Salvation Brings Boldness

When Jesus healed a blind man, the disciples would not have imagined how much the religious leaders wanted to ridicule the miracle, the man and Jesus. The newly-sighted man was interrogated again. He was asked to confirm that Jesus was not from God, that He had evil motives and was a false prophet. But the man refused to enter the theological debate; he simply testified that once he was blind, but now he could see.
 
As they persisted with their questions, the man became frustrated that they had not grasped the simple account of his healing. Eventually, he ironically asks them if they were so interested because secretly they also wanted to be His disciples! Of course, this was furthest from their minds. They did not want to find a way of following Jesus; they were only interested in finding a way to get rid of Him.
 
But there was some truth in the question. Very often people who fiercely oppose the Gospel do so because they have most to lose and yet suspect, deep down, that Jesus might be the Saviour they need. That is a very good reason for not backing away from those who are hostile to the Gospel; rather, it is critical that they are exposed to the Gospel. Some will like it and others will not, but it is very important somehow to ask the question, "Would you like to be a disciple of Jesus?" Indeed, many who are far away from Him are secretly longing that someone will invite them to hear about Jesus. So do not be discouraged or afraid when you are attacked by others for believing in Jesus. That is the moment to tell them the truth and invite them to repent and follow the Saviour.