John 9:19
And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
John 9:19
Verse 19 records the Pharisees questioning the parents again, asking, “Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?” The interrogation aims to destabilize the healed man’s testimony by double-checking the family’s account. It also exposes the tension between family credibility and individual experience in a culture that places strong emphasis on lineage and parental authority. The Pharisees’ persistence demonstrates their determination to control the narrative about Jesus’ work and to cast doubt on the miraculous sign.
This moment emphasizes truth’s fragility against institutional skepticism, while also showing how evidence can persevere even when authorities attempt to invalidate it. It invites readers to consider the reliability of personal experience and the courage required to stand by one’s story under pressure. Theologically, it reinforces the Gospel’s claim that Jesus’ works reveal God’s activity in the world, even when human systems resist.
In modern settings, the temptation to undermine or override a person’s testimony persists. Encourage environments where witnesses can share their experiences without being immediately dismissed as biased or false. Practical example: if someone in your circle shares a moment of healing or transformation, listen attentively, ask gentle clarifying questions, and honor their perspective even if you don’t fully understand the mechanism behind it. This cultivates trust and invites others to explore faith without fear of ridicule.
Cross-References: Matthew 10:18-20; Luke 21:15; John 5:31-36; 2 Corinthians 4:2-6; 1 John 4:1