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A Testimony From an Eyewitness


I've read many books and heard many stories but the ones that truly fascinate me are those right out of the 'horse's mouth' or from someone who was actually there in the exact time and place when the story happened. 

 First hand accounts makes it factual and credible. Much like in the court room for a case or statement to be proven true, there should be evidence or an eyewitness report. A Testimony from an eyewitness. 

 This is how John begins the his letter in 1 John. He was one of the 12 disciples, hand picked, called by name and chosen personally by Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Mark 3:13-18). This is how he starts his letter:

 Take note of how he begins the letter. It's laying it down even before instructing or further explaining any 'theological' ideas, he plainly says that whatever he is about to say about Jesus is the Truth. He speaks from someone who have clearly "heard and seen" Jesus. Then he furthers his claim when he says that he saw him with his 'own eyes'. How much credible can this be when this is truly a testimony from an eyewitness?

 But as you read further he says that his testimony about Jesus is so real that he even 'touched him with his (and with the other disciples) own hands'. 

 Reading those lines made me think: is my faith so real like this that reading and knowing Jesus is so tangible in my life its as if I have seen Him with my own eyes (spiritually speaking) and as if I have 'touched' Him with my own hands. 


 He testifies to us as someone who personally not just heard, seen and touched Jesus but also someone who experienced the revelation of Jesus (John 15:15; John 16: 28-29). 

 He then states the reason of his testimony: so that we may have fellowship with Jesus through John. I remember a quote I got from a pastor that when people are connected to you, they will also be connected with Jesus because you are connected with Him first. 

 I think what John was trying to say was what he heard as a prayer from Jesus himself in John 17: 20-21. Its known to be the longest prayer Jesus prayed in His entire ministry. Jesus prays not just for His disciples but also those who will believe in their message and those who'll believe will be one with each other just like He was one with His Heavenly Father. 

 As you read this, I also have the same prayer for you. May you believe the testimony of the disciples through the Word of God as the Truth, right from someone who like John, an eyewitness to the realness of Jesus. And may you be one with the Son, the Father through the Holy Spirit. Amen. 
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