After Jesus healed the blind man, he faced intense questioning from the Jews (Jn. 9:1-12). Initially, the blind man simply stated the case, and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes…” (Jn. 9:11). He acknowledged Jesus as no more than a man. However, when the interrogation increased, his conviction became stronger — or at least was revealed as such. He confessed Jesus as “a prophet” (Jn. 9:17). After a heated exchange with the Jews and being cast out, Jesus came to him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” (Jn. 9:35). Finally, the man told him, “Lord, I believe” (Jn. 9:38).
It is interesting to note the opposite reaction of the blind man’s parents. They knew their son was blind from birth and that he had been healed. Yet, they were unwilling to take a stand for fear of the Jews (Jn. 9:19-23).
These two reactions show us how faith is either strengthened or silenced by persecution. And, no, the blind man did not have an advantage over his parents because the miracle was performed on him. If this was so, then very few people had a real opportunity for solid faith. Rather, we know those who witnessed miracles or heard about them, developed great faith (cf. Jn. 12:9-11). As John said, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (Jn. 20:30-31). Our faith can be as strong as the blind man’s.
When we are questioned about our faith, do we grow bold or timid? Do you plainly state the truth about one true church (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4)? Do you stand up for baptism for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38)? Do you speak candidly about the sins of the social gospel (Rom. 1:16; Jn. 6:44-45; cf. 1 Cor. 11:22, 34)?
If you read the entire account of the blind man being healed, you will see his faith became more and more apparent. For this, he paid a price. Are you willing to pay the price for genuine faith? Or, are you like the blind man’s parents, unwilling to speak out for fear of others? Only one option is acceptable to God (2 Cor. 4:13).
Steven F. Deaton
