John 9:20

John 9:20 captures a pivotal moment in the interrogation of the man born blind, as his parents are brought in to testify before the skeptical Jewish leaders.

Context

This verse is part of the unfolding drama in John chapter 9, which details Jesus' miraculous healing of a man who had been blind from birth. After Jesus healed the man (John 9:7), the neighbors and then the Pharisees questioned him extensively. The Pharisees, unwilling to accept the miracle because it occurred on the Sabbath, sought to discredit Jesus and the healing. They interrogated the formerly blind man multiple times (John 9:13), but his testimony remained consistent. Unable to shake his story, they summoned his parents, hoping to find a contradiction or a reason to deny the authenticity of the miracle. The parents' response in verse 20 confirms two undeniable facts: their son's identity and his congenital blindness, setting the stage for their subsequent, fear-driven caution.

Key Themes

• Verification of the Miracle: The parents' simple declaration that "this is our son, and that he was born blind" serves as crucial, independent testimony. It directly confirms the pre-existing condition of the man, making the healing an undeniable miracle of Jesus. This counters the Pharisees' attempts to deny the miracle's authenticity.
• Witness and Testimony: The verse highlights the theme of witness. While the parents provide factual testimony regarding their son's identity and original state, their subsequent fear of excommunication (John 9:22) limits their willingness to testify further about the healing itself.
• Fear and Pressure: The parents are under immense pressure from the religious authorities. Their concise answer reflects a delicate balance between stating the truth they know and avoiding entanglement in a controversy that could lead to severe social and religious repercussions, such as being "put out of the synagogue."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "born blind" translates the Greek ek genetes typhlos (ἐκ γενετῆς τυφλός), which strongly emphasizes the congenital nature of his blindness. This is not a case of temporary blindness or a recent affliction, but a condition present from birth. This detail is crucial because it underscores the magnitude of the miracle performed by Jesus, demonstrating His divine power to reverse a lifelong disability.

Practical Application

John 9:20 reminds us that truth often faces opposition, especially when it challenges established power or prejudice. The parents' fear illustrates the difficult choices people sometimes face when confronted with the implications of following Christ or acknowledging His work. It challenges believers to consider:

• How willing are we to stand for the truth, even when there is pressure or potential cost involved?
• Do we allow fear of social or professional repercussions to limit our testimony about what God has done?
• The verifiable nature of Jesus' miracles, even by those who sought to deny them, encourages faith in His power and authority.