Witness

“We’ve found Him,” Philip says. Bearing witness. Talking about the Promised One. 

And in the pushback from Nathanael, he doesn’t argue. But simply says, “Come and see.” [John 1:43-51]

Over the years, we sojourn in several different countries. Among various cultures and religious traditions. Doing life with new friends, we hear their stories. Share ours.

Over tea with a friend, I bear witness. Tell the most important Story in my life.  About the Promised One who came. And changed me for eternity.

Resistance

She listens. Politely. 

But I feel the tension. Resistance. Questioning why I would think this relevant for her. 

She gives a firm but gentle response, so as not to cut off our friendship. “You have your beliefs. And we have ours. They are different. What you say is not for me.”  

The gospel

It’s true. The gospel offends some who hear it. 

Yet its very essence is unconditional, sacrificial love. For the whole world.

So by His Spirit we learn to deliver it with love. And He empowers and equips us to speak the truth.

We are compelled to share. Knowing the gospel provides all anyone needs to be reconciled to God. Through repentance and belief, anyone can move from death to life.

Bold witness?

Honestly, it’s been a journey for this witness. 

I read the books. Took the courses. Listened to stirring testimonies. Yet wrestled with simply saying the message. 

I wanted to be shaken “out of the saltshaker and into the world.” But struggled. Awkward. Hesitant to speak. 

Reading through Acts, I saw the believers’ request. For boldness. And began asking Him for this. A holy boldness. Wholly surrendered to be salt and light. A willing witness of His truth. 

I still ask. He answers.

(For further details of that story, see: The mystery of the gospel.) 

Come and see Jesus

 Back at teatime. In the pushback from my friend, I simply say, “Come and see.” The invitation is friendly. Loving. 

Come see the One who heals the sick. And calms the terrifying storm. Who opens the eyes of the blind. And multiplies a boy’s meal to feed the masses. 

Come hear the words of the “good man,” as you call him., The “good teacher” you speak of. Watch how He confounds religious leaders and delights the common people. 

Notice the unexpected in his stories. Listen to the hard things He says.  Come read the mystery. And mystery revealed.

Come see the day He gave His life.  And what happened next.

Witness of His Truth

Come and see. The invitation extended. To hear the story of Jesus Christ. As she reads or listens to His Word. 

Letting the witness of His Truth simmer in her thoughts. 

For her and others, I’m praying always that their hearts and minds respond to the One who loves them so. He sees. Knows. Calls them by name. 

Come. We’ve found the Savior of the world. Will you choose to follow Him?

What about you?

Who first told you they’d found the Promised One? Who invited you to “come and see”? How do you share the greatest Story? 

Related posts

The mystery of the gospel – Resurrection – Faithful witness – Come and see – God speaks – Gospel conversations along the way – Standing on gravestones –