FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
THE WAY FORWARD IN CHRIST
(Part 193)
WITNESSES OF JESUS
April 5, 2021
Today’s gospel:
Acts 2:14-33
Psalm 16:1-11
Matthew 28:8-15
Jesus rose from the dead. That makes him unique among all founders of world religions, for none of the others rose from death. If only for this, people should believe in him and embrace the Christian faith. But there are those who deny this reality. Right after Jesus’ resurrection, the chief priests went about a cover-up. They instructed the soldiers who guarded the tomb, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’” (Mt 28:13). “And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.” (Mt 28:15b).
But Jesus did rise. When Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to the tomb, “Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.” (Mt 28:9). The women saw Jesus, touched Jesus, conversed with Jesus. He was alive. Jesus told them, “Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Mt 28:10b). And there indeed they saw Jesus, alive.
This is the most astounding news ever. And this is the good news we as Christians are to tell the world. “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.” (Acts 2:32). What does a witness do? He testifies to something or someone. He proclaims the truth and shares about what he has personally seen or experienced. Jesus is both the object and subject of our witnessing. We witness to others about Jesus, because we have been sent forth by him as his witnesses.
This is what Peter did. “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words.” (Acts 2:14b). He proceeded to share about Jesus. And at the core of his message was this: “it shall be that everyone shall be saved who calls on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 2:21).
Peter mentioned David. Jesus came from the lineage of David (Acts 2:30). David “foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah” (Acts 2:31a). Peter quoted David’s words in Psalm 16 (Acts 2:25-28), which refers to Jesus’ resurrection. In the psalm: “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor let your devout one see the pit.” (Ps 16:10). In Peter’s discourse: “you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.” (Acts 2:27).
How can we be effective witnesses of and to Jesus? How can we be credible to others? Most basic is how we live our life in relation to Jesus. We witness to Jesus and so, first, we must be focused on Jesus and we must know him well. “I keep the Lord always before me” (Ps 16:8a). Then second, we look to Jesus to guide us and show us the way. “I bless the Lord who counsels me” (Ps 16:7a). And third, we look to Jesus to make us whole in him—emotionally, spiritually and physically. “Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure” (Ps 16:9).
How are we blessed as Jesus’ witnesses? We share the life of Jesus with others, so that they might put their faith in him and be assured of eternal life. That is much reward in itself. But we also are assured: “You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” (Ps 16:11).
Jesus lives, and we will live with him forever.
