How does John 11:45 demonstrate the impact of witnessing Jesus' miracles today? Context and Snapshot of John 11:45 John 11 narrates Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb. Verse 45 records the crowd’s response: “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him.” Immediate Fruit: Faith Born From Sight • “Many … believed in Him.” The miracle’s first impact was conversion. • Their belief was not abstract; it was anchored in a physically resurrected friend they knew had been dead four days (John 11:39-44). • Scripture presents this as fact, not legend. The literal event triggered real faith. Miracles as Faith-Catalysts Then and Now • John later explains his purpose: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ … and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31). The recorded signs function today the same way they did in Bethany—prompting belief. • Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” His character and power have not diminished; the Lazarus account still reveals Him. How Witnessing Works for Modern Readers 1. Historical Witness—Scripture – The Spirit-breathed record (2 Timothy 3:16) lets us “see” the miracle through inspired testimony. – Reading with faith places us among the onlookers at Lazarus’s tomb. 2. Contemporary Witness—Transformed Lives – Modern conversions echo the Bethany pattern. Ephesians 2:1-6 describes believers raised from spiritual death; each testimony is a fresh “Lazarus moment.” 3. Personal Witness—Experience of God’s Power – Answers to prayer, deliverance from sin, physical healings—all mirror Jesus’ original sign and reinforce faith (James 5:16). 4. Missional Witness—Sharing What We’ve Seen – Just as the crowd’s belief spread news of Jesus (John 11:46), believers today recount His works, leading others to faith (Acts 4:20). Key Takeaways for Today • Miracles recorded in Scripture remain living evidence, producing faith whenever they are heard. • Jesus still turns observers into believers; exposure to His works—whether past or present—creates conviction. • Our role is to keep the testimony visible: read it, remember it, and relay it. Putting It Into Practice • Regularly re-visit Gospel miracle accounts, asking the Spirit to stir fresh awe. • Chronicle and share present-day “resurrection stories” of salvation and answered prayer. • Expect Christ’s unchanged power to manifest, knowing John 11:45 proves that witnessing Him works. |
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