What lessons from John 11:46 can we apply to our witness for Christ? Setting the Scene The raising of Lazarus has just stunned the crowd gathered in Bethany. Verse 45 records that “many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him.” Immediately we read: “ But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.” (John 11:46) What Stands Out in John 11:46 • Two responses to the same miracle: belief (v. 45) and reporting (v. 46). • The reporters are not said to believe; their motive appears informational—perhaps even hostile—yet they still speak about Jesus. • Their report sparks the Sanhedrin’s plot to kill Christ (vv. 47-53). Even neutral or negative testimony can be used by God to move His plan forward. Key Lessons for Our Witness 1. Speak of What Jesus Has Done—Regardless of the Crowd • Like those reporters, we have firsthand (or scriptural) evidence of Jesus’ power. Silence is never neutral (Luke 19:40). • We are commanded to “declare what great things God has done” (Luke 8:39). Our motivation, however, should be worshipful and redemptive, not accusatory. 2. Motive Matters, Yet God Can Work Through Imperfect Messengers • The reporters likely had mixed or negative motives, yet their words became part of the divine timeline leading to the cross (Acts 2:23). • If God can use reluctant or even hostile tongues, He will certainly use willing witnesses (Isaiah 6:8; Acts 1:8). 3. Accurate Testimony Is Powerful • They relayed “what Jesus had done.” Accuracy gave the authorities undeniable facts to grapple with. • Our credibility hinges on faithfully presenting Scripture and personal experience without distortion (2 Corinthians 4:2). 4. Expect Mixed Reactions • The same miracle drew faith in some and fury in others. Our witness will also divide (John 7:43; 2 Corinthians 2:15-16). • Opposition does not invalidate the message; it often validates it (John 15:18-20). 5. Our Words Can Trigger Larger Movements • Their simple report ignited the Sanhedrin’s decisive action. • A single conversation today can set off a chain reaction toward salvation—or persecution—yet both serve eternal purposes (Philippians 1:12-18). Additional Scripture Connections • John 1:41 – Andrew “first found his brother… and told him.” • John 4:29 – The Samaritan woman: “Come, see a man…” • Acts 4:20 – “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Matthew 10:32 – Confessing Christ before men guarantees His confession before the Father. • 1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready to give an answer, “yet with gentleness and respect.” Practical Application Steps • Recall and rehearse specific works of Jesus in your life; keep them ready to share. • Check your motives: aim to exalt Christ, not to win arguments or curry favor. • Commit to accuracy—quote Scripture precisely and represent His deeds truthfully. • Brace for varied responses; resolve beforehand to remain faithful, not fearful. • Trust God with the outcome. Whether your listener believes or resists, He weaves every testimony into His sovereign plan. |
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