An Authentic Witness

Scripture – John 9:8-12: His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” “How then were your eyes opened?” they demanded. He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a picture of an authentic witness for Christ. The man could see! (We can only imagine what that was like since he’d been blind from birth.) People had a hard time believing this miracle had happened. Yet there he was – living proof that a dramatic change had taken place. “How did this happen?” they asked. He told his story about “the man they call Jesus.” When they asked where He was, the man said simply, “I don’t know.” That’s what it means to be an authentic witness: I tell what I know and I’m not afraid to say if I don’t know something. We all have our stories. We can all tell about our experience with Jesus. Just because I don’t know everything, I can still say something with authority.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will stay ready to tell my story. As I converse with people today, in whatever settings I find myself, I will respond honestly to questions as they are asked.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me good ears today to hear what people are asking. Give me words to respond. Help me be your witness this day.