PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 19:28-37
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true.” (John 19:35)
Most people think that John is speaking about himself here.
This point about the spear in Jesus’s side is only in John’s gospel.
Was he the only one to have noticed this, had the others already left?
Because ‘resurrection’ was unheard of, rumours spread about other possibilities.
‘He was taken down early, before he really died, and that is how he came back.’
‘That drink was a poison that made him appear dead, but he didn’t really die’.
John is emphatic: Jesus really did die, he did not just appear to die.
He quotes OT prophecies that predict his dying, to show how it all fits.
Believe me, says John, but more to the point, believe in Jesus!
Our confidence in Jesus does depend on the eyewitnesses and their testimony.
What I find compelling is how it impacted them, even willing to die for it.
Who would be willing to suffer and die for a lie or made up story?
I can’t prove that these witnesses are true, but their testimony convinces me.
Jesus has used their testimony, and many more since then, to help me believe!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the testimony of the many who have experienced the truth of who you are. Thank you also for what I have experienced. May I also testify so that others may believe!
Eye-witness account. The writer saw and wrote and he connects us with ancient scriptures that foretold long before that this would happen – Jesus bones would not be broken but his side would be pierced to give evidence that he really was dead. Jesus was dead in human bodily form – this was not an act or that his body taken and he was then revived. Water separated out and with blood poured out his side. The apostle John gives us his account – recorded for us and connected to the prophecies centuries before. I wasn’t there with my own eyes – but I see through John’s and I see by faith through Jesus gift of the HS. Thank you Jesus for dying for me!
All this happened so that scripture would be fulfilled. The Father’s will was done. One soldier pierced His side and the witnesses looked at Jesus Who was pierced – life giving blood.They saw and witnessed. They told the Story and that Story needs to be told to the world also today – He reigns. Jesus is alive so that I may live too. May others see Him in me.
I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He’s always near
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart