LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Monday 31st March 2025
WORD OF LIFE
*Scripture Reading:* 1 John 1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life. *1 John 1:1*
The book of 1 John affirms the reality of Christ.
‘That which was from the beginning’. This phrase refers to different concepts related to Christ. The first has to do with the deity of Christ. The passage also shows that Christ existed in the eternal beginning as God. Finally, it reveals the humanity of Christ and the beginning of His earthly ministry.
John presents Christ to us as the word of life. In doing that, He does not want us to see the Lord as a spiritual being who only appears to be real. John shows us that Jesus Christ was a historical person. He sets out four ways in which he and the other disciples satisfied themselves about what they believed Christ to be.
Jesus’ disciples heard Him speak in various settings.
The disciples heard Christ teach publicly, answer complex questions and privately explain His message to them. They also heard Him speak words to heal the sick and work miracles.
The disciples saw Christ and the works that He did.
The disciples saw the moment when Christ was transfigured on the mountain and when He walked on water. In all that, they still knew He was a physical being.
Jesus’ disciples paid close attention to His lifestyle.
Reading the gospels, you find that while following Jesus, the disciples were also trying to convince themselves about who He was.
-Finally, the disciples of Jesus touched His body and verified His works.* They had an authentic relationship with Christ. That is why the disciples could preach so convincingly about the Lord after His death and resurrection.
John’s testimony of Christ was well-founded. We who have come to faith in Christ Jesus are building on Him, who is the solid rock.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, draw me close to yourself. Help me to have a deep and authentic encounter with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
