John 9:20
His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
John 9:20
Verse 20 presents the parents’ cautious reply: they know their son was born blind, but they do not know how he now sees or who opened his eyes. They rely on the son’s own agency, urging the interrogators to ask him. This reflects a cultural value on individual responsibility and the autonomy of a person of adult age to speak for themselves. The parents’ fear of Jewish authorities again surfaces, but their response preserves their son’s dignity and voice.
Theological themes include the dignity of the individual and the importance of personal witness. It also highlights the limits of communal authority when it overrides the lived experience of the person who has actually encountered God. The verse points to the gradual revelation of Jesus’ identity through the healed man’s testimony, in contrast to the reluctance of the elders to accept the miracle.
Practical takeaway: empower those who have experienced transformation to speak for themselves. In family or church settings, create spaces where people can share their stories without fear of being dismissed. For example, host a “testimony night” where people tell their story in a respectful, non-coercive environment. Encourage listening over quick judgments and recognize the value of each person’s encounter with grace.
Cross-References: Acts 4:19-20; 1 Corinthians 9:3; Galatians 4:13-14; Romans 10:14-15; Psalm 107:2