THE LIVING TESTIMONY
Matthew Griffin
Today’s Scripture: “This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.” John 21:24, ESV
Theme: The Bible teaches, convinces, and matures us through the many testimonies of others including John, Jesus’ disciple.
THE SIMPLE GOSPEL
The Gospels have—overwhelmingly—been the most influential books of history. There have been over five billion known copies of the Bible sold to this date. People all over the world spend hours, days, and years studying them from front to back over and over again. Why? What is in those four books specifically that is so captivating? The Gospels simply answer this: “Who is Jesus and what did He do?” They are the eyewitness testimonies of Jesus, not just a textbook full of teachings. So, how does the testimony of Jesus teach, convince, and mature us?
TEACH
Jesus taught, not through words alone but by action. He didn’t just tell us to be compassionate, but He showed us how. He forgave the woman at the well when He was the only one capable of shaming her. When Jesus was in the desert, He showed us how to beat temptation. Three separate times, He quoted scripture and Satan failed. The rest of the New Testament is full of His teachings and stories recording the life of Jesus Christ.
CONVINCE
The life that Jesus lived convinces us that He is who He says He is! Why do most people think Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever? Because the way he played backs it up! His statistics confirm it, also. There are countless interviews from people who played with and against him who give evidence that he is the best.
In the same way, the Gospel testimonies convince us that Jesus was telling the truth about who He is. John, the beloved disciple and friend, was even at the foot of the cross. He also ran to the tomb and saw the empty grave clothes. He saw Jesus in His resurrected body. His firsthand accounts are hard to ignore.
MATURE
The Bible book of Acts is the written history of the early church. As they gathered, they were devoted to the teaching and testimonies of Jesus Christ. These testimonies are what kept the church moving forward, growing in number each day. Though the church today does not walk with Jesus here on this earth, He influences and grows us more than ever. Why? Because His testimony rings true today in the hearts of everyone who believes. The Spirit brings His words to life! “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, ESV).
Make It Personal: The same God who started this faith and sent His Son is still active. This same Jesus now lives in you. Jesus will use your testimony in the same way that He used the Gospel testimonies. “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19b, ESV). Where is God calling you to share your testimony today? For some, it’s the coworker you love, but you aren’t sure if they know Jesus. For others, it's an aunt, uncle, or another family member. The Bible even tells us to be prepared to share with strangers at any random time (see 1 Peter 3:15). Brothers and sisters, let God use the story that you have!
Pray: Thank You, Lord, for the story that You have given me. I ask that You use my story as You have used the stories of Moses, David, Peter, and more. For I know and trust that You work all things for good. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Acts 26; Psalm 119:46
Weekly Memory Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9, NIV