"These [in Berea] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." - Acts 17:11

(12) And they said unto him, Where is he? He saith, I know not. (13) They bring to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. (14) Now it was the sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. (15) Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. And he said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and I see. (16) Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? And there was division among them. (17) They say therefore unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, in that he opened thine eyes? And he said, He is a prophet. (18) The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight, (19) and asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? How then doth he now see? (20) His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: (21) but how he now seeth, we know not; or who opened his eyes, we know not: ask him; he is of age; he shall speak for himself. (22) These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him `to be' Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. (23) Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. (24) So they called a second time the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give glory to God: we know that this man is a sinner. (25) He therefore answered, Whether he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. (26) They said therefore unto him, What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? (27) He answered them, I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples? (28) And they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are disciples of Moses. (29) We know that God hath spoken unto Moses: but as for this man, we know not whence he is. (30) The man answered and said unto them, Why, herein is the marvel, that ye know not whence he is, and `yet' he opened mine eyes. (31) We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.


Knowledge plays a part in the man's healing; this theme is suggested by the fact that each of the parties claim both to know and not to know something. Since the claims and the reasons for them differ, the contrasts highlight their various types of knowledge. By their questioning, the Pharisees try to discredit the man's testimony, attempting to find a cause to brand the healing a fraud and to attack Jesus (verse 19). They imply that the parents should stop lying and come clean (verses 20-21). Yet, the parents affirm two facts: that the healed man was indeed their son and that he was born blind. They knew this, and they were not afraid to affirm it.

Conversely, they denied knowing how he came to see and who did the miracle. Why do they not acknowledge what they know of Christ's role in the healing? “They feared the Jews.” They know that the leaders would excommunicate anyone who confessed Jesus as the Messiah. The parents simply did not want to get involved. They were afraid to acknowledge what had been revealed to them.

This is an accurate picture of many today. The truths of Christianity have been proclaimed to them—perhaps by parents, friends, or the church. Intellectually, they know and even believe these truths, but they will not admit them. They are afraid to acknowledge Christ for fear of the consequences.

— Martin G. Collins

To learn more, see:
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Man Born Blind (Part Three)



 

Topics:

Jesus Christ's Miracles

Miracles of Jesus Christ

Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Man Born Blind




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