What is the meaning of John 9:22? His parents said this – “His parents answered, ‘We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. But how he can now see, we do not know… Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.’ ” (John 9:20-21) – They offer the bare minimum of testimony, distancing themselves from their son’s miracle. – Cross references: • John 12:42 – many rulers believed in Jesus “but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him.” • Luke 14:26-27 – the cost of true discipleship sometimes includes estrangement even from family. because they were afraid of the Jews – Fear, not lack of evidence, muzzles their words. – “The fear of man lays a snare” (Proverbs 29:25), yet “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). – Cross references: • John 7:13 – “no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.” • John 19:38 – Joseph of Arimathea was “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews.” – Their fear reveals how social pressure can smother open allegiance to Christ. For the Jews had already determined – The religious leadership reached a firm policy, not an on-the-spot reaction. – This predetermined stance shows the hardening of hearts foretold in Isaiah 6:9-10 and fulfilled in John 12:37-40. – Cross references: • Mark 3:6 – Pharisees and Herodians plot to destroy Jesus early in His ministry. • Acts 4:17-18 – the same spirit attempts to silence the apostles. that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ – To “confess” here means openly to acknowledge Jesus as God’s promised Messiah. – Romans 10:9 underscores the necessity of such confession for salvation. – Cross references: • John 1:41 – Andrew tells Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” • 1 John 4:15 – “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him.” would be put out of the synagogue – Excommunication cut a person off from worship, community life, and business ties. – The threat mirrors later persecution: John 16:2 – “They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.” – Cross references: • Ezra 10:8 – precedent for community exclusion to enforce religious purity. • 3 John 10 – Diotrephes “casts out of the church” those who welcome orthodox teachers. summary John 9:22 exposes the tragic collision between divine revelation and human fear. The formerly blind man’s parents know the truth but shrink back because the rulers’ edict threatens their place in society. Scripture shows that such intimidation is a recurring tactic against God’s people, yet true faith stands firm, counting Christ worth any cost. |
    |