John 9:21 – “But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the parents of the healed man respond carefully to the Pharisees’ questioning. They confirm that their son was indeed born blind, but when asked how he was healed, they avoid giving an answer. Instead, they direct the religious leaders back to their son, saying, “Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.”

Their response is both truthful and evasive. They know their son was healed, and they likely know that Jesus was the one who did it. However, they are afraid to speak openly because they fear the consequences from the Pharisees.

By saying, “He is of age,” they acknowledge that their son is an adult and responsible for his own testimony. This allows them to step back from the situation and avoid taking a direct stand on the issue.

This moment highlights the growing division over Jesus. While their son had already testified boldly, his parents hesitate, not because they don’t believe, but because they are afraid of the social and religious consequences.

Historical Context

At this time, Jewish religious leaders held great power and influence over the people. The synagogue was the center of religious and social life. Being cast out of the synagogue meant losing access to worship, community, and relationships.

John 9:22 (the next verse) tells us that the Jewish leaders had already decided that anyone who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. This was not just a small punishment—it meant being cut off from the religious and social fabric of Jewish life.

This explains why the parents avoid answering directly. They are caught in a difficult position:

1. If they openly support Jesus, they risk being excommunicated.
2. If they deny the miracle, they would be lying.
3. So instead, they take a neutral stance and redirect the Pharisees back to their son.

Their response shows the fear of man—they care more about avoiding trouble than standing for the truth.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important spiritual lessons:

1. Fear can keep people from standing for the truth. The parents knew the truth but remained silent out of fear.
2. Faith requires courage. While the parents hesitated, their son boldly testified about Jesus (John 9:25).
3. Jesus forces people to make a choice. The Pharisees, the healed man, and his parents all had to decide how to respond to what Jesus had done.

This passage warns us that when God works, people must decide whether to stand for truth or shrink back in fear.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often presents contrasts between bold faith and fearful hesitation. This verse is a clear example of that contrast:

• The healed man boldly declares what Jesus did.
• His parents avoid taking a stand because they fear the religious leaders.

John also uses dialogue to reveal motives. The parents’ words sound neutral, but their fear is obvious. Their response shows how pressure from others can influence a person’s willingness to speak truthfully.

This verse builds tension in the story—will people stand for Jesus, or will they retreat out of fear?

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 29:25 – “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” The parents’ fear of the Pharisees kept them from standing for the truth.
• Matthew 10:32-33 – Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
• John 12:42-43 – Many Jewish leaders believed in Jesus but kept quiet because they feared being put out of the synagogue.
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” Faith should lead to boldness, not fear.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a warning about letting fear keep us from standing for Jesus. Many people today face situations where speaking about Jesus could result in criticism, rejection, or persecution. The question is: Will we stand for truth, or will we stay silent like the parents?

It also reminds us that faith is personal. The parents shift responsibility to their son, saying, “He will speak for himself.” This highlights that every person must personally decide what they believe about Jesus. No one else can make that choice for us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He gives people the opportunity to stand for truth. Even when people hesitate, like the parents, God does not abandon them. He is patient and gives them chances to grow in faith.

At the same time, God desires boldness in faith. Jesus wants people to stand up for what is right, rather than being ruled by fear. True faith is not about playing it safe—it is about trusting in God even when there is risk.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This passage highlights the dividing effect of Jesus. His miracles and teachings force people to take a side—either to stand with Him or to avoid trouble by remaining silent.

Jesus Himself would later stand boldly before His accusers, refusing to deny the truth, even though it would lead to His crucifixion. This healed man’s courage in testifying about Jesus mirrors what Jesus would later do before Pilate and the religious leaders.

It also foreshadows how Jesus’ followers would later be persecuted for their faith. Just as the healed man faced pressure to stay silent, the early Christians were also pressured to deny their faith or suffer consequences. But Jesus calls His followers to boldly proclaim the truth, regardless of the cost.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the parents avoided answering the Pharisees’ question directly?
2. Have you ever felt afraid to talk about your faith because of what others might think? How did you respond?
3. What does this passage teach about the cost of following Jesus?
4. How can we overcome fear of rejection and stand boldly for our faith?
5. How does this story challenge you to take a stand for Jesus in your own life?