What role does witnessing play in your personal relationship with Jesus today? The Example in John 20:18 “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them what He had said to her.” (John 20:18) Mary’s first impulse after meeting the risen Jesus was to speak. Her witness flowed naturally out of a real encounter, setting the pattern for every believer who meets Him today. Why Witnessing Matters in Daily Fellowship with Jesus • It affirms the reality of His resurrection in our own hearts (Acts 4:20). • It keeps us walking in obedience to His explicit command (Matthew 28:19-20). • It invites the Holy Spirit’s power and partnership (Acts 1:8). • It aligns us with Jesus’ ongoing mission, fostering a shared sense of purpose (2 Corinthians 5:20). • It strengthens faith through repeated rehearsal of what He has done (Romans 10:17). • It stirs fresh love for Him as we remember His work and watch Him touch others (Revelation 12:11). Witnessing as an Overflow, Not a Duty Mary didn’t wait for a perfect plan; she simply reported what she knew: 1. “I have seen the Lord!” – personal experience. 2. She repeated “what He had said” – faithfulness to His words. The same rhythm fuels authentic witnessing today: genuine encounter → eager sharing. How Witnessing Deepens Personal Intimacy with Jesus • Shared Conversation: retelling His words keeps His voice ringing in our ears (John 15:7). • Mutual Joy: He rejoices over the one who comes home, and we share that joy (Luke 15:7, 10). • Continual Dependence: stepping out to speak drives us back to Him for courage and clarity (2 Corinthians 3:5). Witnessing Strengthens Confidence in Scripture Every time we recount a promise—“whoever believes in Him shall not perish” (John 3:16)—and watch a life change, the reliability of God’s Word is reinforced in us. Witnessing as a Spiritual Weapon “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Sharing what Jesus has done silences accusation and fuels personal victory over doubt and fear. Practical Ways to Keep Witnessing Personal • Recall daily how Jesus met you—fresh gratitude fuels fresh words. • Look for natural bridges in conversation: “That reminds me of something I read this morning…” • Keep Scripture handy; quoting His exact words honors Him (1 Peter 3:15). • Celebrate any response, great or small, with thanksgiving to Jesus, not self-congratulation. • Stay teachable; every conversation can drive you back to deeper study and prayer. The Ongoing Invitation Just as Mary’s announcement rippled forward to change history, every believer’s testimony still matters. When we speak of the living Christ we have met, we experience His promised presence—“surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20)—and our relationship with Him grows ever richer. |
    |