BELIEVING THE EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY CONCERNING JESUS
The apostle John opened his first letter as he did his gospel, and as Moses did the Torah, with the phrase: “the beginning.” Also, similar to his gospel, John referred to Christ as the “Word” (Greek: “λόγος, logos“). In John’s gospel, he spoke of the Word’s divine preexistence and agency in the beginning of creation, but here in John’s first epistle, he spoke of the beginning of the Word’s earthly ministry. In regards to his gospel, John surely spoke by faith and inspiration because he was not present to witness creation. But in his epistle, he clearly wants the reader to know that he was an eyewitness to Christ’s entire ministry. John, speaking of himself and of the other apostles, said, “We heard, saw, closely examined and touched Him.”
John essentially said, “We were eyewitnesses of the whole thing… the miracles, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension…so, you can trust our account and believe!” That’s why John wrote. He wrote so that we might believe.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we believe the testimony of John and the apostles. But more than that, we believe because of the testimony of the Spirit of Christ. We believe. Yet, we long for the day when our faith shall become sight. Until then, strengthen us by Your Spirit and lead us with Your voice that we might follow. In Jesus’ name, amen.