What Will People Think? Finding Courage to Follow Jesus
Imagine seeing your mother’s face for the first time. You’ve known her voice your whole life, but you’ve never seen her smile. Then, suddenly, you can.
John doesn’t tell us what the man Jesus healed looked at first. But a lifetime of darkness had been interrupted. We might expect celebration. Instead, John 9:8–25 describes questions, disagreement, and pressure.
His story raises a question for us: Will we receive what Jesus reveals, even when it challenges our assumptions or costs us approval?
1. I Was Blind
Remember What His Mercy Has Meant
The neighbours struggled to recognize him. Was this really the man who used to sit and beg? He kept telling them, “I am the man.”
He didn’t hide his history. His past helped explain the wonder of what Jesus had done.
We need that same humility. After following Jesus for years, we can become comfortable with church, familiar with Scripture, and forget how deeply we need His grace.
None of us came to Jesus because we had everything figured out. We needed forgiveness, truth, and life we could never give ourselves.
Whether your testimony includes a dramatic turning point or a quiet journey of faith, your hope rests in His mercy.
Take a moment to remember: What has Jesus’ grace meant in your life? Let that memory renew your gratitude.
2. Now I See
Let God’s Word Challenge Your Assumptions
When the man explained his healing to the Pharisees, some concluded Jesus couldn’t be from God because He had healed on the Sabbath. Others questioned how someone sinful could perform such signs.
They heard the same account but reached different conclusions.
The healed man stood before them, able to see. Would they reconsider their judgment?
That question reaches us too. Once we’ve defended a position, changing our minds can feel uncomfortable. We might need to admit we misunderstood, apologize, or live differently.
But growth requires a willingness to listen.
When we open Scripture, are we ready to receive correction? Or are we only looking for support for what we already believe?
God’s correction is part of His loving work in us. We can trust Him enough to pray, “Lord, show me where I need to change.”
3. One Thing I Know
Speak Honestly, Even When You Feel Afraid
The man’s parents feared being excluded from the synagogue. Their fear shaped their answer.
Their son faced pressure too. Yet he answered, “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25).
He admitted his limitations while refusing to deny what Jesus had done.
You can do the same. You don’t need every answer before speaking faithfully about Jesus. You can share His forgiveness while acknowledging you’re still learning.
And if fear has silenced you before, remember Peter. His denial wasn’t the end. The risen Jesus restored him and called him to follow again.
Jesus died for our sins and rose again. His grace invites a fresh response today.
Lord, keep me grateful, teachable, and courageous. Help me follow You.
