Compare the parents' response in John 9:23 with Peter's denial of Jesus. Setting the Scene • John 9 recounts Jesus healing a man born blind on the Sabbath. • The authorities interrogate the healed man and summon his parents (John 9:18-23). • Peter’s denial unfolds in the high priest’s courtyard on the night Jesus is arrested (John 18:15-27; Luke 22:54-62). Parents’ Response in John 9:23 “His parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’ ” (John 9:23) • Fear-driven silence: “For they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already determined that anyone confessing Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.” (John 9:22) • Evasive strategy: They neither affirm nor deny Jesus; instead, they shift responsibility to their son. • Social cost in view: Expulsion from the synagogue meant loss of community, livelihood, and honor. Peter’s Denial “But he denied it. ‘Woman, I do not know Him,’ he said.” (Luke 22:57) “Peter again denied it, and immediately a rooster crowed.” (John 18:27) • Direct verbal denial: Three explicit statements of disassociation. • Intensifying language: From a simple denial to oaths and curses (Matthew 26:72, 74). • Personal cost in view: Fear of arrest, violence, or death; the courtyard is hostile territory. Common Threads: Fear and Self-Preservation • Both situations arise under official hostility toward Jesus. • Fear motivates self-protective actions—silence for the parents, denial for Peter. • Both aim to avoid immediate consequences: synagogue expulsion vs. potential arrest. Key Differences: Silent Evasion vs. Explicit Denial " Aspect " Blind Man’s Parents " Peter " "-----------------------"--------------------------------------------"---------------------------------" " Form of response " Non-committal deflection (“Ask him”) " Open repudiation (“I do not know Him”) " " Public boldness later " Never recorded speaking for Christ again " Later becomes bold witness (Acts 2:14-41) " " Outcome " Preserve synagogue status " Bitter weeping, eventual restoration (John 21:15-17) " What We Learn About True Witness • Jesus calls for open acknowledgment: “Whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33) • Fear is a common human weakness, yet silence and denial fall short of faithful testimony. • Restoration is possible: Peter’s failure becomes a platform for grace and future courage (Acts 4:18-20). Encouragement for Today • Identify pressures that tempt us toward silence or denial—workplaces, social media, family gatherings. • Rely on the Spirit’s power: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) • Remember Christ’s faithfulness; even if we falter, He invites repentance and renewed witness. |
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