August 26, 2020 -- John 7:12-13 -- Why we tell others about Jesus

And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.

John 7:12-13 English Standard Version

It is the most important question for us to answer: “Who is Jesus?” It was the critical question that needed to be answered when Jesus walked the earth among the people whom He had created. The Gospel of John records these damning words: “He came to his own and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11). In this devotional series I have been carefully going through various passages and texts in the Gospel of John. This book so beautifully clarifies Who Jesus is. Jesus is:

~Co-eternal with His Father in Heaven (John 1:1)

~Co-Creator with His Father in Heaven (John 1:3)

~True light that gives light to everyone (John 1:9)

~He is the Exegete, the One Who shows and explains Who the Father is (John 1:14, 18)

~He is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)

~He is the Messiah, the anointed prophet of God (John 1:41)

~He is the King of Israel and by extension the true King of all the earth, and the Son of God (John 1:49)

~He is the One Who is seated in glory and power at the Father’s right hand ruling until history will end at

His return and all the living and dead will be judged (John 1:51)

Those who affirm these statements find Jesus to be their soul’s Salvation and Chief Desire and Blessing Who alone is worthy of worship. We conquer every rebel sigh and wayward inclination of our stubborn hearts. We are prone to wander, so in the strength of the Holy Spirit Who lives within us and by the bright light of the Word of God, we subdue every traitorous thought which would rise up in us against His glory.

One of the most powerful ways to grow in faithfulness and deepen our joy is to share the Good News with others. Last night I attended part of the Gather to Go meeting. Seeing fifty or so young people, high school and college-aged youth, declaring their love for Jesus and their commitment to boldly preach Him stirred up joy and delight in my own soul. I was reminded why evangelism is so critical. When we tell others Who Jesus is:

~the Spirit within us confirms Jesus as Lord of our lives

~the Word and Spirit bear down to unmask the lies of Satan

~the Triune Gods show the tremendous unity that is ours, a unity that is greater than denominations

~the Spirit applies the Word in us so we grow in our tremendous anticipation of His return in glory when every eye shall see Him and every knee shall bow and declare Him the Son of God to the glory of the Father

~all of this increases the joy of our salvation and our ability to withstand persecution and trials in the holy cause of serving Jesus with all we have and all we are.

Blessed Jesus, Holy and True, give to us a fuller and greater measure of Your Spirit so that we will understand the Word, grow in our knowledge of the Omnipotent God of Heaven Who, by Your saving work Jesus, is now our Father. We believe, help us overcome any unbelief. We believe, help us to declare Your great Name to all the people to whom You send us. Forgive us our timidity and increase in us a holy boldness, in Your Name Jesus and for the glory of the Triune God we pray. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCcX8frsWr0