John 9:19

John 9:19 captures a pivotal moment in the aftermath of Jesus's miraculous healing of a man born blind. The Jewish authorities, refusing to acknowledge the divine power at work, resort to questioning the man's parents, seeking to disprove the miracle. This verse highlights their deep-seated skepticism and their efforts to undermine Jesus's identity and authority.

Context

The entire chapter of John 9 details the story of Jesus encountering a man born blind, healing him by anointing his eyes with clay and sending him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. This miracle occurs on the Sabbath, which immediately draws the ire of the Pharisees, who prioritize their legalistic interpretations over the compassion and power demonstrated by Jesus. After questioning the healed man himself, who boldly testifies about Jesus, the authorities turn to his parents, hoping to find a contradiction or a reason to deny the miracle. Their inquiry in verse 19 reveals their disbelief and their attempt to verify if the man was indeed born blind, as stated.

Key Themes

• Skepticism and Disbelief: The central theme here is the refusal of the religious leaders to accept a clear miracle. Despite overwhelming evidence, they seek to find fault and discredit the truth. This reflects a spiritual blindness that is often harder to cure than physical blindness, a theme explored throughout John 9.
• Eyewitness Testimony: The parents are called upon to provide testimony, which, though cautious, corroborates the man's identity and his former condition. Their answers, though guarded, serve as crucial eyewitness accounts.
• Fear of Man vs. Faith in God: As the narrative unfolds, the parents' fear of being excommunicated from the synagogue becomes evident, influencing their responses. This contrasts sharply with the bold faith of their son.
• The Nature of Miracles: This event underscores that miracles are not just displays of power but also often serve as signs that provoke a response – either faith or hardened unbelief.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "who ye say was born blind" reflects the interrogators' challenging tone. The Greek behind "who ye say" (ὃν ὑμεῖς λέγετε - hon humeis legete) carries a nuance of "the one whom you claim was born blind," implying suspicion and a desire to distance themselves from the man's testimony. They are not asking for information but challenging a perceived claim, attempting to catch the parents in a lie or inconsistency.

Related Scriptures

• The broader conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees over Sabbath healing is seen in Luke 13:14, where similar indignation arises.
• The theme of spiritual blindness versus physical sight is a profound concept in John's Gospel, reiterated in John 12:40.

Practical Application

John 9:19 reminds us that genuine truth, especially divine truth, often faces opposition and scrutiny. We may encounter skepticism or outright denial even when God's power is clearly demonstrated.

• Stand for Truth: Like the healed man, we are called to stand firm in our testimony of what God has done, even when questioned or pressured.
• Discern Motives: This passage encourages us to discern the motives behind questions and challenges to faith. Are they seeking truth, or are they attempting to discredit?
• Overcoming Fear: The parents' fear highlights the struggle between worldly consequences and spiritual conviction. This challenges believers to prioritize God's truth over societal pressure or personal comfort, trusting in God's provision and protection as seen in Proverbs 29:25.