What role do parents play in guiding children to faith, as seen here? The Setting in John 9:21 “ ‘But how he can now see or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is old enough to speak for himself.’ ” (John 9:21) The healed man’s parents back away from testifying. They fear religious leaders more than they value open witness. Their silence highlights what happens when parents shrink from guiding their children toward bold faith. The Missed Opportunity • They knew their son’s story yet refused to confirm the miracle. • Their caution robbed both them and their son of a shared testimony. • By leaving him to “speak for himself,” they modeled self-preservation, not spiritual courage. What Scripture Says Parents Ought to Do • Teach diligently—Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children…” • Train intentionally—Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” • Nurture in Christ—Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers… bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” • Pass on a living faith—2 Timothy 1:5 shows generational faith flowing from grandmother to mother to son. Key Lessons from John 9 and Beyond • Silence speaks—when parents stay quiet about Jesus, children notice. • Example matters—courageous witness encourages courageous children; fearful retreat fosters timidity. • Faith is taught and caught—what we verbalize and what we demonstrate both shape a child’s understanding of God. Practical Ways to Guide Children Today • Tell salvation stories—share how Christ has worked in your life. • Read Scripture aloud—make God’s word a normal part of family conversation. • Pray openly at home and in public—model dependence on the Lord. • Celebrate answered prayer—highlight God’s faithfulness in everyday events. • Stand for truth—let children see you honor Christ even when it costs. • Invite their questions—welcome wonder and doubts, steering them to Scripture. • Partner with the church—surround them with a community that echoes your teaching. Wrapping It Up John 9:21 shows parents who pulled back when they could have stepped forward. Scripture calls moms and dads to something higher: an active, vocal, consistent witness that points sons and daughters to the living Christ. |
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