There is a wonderful story in John 9 about Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth. The disciples thought maybe someone in his family sinned, causing his blindness as a punishment or consequence. But Jesus assured them it was for His glory. Yes this man and everyone in his family was a sinner but God allowed this man to be blind for a good purpose: to show the world the truth of Jesus Christ. A curious thing happens in this story: Jesus heals the man but instead of people celebrating that a blind man could now see, they questioned him and some even doubted his story. He was brought to the Pharisees who further questioned him. They proceeded not only to question him but also to summon the man’s parents to verify that this man was in fact born blind and had been healed. This would have been a great time for his father to step up and testify to the finished work of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. – John 9:20-22. We might surmise that the excitement and joy of seeing their son’s eyes opened would have given them more holy boldness but instead fear took over. If a doctor healed my son, I would tell everyone. If a firefighter saved my son from a burning building I would tell people his name. If a Good Samaritan provided my son with CPR when he was not breathing I would surely speak well of her. But this father chose to respond in fear. Our earthly fathers are not perfect and often disappoint us thus missing the mark. But there is another Father in this story. Father God orchestrated this whole event: allowing this young man to be born blind, sending His Son Jesus to heal him, and thus saving him and very likely saving others around him and countless others who have since read or heard this story. We have a Father in heaven who never fails us but knows exactly what to do. He has blessed us with flawed, human fathers for whom we are thankful, and at the same time He will always be our perfect Father. Let us celebrate all fathers on this Father’s Day.
