Thoughts on the Gospel of John (71) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

But the Jews did not believe concerning him that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. And they asked them saying, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son and that he was born blind; but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.
John 9:18-21.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (71)
Having heard of the healing of the blind man, the neighbours turned to the Pharisees in their amazement. But the Pharisees would not believe the one healed. Such a miracle was beyond their conception, although it was a clear sign of the Messiah. On His first public appearance the Lord had read from the prophet Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me" "to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind" (Isaiah 61:1.2; Luke 4:18).

The Pharisees referred to the parents, trying to dispute the miracle with their help. Did they hope that the parents would deny the healing for fear of unpredictable consequences? Then they would have achieved their aim, which was ultimately to prevent Jesus from influencing the people.

The parents had to admit that the healed person was their son. But they refused to express any opinion as to how he had received his sight. Instead of lovingly rejoicing with their son, they feared losing their own reputation in the synagogue. So they referred the Pharisees back to their son.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Haggai 1:1-15 · Mark 11:12-19