Get Wisdom to Handle the Cunning
Rev. Enoch Thompson | May 20, 2024 | John 9:18-23
KEY VERSE:
²² His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. ²³ That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." John 9:22-23 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The Pharisees were not satisfied with the open declaration of the healed blind man that Jesus was a prophet. They wanted further and incriminating evidence, and so they sent for the parents of the man. They posed a set of questions in verse 19: "Is this your son?" "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?" (NIV). The parents of the man answered the first two questions directly in verse 20: "We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind.” Their response to the third question is the focus of our reflection today.
In verses 21 to 23 we see the parents of the man exercise shrewd reasoning to handle the mischievous cunning questioning of the Pharisees; ‘“. . . 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." They knew that the Pharisees were trapping them and were looking for an opportunity to throw them out of their security in the synagogue. At worst the healed man could speak for himself and convince the Jews or be expelled from the synagogue, alone. Afterall, the parents might have been used to living without him or his help and could continue in the security of the community if their son alone was cast out.
The reflection is not a call to avoid standing for Christ and our convictions about Him. It is a call to develop wisdom and ask for Spirit leading in answering the questions that life and society raise against our faith, and to keep from statements that will unnecessarily put us in unnecessary danger.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you see how the world system tries to make us expose ourselves to its lies and deceptions? Will you stay alert to avoid falling into the traps they set for you?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that you always knew how to answer your opponents when you walked among mankind. Please give me wisdom to handle my circumstances, and to beat the tricks of the evil one. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: PARENTS
The Greek word for "parents" is "γονεῖς" (goneis). This term generally refers to one's father and mother and, in this context of John 9:22-23, it highlights their role as guardians and protectors of their son.
The actions of the parents in this verse underscore the tension between fear and faith. They knew the truth of their son's healing but feared the social and religious consequences of openly supporting Jesus. This situation calls for wisdom to navigate the cunning schemes of those in power. It challenges believers to seek divine wisdom and courage to stand firm in the truth, even when facing opposition.
Reflections:
Reflect on times when you felt pressured to conform to societal or peer expectations that conflicted with your faith. How can you seek God's wisdom to handle such cunning tactics with courage and integrity?
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