Week 9: Day Three

    March 04, 2026 | Be Connected

    Religious Leaders Question the Parents

    Scripture: John 9:18-23(NIV)

    18 They 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 Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

    Devotional

    By: Mark Ellcessor

    Sometimes when Lisa and I are talking about some problem in the world, in politics, or even in the church, I say, “NMP.” Not My Problem. Another staff member will take care of the issue in their ministry. Our elected politicians will address the state or national problems. And I’ll leave it up to God to handle the world’s troubles. NMP.

    Sometimes, however, NMP can be a copout. That seems to be the case in today’s part of the story. The healed man’s parents didn’t want to lose their place in the synagogue, and therefore their standing in society. Their need for cultural acceptance outweighed their family loyalty.

    There are times when NMP should be EMP. Exactly My Problem.

    Would you say NMP or EMP in the following situations?

    You know that a coworker is not a Christian.

    You see a homeless person on the sidewalk in downtown Indy.

    You become aware of somebody in your neighborhood who is being hassled by another neighbor.

    You learn that half the world lives on less than $5 per day.

    You have a family member who becomes a real Jesus freak.

    You see someone come to church you don’t know.

    You are in a group when somebody is gossiping.

    You… (create your own example)

    Sometimes NMP is healthy. Don’t inject yourself into issues that are not yours. Sometimes EMP is healthy. Don’t hide yourself from issues that are.

    What do you learn from the parents’ response to being questioned about their healed son?

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