“The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.”
The things that happened to Jesus occurred so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," and "They will look on the one they have pierced,”
John explained his responsibility. Some things were finished at the cross and some things continue - the witness of what just happened and will happen (Jesus’ return). The man who saw it told his story. It is true. He testifies of what he had seen and heard for one purpose - that the world may believe.
Many tried to disprove the stories of Jesus. Many still attack the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. John said, “I saw it happen. I was there. I stake my life on it.”
Jon Richard Moreland wrote: “Revealed”
“They planned for Christ a cruel death: Steel pierced His hands, feet, and side.
They mocked His last expiring breath, and though their hate was satisfied,
They wagged their heads and said “Lo, He would crush our temple and in three days,
Restore its beauty. Come and see. This boaster gone death’s quiet ways.
They did not know that on that hill eternal love was satisfied:
That Christ, who hung there, triumphed still. And only cruel death itself had died.”
The offer of the gospel is not an offer to politely accept or refuse, but a command to turn from sin and turn to Jesus Christ. It is to repent of sin by believing Jesus died to give you eternal life, and to come follow Him.
John also had a part to play in this event, more than taking care of Mary. God inspired him to write a written record that we might know that Jesus died for our sin out of love. It was to show these events were part of the plan of God. It was to present the parts that each played in the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is that we might believe that God’s word is true. He keeps His promises even as recorded from the prophets of old. The presenting of this story was for the purpose that we believe and follow Jesus.
J.B. Phillips tells of the hundreds of people who had been converted in his world travels. What he discovered was not that people were quick to refute the claims of Jesus death, burial, resurrection. It was the fact they were ignorant of it and what it meant to them personally. Many who did know the story had never been presented with the need to personally respond - to repent and commit their lives to Christ.
John presented the most important event in all the history of mankind. Once you know about it, what will you do about it?
Jesus finished His part. The Jews finished their part. The Gentiles finished their part. John explained his part by telling the story.
Application: Continuing telling the story is also our part. It is the part of the Holy Spirit to take that story we continue to pass along and convince hearers of their need for a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, work in me to pass along clearly to hearers the gospel message. Help me to do my part.
