How can we avoid the skepticism shown by the Pharisees in John 9:18? Context of John 9:18 “The Jews still did not believe that the man had been blind and had received his sight until they summoned his parents.” (John 9:18) Why the Pharisees Slipped into Skepticism • Pre-set conclusions: They had already decided Jesus could not be from God (John 9:16). • Fear of losing status: Admission of the miracle would threaten their influence (John 9:22). • Hardness of heart: Prior rejections of truth calcified their unbelief (cf. Hebrews 3:12-13). • Reliance on tradition over revelation: They elevated their oral laws above God’s direct works (Mark 7:8-9). Guardrails for Our Hearts • Submit all assumptions to Scripture – “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5) – Ask, “What does the text plainly say?” before defending personal preferences. • Value truth over reputation – “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10) – Choose faithfulness even when it costs social standing. • Keep a teachable spirit – “Unless you turn and become like little children…” (Matthew 18:3) – Childlike openness disarms cynicism. • Pray for spiritual sight – “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18) – Regularly ask the Lord to expose blind spots. • Test everything, but with humility – “Examine all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) – Evaluation is healthy; contempt is not. Daily Practices That Foster Faith 1. Read a Gospel passage each morning—watch Jesus in action. 2. Journal any resistance you feel to what you read; surrender it in confession. 3. Memorize verses that affirm God’s power (e.g., Jeremiah 32:17; Ephesians 3:20). 4. Share testimonies of answered prayer within your church family—celebrate God’s works. 5. Serve in ministries where you witness lives changed; firsthand evidence banishes doubt. 6. Fast periodically to loosen the grip of self-reliance and heighten spiritual sensitivity. Living Wide-Eyed to God’s Works The Pharisees’ skepticism was not intellectual caution; it was willful unbelief. By yielding our presuppositions to Scripture, cherishing God’s glory over our own, and cultivating humble, watchful hearts, we remain poised to recognize and rejoice in every authentic work of Christ today. |
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