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The Power Of Truthful Witness

John 12:9-11
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. (NIVUK)

Everybody had heard that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 12:1).  Wherever Jesus went He attracted a crowd and the celebration dinner in Bethany provided an extra reason - Lazarus was there as well. So, large numbers of people came to see the living and the Life-Giver together.  After four days in the tomb, what will Lazarus look like, they wondered.
 
The Chief Priests had already agreed that Jesus should be arrested and killed (John 11:50; John 11:57).  But now, Lazarus had also become a problem.  His very existence proved that Jesus was the Messiah.  Nobody else could raise the dead.  So they decided that Lazarus needed to be killed as well.  His positive witness, his spoken testimony, and his obvious new life trumpeted the greatness of Jesus to anybody who saw or heard Lazarus.  It was not that Lazarus was great, but that his new life proved the greatness of Jesus.
 
The power of positive witness is amazing.  When we trust in Jesus, we become new people because we have a new life free from fear of condemnation (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Our new life and its explanation (Acts 4:18-20) will do two things.  Firstly, it will attract people to Jesus (John 12:19). They will observe you, listen to you, see how you live, and note your values and motivation.  They will ask you questions (1 Peter 3:15-16), and some will put their trust in Jesus.  Secondly, it will attract criticism, envy, resentment or even hatred; in some parts of the world lives may be in danger.

As Jesus said, those who believe in Him are like cities on a hill and lamps in a house (Matthew 5:14-16); they are obvious and cannot be ignored.  So today, at work, remember who you belong to.  Don't be frightened and diminish your witness.  Who you are, what you do and what you say ... are God's tools for inviting more people to put their trust in Jesus.

Prayer 
Dear Lord God. Thank You for the wonderful things You have done in my life. I know that You will use my positive witness to encourage other people to welcome Jesus into their lives. I am sorry when I have been frightened or felt inadequate and tried to disguise my faith so that others would not notice. Help me to be fully secure in Jesus and help me grow in confidence so that I can speak to people about my new life and the Person of Jesus who has given it to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams