What can we learn about parental responsibility from John 9:20? setting the scene John 9 records Jesus healing a man who had been blind from birth. When the Pharisees question the miracle, they summon the man’s parents. Verse 20 captures their initial reply: “His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.’ ” parents acknowledging the obvious • They clearly identify their child: “this is our son.” • They testify to his authentic condition: “he was born blind.” • They do not speculate or embellish; they state verified facts. lessons on parental responsibility • Know your children. – Parents are expected to be intimately familiar with their child’s identity and needs. • Bear honest witness. – Integrity in speech is foundational (Proverbs 12:22). • Protect by truth, not by evasion. – They avoided falsehood even under social pressure (Exodus 20:16). • Acknowledge God’s work without presuming to speak beyond what you know. – They later defer questions about the miracle to their adult son (v. 21), modeling cautious humility. • Stand with your children amid scrutiny. – Though fearful of repercussions (v. 22), they remain present and accountable. wider biblical witness • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—Parents must teach God’s words diligently to their children. • Proverbs 22:6—Train up a child in the way he should go, centering life on truth. • Ephesians 6:4—Fathers are to bring children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” • 3 John 4—There is “no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” living it today • Invest time to truly know each child’s heart, abilities, and struggles. • Establish a household culture where honesty is non-negotiable. • Model courage by speaking truth even when culture pressures compromise. • Distinguish between what you know and what you do not; humility fosters credibility. • Stay alongside your children when they face questioning or hardship, offering steadfast support. reflection and commitment The parents in John 9:20 demonstrate that faithful parenting begins with knowing, truth-telling, and standing with our children. Their simple, honest testimony challenges today’s families to cultivate the same qualities—grounded in Scripture, empowered by grace. |
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