Write it down. Read John 20:30-31. The Apostle John was a fisherman when Jesus invited him, “Follow me.” John followed Jesus for three years all the way to the cross. Jesus looked down from the cross at John and said, “Behold, your mother.” John took responsibility for Mary’s care. When his brother James was persecuted and killed, he took Mary to Ephasus, 600 miles away. John continued to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in Ephesus, the second largest city after Rome in the Roman Empire. The church of Ephesus grew under John’s leadership. We believe that John wrote his gospel as late as 90 AD, 60 years after Jesus called him from the boat on the Sea of Galilee. Nearly half of John’s gospel is devoted to the last week of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, with particular attention to his teaching in the Upper Room on the night before he was crucified. John’s gospel was finished by John’s disciples in Ephesus because the pronouns switch to “we.” As an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, John wrote about what he heard, saw, and felt. He also wrote why he recorded the gospel: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John is the one who records Jesus’ words, “I have come that you may have life abundant.” John lived well into his 90’s, outliving all the other disciples, yet he waited until his final years to write down the story of Jesus. Regardless of how old you are, it is not too late to write down your faith story. Write about a time when God got you through a difficult time. Write about how Jesus showed you a more fulfilling way of living. What story does God want you to share to inspire others? God is still at work today in your life. Your story is a testimony and has the possibility of encouraging someone today and perhaps centuries from now.
Prayer: Lord God on high, as you gave the Holy Spirit inspiration to the gospel writers, lead me to write a testimony that glorifies your name and inspires others to come to faith or be strengthened in their faith. Amen.
