 9:20

“His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind.” - John 9:20

Introduction

The account of the man born blind in John 9 illuminates various theological and practical themes. The parents' response in this verse serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative and offers rich insights into the themes of faith, fear, and the nature of witnessing, which are crucial for pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars.

Contextual Background

In the broader context of John 9, Jesus performs the miracle of healing a man who has been blind since birth. This miracle not only reveals Jesus’ power but also sets the stage for conflict with the religious authorities. The subsequent interaction with the blind man's parents underscores the tension between truth, fear of persecution, and religious authority.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

  • Matthew Henry:

    Henry emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the truth as the parents affirm their son's identity and condition. Their declaration, “We know that this is our son,” reinforces the legitimacy of the miracle, contrasting the skepticism of the Pharisees. They are witnesses to both their son's past suffering and present healing, which invites the audience to consider the implications of such testimony in proclaiming God’s work in our lives.

  • Albert Barnes:

    Barnes provides a critical examination of the parents' situation, noting that while they confirm their son’s identity, they are cautious in their declarations about the miracle itself. Their fear of the Jewish leaders—who had already decided that anyone confessing Jesus as the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue—illuminates the societal pressures believers may face. This aspect serves as a reminder for modern believers about the cost of discipleship and the need for courage in witness.

  • Adam Clarke:

    Clarke delves into the implications of the parents’ response in light of the Jewish customs and the significance of their statement for the early church. He points out the courageous yet measured nature of their testimony, recognizing both their familial bond with the healed man and their reluctance to fully embrace the claims being made about Jesus. His insights encourage a nuanced understanding of faith that grapples with public perception and personal conviction.

Thematic Analysis

The verse speaks volumes about the duality of recognition and fear. It presents a profound opportunity to reflect on several interconnected themes:

  • Identity and Witness:

    The acknowledgment of their son’s identity forms a critical part of the testimony. This invites reflection on how Christians today identify and witness to Jesus’ work in their own lives.

  • Fear of Persecution:

    The parents’ hesitance to speak openly about the miracle highlights the real fear of repercussions from authority figures, resonating with the experiences of many believers facing societal or institutional pressures.

  • Faith amidst Challenges:

    This passage calls for an exploration of the relationship between genuine faith and the often challenging circumstances that accompany it, echoing a central theme in John’s Gospel regarding the faithfulness of God amidst adversity.

Application for Today

The insights gleaned from John 9:20 challenge contemporary believers to consider their own responses to miracles and their implications for witness. Here are some reflections for application:

  • Encouragement to testify: Like the parents, believers today must recognize and testify to the work of God in their lives, even amidst adversity.
  • Strengthening community ties: The bond of family and community support is vital. Encouraging one another in faith can help withstand external pressures.
  • Understanding the cost of discipleship: Believers must prepare for the possibility of conflict when standing up for truth, understanding that faith can come with societal implications.

Conclusion

John 9:20 encapsulates the essence of witnessing in the face of fear and the affirmation of truth. The parents' response opens up discussions about identity, faith, and the complexities of following Jesus in a world where truth can be contested. By engaging with this passage, pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars can deepen their understanding of the challenges of faith while drawing inspiration from the boldness required to share one’s testimony.

John 9 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 9:1 John 9:2 John 9:3 John 9:4 John 9:5 John 9:6 John 9:7 John 9:8 John 9:9 John 9:10 John 9:11 John 9:12 John 9:13 John 9:14 John 9:15 John 9:16 John 9:17 John 9:18 John 9:19 John 9:20 John 9:21 John 9:22 John 9:23 John 9:24 John 9:25 John 9:26 John 9:27 John 9:28 John 9:29 John 9:30 John 9:31 John 9:32 John 9:33 John 9:34 John 9:35 John 9:36 John 9:37 John 9:38 John 9:39 John 9:40 John 9:41

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