Testimony From Every Angle

Scripture: But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. The Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have not heard His voice at any time, and you haven’t seen His form. You don’t have His word living in you, because you don’t believe the One He sent. You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, yet they testify about Me. And you are not willing to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:36-40

Observation: Jesus previously has been challenged that he cannot testify about himself as the Messiah. Jesus points out John the Baptist has testified about him, but then even dismisses that as sufficient and calls out the three most powerful sources of truth about him as Messiah. These are his miracles and works, God himself, and the scriptures. He eventually even tells them that he does not judge them for their lack of faith, and Moses judges them, for it was Moses who first wrote about Jesus and therefore they are refusing to believe Moses.

These three sources of truth should each individually be enough to testify about Jesus. Seeing great signs that were reserved for the Messiah should especially inform a religious leader like a Pharisee about the truth of the matter. Hearing from God - having your spirit moved inside you because you have faith in God and then perceiving through his spirit that Jesus is Messiah - would influence a person with great faith in God. Reading scripture, understanding the prophets and teachings, and then seeing how they are fulfilled, would influence any scholar.

Everyone has a way of being influenced ... by observation of events, scholarly examination of facts, internal "gut feel", or teaching from an expert. Jesus had all the bases covered, and it wasn't enough for some.

Application: Jesus tells others that they see and believe, so blessed are those who never see and will still believe. Sure the converse is true ... in danger are those who never see and thus don't believe, so cursed were those who saw and rejected.

How difficult does that make our evangelism. People who had before them Jesus, and with him every type of influential testimony available for them to connect with, rejected Jesus. Today, people without any knowledge, background, information, or connection with Jesus will only have our words (at first) to guide them ... and somehow that is to work. It is a tough assignment, but one I'm ready to do - standing in the rain - tonight.

Prayer: Lord, this week many will receive you testimony. They will hear a little bit about one miracle, your birth. They will hear our words. They may get one shot of scripture from the book of Mark. And your spirit will nudge them. I know that can be enough. May I have wisdom to speak, love to guide, and faith to continue. Amen.