John 9:22

In truth, the man’s parents are being more than a bit reserved with their answers because they feared the Jewish leaders. They had become aware that these men had agreed among themselves that anyone who even hinted of Jesus as the Messiah would be permanently excluded from the synagogue.”  John 9:22 EFP 

These parents find themselves between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.” They know something extraordinary has taken place. They know a miracle has taken place. There is only one explanation, but they are reticent to voice it. The consequences of giving credence to the notion that Jesus is something other than just a common man pretending to be more than he is carries a high price—exclusion from the synagogue.

Being thrown out of the center of religious instruction is not to be seen through the eyes of 21st century society. In Palestine of the first century A.D., life circled around religion. The temple was the high point of their religious experience, followed closely by the local synagogue. To be thrown out of the synagogue was paramount to being thrown out of society. Being “cut off” from their community of faith carried with it marginalization and ostracization.

These poor souls were not yet ready to risk everything for a man they had yet to meet. I venture to think when that day came their attitude would change forever. Or would it? I have been the recipient of many miracles, not the least of which is a new lease on life multiple times. Yet how many times in my life in Christ have I failed to stand up for him or remain faithful to him in moments of temptation. I have had encounters with Jesus that have changed me, but I have also stumbled in my walk with Him. I can only surmise that those failure are the result of my unwillingness or inability to cling to his promises and experience the exhilaration of being truly alive in Him. My journey continues….