The First Witness
John 1:29-51
Witnessing - how do we witness that Jesus is King, that he is our Lord and Savior, that he died for our sins, that through him we shall be saved? Or do we witness at all? I am certain that our behavior is a kind of witness. But other people, including people with no religion, can behave well and have a strong ethical base and a set of terrific values. Therefore, it would seem that how we behave, while important, is not what is most necessary.
The very first witness to Jesus’ divinity was John the Baptist. And he spoke so that all could understand. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have know him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”
That, my friends, is a very strong witness. He made it absolutely clear that he was not the Messiah. John was the first witness…and he was the first wonderful example of a disciple as well. He did his “job” as God wanted him to do. I still do not understand why he lived in the desert, wore camel skins, and ate locusts and honey. But that is a story for another day.
John gives us the model for our own witness; however, as I listen to people around me, I do not hear such a resounding witness for Christ from very many people, do you? I find it hard to witness to a group of people. I will be the first to admit that. I am more “comfortable” talking one on one with a person. Now, why do you suppose that is? Do I think someone might laugh at me…possibly…misunderstand …possibly…reject me…possibly…think I was “out of line”…possibly…think I was crazy …possibly…but what if I don’t testify that Jesus is my Lord and Savior?
I have betrayed him just as surely as Judas did. If I am unable verbally and behaviorally to stand up for my Lord and Savior, then what will I be able to stand up for? There is nothing more important in my life. I must be able to witness just as well as the first witness did. If I don’t, what use is there in believing? If the love of God is not shared with others, do we really have it at all? Or are we just kidding ourselves.
We are all blessed. God help us witness to our faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with dignity, grace, humility, and enthusiasm.
Carol
Bible Breath: The Lamb of God / Is with us
