Dear brothers and sisters, today we are gathered here to explore and celebrate the power of sharing our encounters with Jesus Christ. We see in the Holy Bible, countless examples of individuals whose lives were transformed by their experiences with Jesus, and they couldn’t help but share the good news with others. This urge to share is a testament to the transformative power of God’s love and grace. Let us delve into three particular instances from the Book of Mark and the Book of John, and uncover the lessons that they hold for us today.
- The Cleansed Leper – Mark 1:45
In Mark 1:40-44, we read about a man who was suffering from leprosy. He came to Jesus, pleading for healing, and Jesus, moved with compassion, healed him. Jesus instructed the man not to tell anyone about his healing, but to go and show himself to the priest as a testimony. However, the man was so overwhelmed with gratitude and joy that he couldn’t help but share his miraculous encounter with Jesus. As a result, people flocked to Jesus from every direction.
This story reminds us of the importance of sharing our testimony, just as the Psalmist declared in Psalms 66:16, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” When we
experience the healing touch of Jesus, it is our duty and privilege to share the good news with others. Our testimonies can inspire hope, faith, and bring others to Christ, so that they too may experience His love and mercy.
- The Demon-Possessed Man – Mark 5:20
In Mark 5:1-20, we find the story of a man possessed by a legion of demons, who lived among the tombs and was tormented day and night. Jesus cast out the demons, restoring the man to his right mind. The man, now free from demonic oppression, begged Jesus to let him accompany Him. But Jesus had a different plan. He told the man to go home and share his story with his family and friends, to proclaim the great things the Lord had done for him.
The man obeyed and went to Decapolis, sharing his testimony, and as a result, people marveled at Jesus’ power and authority. This story illustrates that no matter how dark our past, Jesus can transform us and use our experiences for His glory. As Paul proclaimed in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
- The Samaritan Woman – John 4:28-29
In John 4:1-42, we read the account of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Through their conversation, Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah, the living water that quenches spiritual thirst. The woman, astonished by Jesus’ knowledge and understanding, left her waterpot and hurried back to the city to tell others about her encounter with the Christ.
The woman’s eagerness to share her experience with Jesus broke down barriers of cultural and religious prejudice. Many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of her testimony, as stated in John 4:39, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did.'” This story teaches us the power of sharing our personal experiences with Christ, as they can be the catalyst for change and bring others to faith.
Conclusion:
In all three instances, we see ordinary people, transformed by their encounters with Jesus, who couldn’t contain their joy and excitement. They felt compelled to share the good news, and their testimonies brought others to Christ. Ellen White, in the book “The Desire of Ages,” writes, “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary.” (DA 195.2)
As followers of Christ, we too have been called to share our wonderful experiences with Jesus. As Matthew 28:19-20 commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Let us not be silent about the marvelous things God has done in our lives. Let us be bold and eager to share the hope, love, and transformation we have experienced through Christ. May we be like the apostles in Acts 4:20, who said, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
As we go forth, remember the words of the Spirit of Prophecy in “Christ’s Object Lessons”: “The more we try to explain the Word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to our own understanding” (COL 354.1). Let us be faithful witnesses to the transforming power of Jesus, sharing our wonderful experiences and leading others to experience His love and grace.
Dear friends, let us not underestimate the power of our personal testimonies. As we share our encounters with Christ, we are also reminded of God’s faithfulness in our lives, strengthening our faith and resolve. In Revelation 12:11, we read, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Our testimonies can be a powerful force in the battle against the enemy, showcasing the victory we have in Jesus.
As we continue in our Christian walk, let us be mindful of the opportunities God presents to us every day – opportunities to share our faith and the experiences we have had with Jesus. In 1 Peter 3:15, we are reminded, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
In a world where hope seems to be in short supply, our testimonies can shine like beacons of light, drawing people to Christ. As we share our wonderful experiences, we not only bless others but also draw nearer to Christ ourselves. In doing so, we fulfill our mission as disciples and participate in the work of the Great Commission
karambi