We Are Witnesses: CJ Robbins
In the passage from Luke, Jesus has just appeared to two of the disciples on the road. In just a few verses he will ascend. It was “As they were talking about these things” that Jesus appears again. He had shown himself twice already, outside the tomb and on the road, yet the rest were still doubting.
In Acts, Peter and John have just entered the temple after healing a man lame since birth. In these verses, we find a tone of reverence. Many of the names for God are used: “The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers.” “The Holy and Righteous One,” “Author of life”. Peter is using this language to speak directly to his audience, the Jews. He is making it clear that he is referring to the one and only God; bringing to the forefront the relation between God and Jesus in their own terms.
When reading these scriptures, one of the first things that struck me about both passages was the word “witnesses”. “You are witnesses of these things,” and “To this we are witnesses.” But when looking back at them, I noticed that there is an even greater correlation. Not only should we ask what is being witnessed, but who the witnesses are: The same people are being referred to both times. In the Luke passage, Jesus speaks to all the disciples, including Peter and John. And later on in the Acts passage, we see Peter referring to himself as a witness.
“Thus it is written, that Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46-48).
“and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses” (Acts 3:15).
In the book The Case for Christ, there is a chapter almost entirely dedicated to the fact that there is irrefutable evidence that Jesus did in fact die on the cross. Of course to go along with that, there is proof that Jesus was a real person that did in fact live before his death. When you put aside those doubts, what is then required is evidence of his resurrection.
This is the place where I find many people get stuck on. It is so hard to believe in something so miraculous when you weren’t there. And aside from just coming back from the dead, Jesus claims to have been the ultimate sacrifice for all of our sins, and that if we turn and repent, our sins may be blotted out. Certainly seems fanciful.
But we have evidence. In these passages, we have his disciples. Living witnesses of the living savior. And yet, even when they see him, doubts arise in their hearts. It reminds me of the parable of Lazarus and the poor beggar “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). They are not convinced by the dead being raised. And what was Jesus’ answer? “Touch me, and see.” He even ate before them to show that he was living, not a spirit. He had so much love for them, that he walked them through their doubts even when they didn’t want to believe he was in front of them. Is this not how he answers our own doubts? “Touch me, and see.” It takes more than just Jesus being present, as he always is, for us to truly believe (Matthew 28:20). We must be willing to touch and see him for ourselves.
We are not witnesses of His physical resurrection, but of what has come after. Luke 24:49 says,
“And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
We have seen this power. Received it. Of that we can testify.
We have repented. Our sins are blotted out! That is something we have witnessed. If we have prayed, we have spoken to God. That is something we have witnessed. Jesus first had to open the disciples’ minds and tell them that they were witnesses. The role of a witness is not easy. It can be a heavy burden to bear. It requires testifying whenever called upon. In Acts they have accepted this duty, this joy even. Why wouldn’t it be a joy to share this freedom with others ourselves? Are we able to tell others “Touch, and see”? So, let us proclaim with every chance we get: Jesus is alive!
CJ Robbins is a sophomore at LA Tech majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Since becoming a member of The Wesley this school year, CJ has blessed this community with his easygoing presence, willingness to serve, and passion for The Word of God. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with people at The Wesley, playing ping pong, going to the gym, and spending time outdoors. He is also a member of this year’s Ethiopia Summer Mission Trip. We’re so grateful for him and look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in his life!