John 9:19-23 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? how then does he now see?… The parents who instead of avowing that Christ had healed their son, evaded the question for fear of the Jews. That they felt some interest in one who had conferred such a benefit on their son can scarcely be doubted, but it was not enough to make them courageous for the truth. The great majority now belong to this class. They have no prejudice against Christ, but they have not sufficient interest in Him to avow Him. The parents ignored Christ's work — I. ALTHOUGH THEY HAD EVERY OPPORTUNITY OF KNOWING IT. This is the case with millions — wherever they look there are monuments of Christ's beneficent operations. In every social circle is some faithful disciple ready to proclaim Him. II. WHEN GRATITUDE SHOULD HAVE URGED THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. Christ had given their son a capacity to contribute to their interests. All that is solutary in government, ennobling in literature, fair in commerce, loving in friendship, progressive in intelligence, morality and happiness must be ascribed to Christ. Take from England all she owes to Christ and you leave her in all the confusion, horrors and cruelties of heathenism. III. FROM COWARDLY MEANNESS OF SOUL (ver. 22). Is not Christ ignored today from the fear of losing property, sacrificing friendships, etc. Strange that thousands who have the courage to confront an army are too cowardly to avow Christ. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?WEB: and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" |
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