18 The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19 "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?" 20 "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21 But 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." 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.  That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." 

There are many who are blind to spiritual truths because of fear of others. What would others say if they knew you were a Christian?  What would others do if you didn't want to go along with the crowd?  Are you afraid you would lose popularity, or friendship with some people if you don't act like them or go along with their activities that makes you feel accepted.  Young people fight this temptation often. Many youths want to fit in with the crowd, but so do adults. People want to dress like others when they go places, so they won't be overdressed or underdressed. Some of this is cultural style. People often question what to wear at certain events?      

But beyond dress many Christians will say, "My faith is something private. I don't talk about it.” Why?  May I advise you and all young people not to let fear of others blind you spiritually.  Don't do what you know is wrong because of fear of what others might say. Your life and decisions are far more important than letting someone else run your life.  Truth will always win in the end. 

In this passage, the parents of the man born blind were asked to identify their son and give witness that he was indeed blind from birth. With much fear they did so, but they would not commit themselves to Jesus because they did not want to be kicked out of the group. The Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be the Christ, he was to be put of the synagogue.     

Often people's relationship to God is dependent on their commitment to other people, not to God.  The Apostle Paul said, "I become all things to all people that I might win some."  Does that contradict what I said?  No.  For the cause of Christ, Paul will do what it takes so other people will understand the truth of the Gospel.  If dressing like a Chinaman means that the China men will be more open to listen to Jesus, then missionary Hudson Taylor dressed like a Chinaman.  If plowing a field helps to gain friendship with a farmer so that he might listen to the gospel, then be willing to plow a field.  If going to a football game helps some athletes discover Spiritual truth, then one should be willing to do that. What is the bridge to help others with dialogue on Spiritual things? But ask what are the circumstances that encourage your silence?       

Application:  Perfect love casts out fear. Knowing the truth of God gives us courage.  Having the Spirit of God helps us stand up against our fears.  Notice the lack of fear of the blind man who experienced the healing power of Jesus.   

Prayer:   Father may I never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to everyone who believes.   May Your power live and work in me. 

Dale