Why is it important to recognize and trust credible witnesses like John the Baptist? An Eyewitness Jesus Endorses John 5:33 — “You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.” Why Credible Witnesses Matter • God established the principle of reliable testimony: “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; cf. 2 Corinthians 13:1). • Jesus Himself appeals to John’s witness, showing that God values human testimony when it aligns with divine truth. • Believing truthful witnesses guards us against deception and anchors our faith in verifiable facts (1 John 5:9-10). John’s God-Given Credentials • Foretold centuries earlier: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’ ” (Isaiah 40:3). • Called and filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth (Luke 1:15). • Lived a life marked by humility and holiness (Matthew 3:4). • Recognized by multitudes and respected even by opponents as a prophet (Matthew 21:26). What John Testified About Jesus • Identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Declared Jesus’ pre-existence: “He was before me” (John 1:30). • Saw and reported the Spirit descending like a dove (John 1:32-33). • Affirmed, “I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God” (John 1:34). How Trusting John Strengthens Us Today • Confirms Jesus’ identity with historical, eyewitness support. • Reassures that faith rests on objective truth, not mere feeling. • Models obedience: as John pointed to Christ, we point others to Him (John 3:30). • Invites us to accept the greater testimony of the Father about the Son (1 John 5:9-11). Living Out the Lesson • Measure every claim about Jesus against Scripture and credible witnesses like John. • Let verified testimony deepen confidence in Christ’s finished work. • Share the gospel with the same clarity and honesty John displayed, knowing truth remains compelling when faithfully delivered. |
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