How does John 9:20 connect to honoring parents as taught in Exodus 20:12? Setting the Scene John 9 records Jesus healing a man who had been blind from birth. When the religious leaders investigate, they summon the man’s parents. Their brief testimony is captured in John 9:20: “His parents answered, ‘We know that he is our son, and we know that he was born blind.’” Exodus 20:12—The Foundational Command “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Parental Integrity on Display • The parents affirm two undeniable truths: – “He is our son.” – “He was born blind.” • By speaking honestly, they model parental faithfulness. Their words protect their son’s identity and validate his lifelong struggle. • Honesty under pressure reflects reverence for God’s law (Leviticus 19:11) and safeguards familial trust. Reciprocal Honor—Children to Parents • Exodus 20:12 calls children to honor their parents; that honor assumes parents act with integrity worthy of respect. • In John 9, the healed man never contradicts his parents’ statement, showing respect for their testimony. • Ephesians 6:1-3 reaffirms the command for children to honor parents, linking it to promise and blessing. Shared Themes between the Passages 1. Truthfulness sustains honor – Parents honor God by truthful speech (John 8:44 contrasts the devil’s lies). – Children honor parents when they can trust parental testimony. 2. Family testimony carries weight – Deuteronomy 6:6-7 mandates parents teach truth diligently. – John 9:20 shows parents doing exactly that—communicating truth about their child’s life. 3. Covenant blessing – Exodus 20:12 ties honor to longevity and stability. – The parents’ honest words protect their place in the faith community, aiming to preserve “long days” within Israel’s covenant life. Living the Connection Today • Speak truthfully about family members, even when cultural pressure tempts silence or compromise. • Parents cultivate an environment worthy of honor by modeling integrity, courage, and faith. • Children respond with respect, trusting the credibility earned by godly parents (Proverbs 23:22). Key Takeaways • John 9:20 illustrates parents who, under scrutiny, tell the truth about their son—demonstrating a life that merits honor. • Exodus 20:12 sets the principle; John 9:20 offers a practical snapshot of that principle in action. • When parents uphold truth and children respect that witness, the family unit reflects God’s design, inviting His promised blessing. |
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