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John 9:20-23

John 9:20 is part of this passage.
20His parents answered them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21but how he now sees, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age. Ask him.”

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Summary

Parents affirm he is their son born blind but dodge how he sees, fearing expulsion from the synagogue.

Interpretation

In John 9:20-23, Parents affirm he is their son born blind but dodge how he sees, fearing expulsion from the synagogue John records the moment so that readers may see Jesus clearly and respond in faith. Listen to the text: “His parents answered them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself.” His…”

This sign is a window onto Jesus’ glory. John selects wonders not for spectacle alone but so that disciples may believe. The miracle points beyond itself to the Son who gives life—and asks for trust, not mere amazement.

A man born blind receives sight and faith while religious opponents grow blind; worship of the Son of Man crowns the sign. This passage belongs in that movement: John 9:20-23 is not an isolated saying but a step in John’s portrait of Jesus. Throughout John, signs invite belief: miracles are windows onto who Jesus is, aiming at faith and life in His name.

A pastoral word for today: Move from amazement to faith. Thank God for the sign, and believe more deeply in the One it reveals.

Hold together Jesus’ tenderness and His authority. Soft sentiment without lordship cannot save; raw power without love would terrify. In this passage both shine, training us to trust a Savior who is strong enough to keep us and kind enough to call us friends.

As you reflect on John 9:20-23, ask what it reveals about Jesus—the Son who reveals the Father. John writes so that you may believe and, believing, have life in His name. Scripture like this is meant to be trusted, obeyed, and shared.

Reading John 9:20-23 with the whole of John’s Gospel in view keeps us from shrinking Jesus to a single role we prefer. He is teacher and healer, yes—and also the crucified and risen Lord, the I AM who loves His own to the end. Let this text join that larger confession.

Context

Parents’ cautious testimony under threat.

Chapter 9 in John: A man born blind receives sight and faith while religious opponents grow blind; worship of the Son of Man crowns the sign.

In the Book of Signs, Jesus’ words and wonders reveal His glory and call for belief.

Audience

General Christian readers of John

Themes

Related passages

Keywords

parents · afraid · put out