The Gospel of John 9:20-23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“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 seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.” (John 9:20-23 KJV).

These passages give a view of the complex religious dynamics of the time when the Lord Jesus Christ walked on this earth in human form. It reveals the fear and pressure faced by those who met Him and the implications of publicly acknowledging Him as the Messiah. The evasive response of the blind man's parents reflects the strain of political and religious oppression, and the potential social impact of confessing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The same conditions that we, the true and born again believers of the only begotten Son of God, are experiencing these days.

From a broader view, these passages prompt us to reflect on how should we respond to questions and challenges regarding our faith. It raises concerns about our conviction to openly testify to the transformative work of the Lord in our lives, when faced with hostility or potential unfavorable repercussions. Especially in a cancel culture era.

These also invite us to consider the importance of personal testimony and the role it plays in sharing the true gospel of grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. These parents, who were fearful of being excommunicated from their sect and thrown out of their religious synagogues, found a neutral way of handling the issue in the knowledge that their son was the primary witness to his own healing. They were able to conveniently direct the authorities to seek answers from him, being the firsthand witness of such supernatural event. In a similar way, our personal encounters with the Lord and the resulting transformation in our lives serve as powerful testimonies that we can share to impact others, especially those who are close to us.

Additionally, the passages challenge us to stand in faith for truth, even in the face of serious opposition or potential adverse consequences. Yes, the parents' fear caused them to sulk, but their son eventually spoke boldly and fearlessly about his encounter with the Lord. His testimony is now a profound witness to the healing and life-changing power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These, therefore, serve as a challenge for us, being recipient of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, not to fear and sulk. He commissioned us to be His witness from within our proximity to every parts of this world that are within our reach. The risen Christ Jesus proclaims this to the disciples and to us who are born again by faith in Him: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
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