104.John 10:19-21-The Reward for Faithfulness
The Reward for Faithfulness
John 10:19–21 (in the light of chapter 9)
Biblical Text
19. There was again a division among the Jews because of these words.
20. Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to Him?”
21. Others said, “These are not the words of one who is demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Sometimes faithfulness to God does not bring immediate comfort, but it is precisely faithfulness that makes the truth louder and more visible. The story of the man born blind is a clear example of this.
The Boldness of One and the Caution of Others
In chapter 9 we see a sharp contrast. The parents of the man who was healed avoid going deeper into the conversation and essentially “pass the responsibility along,” fearing expulsion from the synagogue. The healed man, however, speaks openly. He does not engage in theological debates; he simply testifies honestly about what happened to him. His boldness seems almost shocking because it is rooted not in theory, but in lived experience.
An Expulsion That Amplified the Message
Being expelled from the synagogue should have ended the story, but instead it became a turning point. What was meant to silence the testimony only made it louder. The event moved beyond a personal dispute and became a public matter. People began to talk, retell, discuss, and quote what had happened. The message about Christ became more noticeable precisely because someone tried to suppress it.
The Words of the Healed Man Become a Meme
The evangelist deliberately brings us back to the words of the healed man:
“Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.” (John 9:32)
In chapter 10, the same idea appears on the lips of others:
“Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:21)
They do not mention the water turned into wine. They do not list other miracles. The focus of the discussion is this one sign—the opening of the eyes of a man born blind. His statement spread throughout the city and became a short, recognizable argument—what today we would call a meme.
The Sight of One — the Blindness of Many
The miracle revealed not only the power of Christ, but also the blindness of those who saw everything and still refused to believe. Even with undeniable evidence, some stubbornly rejected Jesus as Savior. Physical sight does not always mean spiritual sight.
Division Is Not Defeat
The crowd was divided. Not everyone believed—but some did. And that is the reward for faithfulness. God uses the courage of one person to awaken questions and faith in the hearts of others.
A Word for Us
When we share the gospel, it may feel as though people are indifferent or unmoved. But God Himself is at work in human hearts. Our calling is not to pressure or condemn, but to remain faithful. Even when truth causes division at first, it is never fruitless.
One-Sentence Conclusion
Faithfulness may lead to rejection, but God uses it to open the eyes of others.