What role does parental fear play in the context of John 9:23? Setting the Scene John 9 recounts Jesus healing a man born blind. The miracle sparks an interrogation by the Pharisees. When they summon the man’s parents, verse 23 records the parents’ cautious response: “That was why his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’” Why the Parents Held Back • They feared loss of community standing—excommunication from the synagogue meant social, religious, and economic isolation (v. 22). • They feared religious authorities more than they honored the miracle before them. • Their fear led them to distance themselves from their own son’s testimony and from the truth about Jesus. What Their Fear Reveals • Conflict between allegiance to human authority and allegiance to God (Acts 5:29). • The power of peer pressure—Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man brings a snare.” • A missed opportunity to glorify God openly, unlike their son who boldly declared Jesus a prophet (John 9:17, 30–33). Impact on the Narrative • Their guarded words force the healed man to carry the full weight of witness alone, heightening the drama of his eventual confession of faith (John 9:35–38). • The parents’ silence underscores how fear can hinder families from united testimony, leaving children spiritually exposed. Lessons for Parents Today • Guard against valuing cultural acceptance above fidelity to Christ. • Model courage; children observe whether parents cave under pressure or stand on truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Remember Jesus’ promise: public identification with Him will be honored (Matthew 10:32-33). Other Scriptures That Illuminate Parental Fear • 1 Samuel 2:29—Eli honored his sons above God and paid a price. • John 7:13—“No one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.” Fear stifles witness. • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control.” Encouragement Moving Forward Take to heart the healed man’s example of courage. Parental fear silenced two voices, but one steadfast testimony still shone. May families today choose bold confession over silent self-protection, trusting that obedience to Christ is always safer than surrender to intimidation. |
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