Scripture:
John 9:20-23 20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 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.” 22 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.23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
Observations:
Jesus heals a man that had been blind since birth. Rather than marvel at the miracle or the one that performed this miracle, the Pharisees were more concerned about the details surrounding the event. Rather than believe that Jesus was sent from God and that Jesus had healed him, they doubted if the man had actually been blind and focused on when this miracle occurred (on the Sabbath). They went as far as questioning his parents and questioning the former blind man twice.
The parents, while speaking basic facts about their son, failed to honor Jesus for fear of being ostracized and thrown out of the Temple. Being thrown out would have meant hardship with both social and economic consequences. They chose worldly priorities over spiritual priorities.
Application:
I need to choose God over the world. I am closer to the parents than I care to admit. Do I speak up at my office if I see something that could be construed as non spiritual or do I let things slide since this is an business and not a church? Am I careful in what I say in order not to offend anyone? Do my emails reflect me as a Christian or me as a person? Do I go to a holiday party or a Christmas party? I once had a colleague named Ron. Ron was much older and a devote Christian that took every opportunity to spread the Gospel. He did it with peers, customers, etc. He and I knew that he lost promotions because of his views and his stance. Ron didn’t care. He kept preaching and reaching. I need the same confidence and “I could care less what happens” attitude as I spread the Gospel to others.
I need to focus on pleasing God, not man. The parents were rightfully concerned about their situation. They could have lost everything. But, that would have been every worldly thing. They choose to let their son speak the truth instead of shouting and praising God for what He did. God does not promise us that life as a Christian will be easy. We do, however, still have to remain faithful and have a Godly perspective, not a worldly perspective.
Prayer:
Father, I am often too concerned with what others think of me if I don’t conform. Help me to realize that you can use anyone or anything in any situation to bring people closer to you. Give me a spirit of boldness and confidence to do your will, no matter what. Thank you for your patience with me.