CHARACTER-WITNESSES TO JESUS

Text:  Gospel of John.

Purpose: To strengthen faith in Jesus by hearing the testimony of those who actually saw and heard Him in the flesh.

Introduction

First impressions often go a long way. Impressions based on acquaintance and varied experiences count for even more. And a combination of testimony, based on first impressions and on intimate association, coming from a general cross-section of men and women of all ages, is compelling evidence in any court.

In this lesson we look at the earthly Jesus - God incarnate, the Creator in human flesh. "We beheld His glory," John wrote, and the flesh could not obscure it. It was the "glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). We will summon as witnesses those who met Jesus as a man. Some give first impressions; others speak out of long acquaintance. Of course, we are indebted to John the Evangelist for this outline, for he has built it right into his Gospel record. All references are from John's Gospel.

Body

I. John the Baptist, what do you say of Jesus?

   A. He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (1:29, 36,37).

        1. As prefigured by every sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament, particularly that slain at Passover (Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

        2. As prophesied by Isaiah, who described the Suffering Servant of Jehovah (Isaiah 53).

        3. As commemorated in the Lord's Supper and emphasized by numerous New Testament passages on the "blood" (see also II Corinthians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 2:24).

   B. He is "after" me in His appearance now, but He existed long before me and is "before" me in honor and importance (1:30).

   C. He is the one God gave the Spirit, and He baptizes in the Spirit (1: 32,33).

   D. He is the Son of God (1: 34; see also 3:2 6ff).

II. Early disciples, what do you say of Jesus?

   A. He is the Messiah of promise - Andrew (1: 41).

   B. He is the one of whom Moses and the prophets wrote - Philip (1:45).

   C. He is the Son of God and King of Israel - Nathanael (1: 49).

III. Nicodemus, Jewish teacher and Pharisee, what do you say of Jesus?

   "He is a teacher come from God; God is with Him" (3:2).

IV. Samaritan woman and villagers, what do you say of Jesus?

   A. He is a prophet; can he also be the Messiah? - the woman at the well (4:19, 29).

   B. He is the Messiah, the Savior of the world - the Samaritan villagers (4:42).

V. Unbelieving Jews, convicted of sin, what do you say of Jesus?

   "He is simply Joseph's son; how can he talk of coming down from heaven?" (6:42).

VI. Peter, do you agree with the unbelieving Jews? What do you say of Jesus?

   "He has the words of eternal life, and is the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (6:68,69).

VII. Common people, what do you say of Jesus?

   "He is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord " (12:13).

VIII. Pilate, Roman governor, what do you say of Jesus?

   A. I find no fault in Him; I find no fault in Him; I find no fault in Him (18:38; 19:4, 6).

   B. He is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews (19:19-22).

IX. Doubting Thomas, strict monotheist and natural skeptic, what do you say of Jesus?

   "He is my Lord and my God" (20:28).

Conclusion

The witnesses have filed past us, one by one, and each has given his or her unique testimony of Jesus. Now you are on the witness stand, listener, and heaven and earth are waiting for your answer.

What do you say of Jesus?

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