The Pharisees were questioning the parents of the man Jesus healed of his blindness, “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? HOW IS IT THAT NOW HE CAN SEE?” “We know HE IS OUR SON,” the parents answered, “and we know HE WAS BORN BLIND. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, WE DON’T KNOW. ASK HIM. He is of age; HE WILL SPEAK FOR HIMSELF.” (John 9:19-21)
What kind of a world was this when a NOTABLE MIRACLE takes place and people ARE AFRAID TO SHARE the good news? “His parents said this because they WERE AFRAID of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE. That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ASK HIM.” (John 9:22-23) For a second time they talked to the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “WE KNOW THIS MAN (Jesus) IS A SINNER (Oh how blinded they were).” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. ONE THING I DO KNOW. I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE!” (John 9:24-25)
Then the asked him loudly, WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU? HOW DID HE OPEN YOUR EYES? “He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? DO YOU WANT TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLES TOO?” Then THEY HURLED INSULTS (loidoreō: to heap abuse upon) AT HIM and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses!” (John 9:27-28) Then the blind man stated, “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to GODLY PEOPLE WHO DO WHAT HE WANTS THEM TO DO (very bold and wise response). Nobody has ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a person born blind. If this man had not come from God, HE COULD DO NOTHING.” Then the Pharisees replied, “When you were born, you were already DEEP IN SIN (yes, because “all have sinned…” Rom 3:23). How dare you talk like that to us!” And they THREW HIM OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE.” (John 9:31-34)
Jesus heard that the Pharisees had thrown him out, He found him, and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man? Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me, so I can believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And HE WORSHIPED JESUS.” (John 9:35-38)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham