The Value of a Strong Witness

John 8:51-59

Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?”

Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.”

Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

I have an appreciation for the courtroom dramas often published in print and aired in movies, televisions programs, and documentaries. As the stories unfold there is a highlighting of the obvious and the revealing of the truths that are held by key witnesses. I can easily spend countless hours waiting for witness after witness to take the stand. Some witnesses are helpful in reaching a verdict and conclusion and but in any good drama, the case is often resting on a key witness. The case turns on their testimony. The Jurors, the courtroom and the hearers are moved to a decision because of the key witness’ testimony.

It is widely known that in the classification of witnesses, the “Hearsay” witness can be helpful but cannot always be relied upon without additional support may be inadmissible. There are often eyewitnesses, character, witnesses and expert witnesses that each take the stand to provide evidence that can lead to a decision. It does not happen often, but a highlight occurs when the eyewitness, character witnesses and expert witnesses are the same person. It becomes difficult to impeach their testimony.

Jesus’ witness was challenged from every direction and on every side. He stood his ground declaring a truth that has transformed the world and transformed lives. There was no hesitation in Jesus’ claims about his Father, life, and resurrection. It was difficult for many to imagine or to accept by faith as they worked night and day to discredit his claims. They did not want to open their heart and mind to new thinking or possibilities. This action becomes the witness of far too many as faith becomes their excuse to close doors rather than open doors.

My wife recently exposed me to a book “Think Again” by Adam Grant. I had to think deeply as these words were shared in the opening of the book. “Rethinking isn’t a struggle in every part of our lives. When it comes to our possessions we update with fervor. We refresh our wardrobes when they go out of style and renovate our kitchens when they are no longer in vogue. When it comes to our knowledge and opinions though, we tend to stick to our guns. Psychologists call this seizing and freezing. We favor the comfort of conviction over the discomfort of doubt, and we let our beliefs get brittle long before our bones…..We listen to views that make us feel good rather than ideas that make us think hard.” This is a season where we are called to think deeply, seek diligently and live faithfully knowing, his testimony, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am” is true!

prayer

Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging Your sovereign rule over all creation. You are a God of justice, righteousness, and mercy, and we thank You for the countless ways You speak to us through Your Word and Your Spirit. Today, we seek Your guidance and strength to speak up for justice in a world that often turns a blind eye to the hurting, the oppressed, and the marginalized.
Lord, Your Word calls us to defend the cause of the poor and needy, to stand against oppression, and to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We confess that, at times, we have remained silent when we should have spoken up. We ask for Your forgiveness and for the courage to act with boldness when we see injustice. Help us to follow the example of Jesus, who stood up for the downtrodden, who rebuked systems of inequality, and who brought light into dark places. May we not be content to watch from the sidelines, but may our voices and actions reflect Your heart for justice.
Fill us, Holy Spirit, with a righteous anger against injustice. Equip us with the wisdom to discern when to speak, the humility to listen, and the compassion to stand alongside those who suffer. Let our words be filled with truth, grace, and love as we advocate for what is right and just. Give us strength to persist, even when the road ahead seems difficult or the opposition strong. Help us remember that You are with us, and that, in You, we find the ultimate hope for true justice. We pray for the leaders of our communities, that You would give them a heart for justice, that they would make decisions that honor the dignity of all people so that everyone would experience beloved community.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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