Read: John 15:18-27
When the Advocate comes . . . he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. (vv. 26-27 NIV)
I don’t like to be tested, to have to prove my knowledge or show evidence for my beliefs. But most of us have experienced times when we needed to defend ourselves or stand up for what we believe to be true.
If we read today’s passage in different versions of the Bible, we encounter several legal concepts: testify, witness, advocate. When Jesus gave last-minute instructions to the disciples, he told them they “must testify” (v. 27 NIV), for they had firsthand knowledge of Jesus’s life. They saw his miracles and his interactions with people. They witnessed him showing love, giving grace, forgiving sins, healing diseases, bringing life, teaching the crowds. He asked the disciples to share the truth about him, and tell what they’d seen and experienced. Likewise, we too must share the truth about Jesus and our experiences with him. The Advocate (lawyer, defender, judge) whom Jesus sent—the Holy Spirit—will help us.
Where do we get the strength to stand up for what we believe? Fortunately, we don’t have to testify in our own strength. The Spirit of truth, who comes from the Father, dwells in us to help us see and understand what is true. I don’t share my beliefs or point to the evidence for my faith nearly enough. Is this something you need to do more often too? How can our lives be a testimony and point others to Jesus?
As you pray, ask for the Spirit of truth to help you testify for Jesus.
About the Author
Denise Vredevoogd
Denise Vredevoogd is a private piano teacher who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan. She enjoys reading, writing, gardening, and spending time in nature with her adult sons and daughters.
