How can John 18:21 inspire us to speak boldly about our faith? Setting the Scene “Why question Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.” (John 18:21) Jesus stands before the high priest, unjustly tried, yet He directs attention to His listeners—the eyewitnesses. By doing so, He underscores the reliability of firsthand testimony. Key Insight • Jesus trusts ordinary witnesses to convey His words. • Their testimony becomes the valid evidence in a hostile setting. • If those present could speak up under pressure, believers today can do the same. Principles for Bold Speech • Our role as witnesses is mandated, not optional (Acts 1:8). • Boldness rests on truth, not personal skill (2 Corinthians 4:13). • God equips the faithful with the right words (Luke 12:11-12). • Fear of man fades when Christ’s honor is paramount (Galatians 1:10). Practical Ways to Speak Boldly 1. Anchor your heart in Scripture – Daily intake of God’s Word fills the mouth with God’s thoughts (Jeremiah 15:16). 2. Recall personal encounters with Christ – Share concrete ways He has acted in your life; lived experience is hard to refute (Mark 5:19). 3. Start where conversations naturally open – Paul began “from the very Scripture they were reading” (Acts 8:35). 4. Use simple, clear language – Jesus’ listeners could repeat His words because they understood them plainly. 5. Rely on the Spirit’s power, not persuasive flair – “My message…was a demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). 6. Accept that opposition is normal – The apostles: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). 7. Speak with humility and respect – “Always be prepared…yet with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Encouraging Biblical Examples • Peter and John—uneducated fishermen, yet leaders “recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). • Stephen—bold even while facing martyrdom, filled with the Spirit (Acts 7:55). • The Samaritan woman—immediately testified: “Come, see a man…” (John 4:29). Promises That Sustain Courage • Christ is with His witnesses to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). • The Spirit grants words at the needed moment (Mark 13:11). • God’s Word will accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:11). • Eternal reward outweighs temporary scorn (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). By pointing to the eyewitnesses, Jesus modeled confidence in the testimony of ordinary believers. Taking Him at His Word, we can step forward, speak up, and trust God to use our witness for His glory. |
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