In just three short years Jesus Christ of Nazareth shook the time in which He lived and started a movement that is still going strong today. What is most amazing about this is that it was done in a time much different than our own. Mass media and mass marketing were distant inventions. His name was not broadcast on radio, tv, or billboards in which millions could simultaneously view it. No, the way in which He became the most well-known figure in history was much simpler than any of that. All it took was the great power found within personal testimony.
Still today businesses are hoping they can use personal testimony to attract more customers. In some cases, it feels as though they are almost begging customers to tell their friends and family about them. Asking everyone to give them a like on social media. As well as write a view about the product or service. All because they know that there’s something in a testimony that simply can’t be bought. Something that Jesus knew and was able to use to bring about the Kingdom of God over two thousand years ago.
It truly is amazing when you begin to look for this throughout the scripture. As you quickly see that many of the greatest miracles performed by our Lord took place before only a small number of people. Or that normally only a few people actually witnessed the miracle that affected a larger group of people. Such as when Jesus turned the water into wine and only the servants and a few others knew what happened. Yet the account of this miracle swept throughout the world drawing even more people to see the Messiah.
John 2:7–9 (ESV)
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom
A great example of the power of personal testimony exists with the Samaritan woman Jesus encountered at the well. Jesus proved who He was by what He said to her. Then the woman immediately left to share her testimony and by doing so brought the whole village back with her to meet Jesus. Her personal testimony had the power to draw the interest of many to the Lord. Then when they met Jesus what started as curiosity blossomed into faith. All because a woman couldn’t help but share her testimony.
John 4:39–42 (ESV)
39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Throughout the New Testament, we read of people who simply heard about Jesus from others. Then sought out to have the opportunity to encounter Him for themselves. One woman, in particular, stands out as she didn’t just hear others’ testimony about Jesus and wanted to see Him. She heard and believed so strongly that she set out to touch the hem of His garment and be healed of a sickness that had plagued her for years. Through the power of personal testimony, her faith grew quickly and her faith was rewarded with the healing she so desperately sought.
Mark 5:27–29 (ESV)
27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
The power of testimony in one man’s life was so strong that the Pharisees sought to have him killed. Because many were coming to faith-based on his account and that of the few that were able to witness his miracle. That man was Lazurus whom Jesus was able to raise from the dead after four days.
John 12:9–11 (ESV)
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
However, this all does cause us to ask one question. Why is there or what is the power in personal testimony? We are also able to see this shown within the pages of scripture. Almost as if God knew we would have questions like this. The power exists because often those we share our testimony with those who know us.
This works in two ways: they know us so they know they can trust us. But they are also able to see the change within us that we are talking about. They know what we used to be like or what we used to struggle with and can see that is no longer the case. Our testimony affects them because they can see what God has done and can’t deny it. Causing them to want to experience the same thing through Jesus that we have.
This can be seen in multiple people healed in the Bible. They were known by those in their local area so their personal testimony spoke volumes. People knew the condition they once were in and could clearly see the change that had taken place. Causing them to seek out the one responsible for such a change.
John 9:8–11 (ESV)
8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.”
Acts 3:9–11 (ESV)
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.
I believe this is the very reason that Jesus instructed the man who had been possessed with many demons to stay in his own country. Even though the man begged to go with Jesus he was told to stay. Instructing him to tell everyone there of all God had done for Him. But why? Because his testimony would be so much more powerful around those who knew how he used to be. It would have a greater effect there than it ever could anywhere else.
Luke 8:38–39 (ESV)
38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
Personal testimony also sparks hope in the lives of others. When they hear what God has done for you, it causes them to wonder what He can do for them. They wonder if God is able to do the same things for them. Which we can tell them with full confidence that He can because God is no respecter of men. What He has done for one person He is willing and able to do for someone else.
Romans 2:11 (ESV)
11 For God shows no partiality.
At this point you’re probably thinking okay there is power in our personal testimony I get that but why does that really matter? I believe that most Christians realize there is power in testimony but still fail to ever invoke it. Instead, we try to find new ways to reach the lost. Believing that sharing videos with fancy editing and a Christian message will draw them in. Or that simply inviting others to attend church with us will work. But the truth is that stuff just falls flat. Especially if we don’t include our testimony with it.
Simply put, we don’t need to look for new ways to attract people to the church. Instead, we need to look at how Jesus did it. He didn’t use new methods or strategies. Instead, He used the one method that has produced results since the beginning of time personal testimony. Sure incorporate new mediums such as video and social media. But be sure to include your testimony of why what you’re sharing matters to you. Tell others what God has done in your life and that He can do it for them too.
Personal testimony isn’t just a good tool that we should use from time to time. It is the tool we should be using all the time to reach the lost. It’s the one we see used almost exclusively by the early church. When Jesus called for them to go into all the world teaching they weren’t simply sharing scripture. They were sharing their testimony and telling of everything they saw and heard with Jesus. When many were added to the church daily they were still doing the very same thing.
Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Acts 2:47 (ESV)
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 5:14 (ESV)
14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
There is great power in your personal testimony don’t be afraid or ashamed to use it. The simple truth is that others need the very same things God has given you. Such as forgiveness, freedom from addiction, healing, joy, peace, happiness, and fulfillment. Tell others of all God has done for you and use the power that He has given you through your personal testimony.
Starting from scratch the whole world has forever been changed simply by people sharing their testimony about Jesus. Imagine if every Christian today would start sharing their testimony as they did then. Like those who simply couldn’t help but tell of the greatness of the Lord even though he asked them not to.
Mark 7:36 (ESV)
36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.
Personal testimony changed the world back then and it still has the power to do the same today. Don’t hold back but begin to tell everyone you can while you can of the amazing things the Lord has done for you. As scripture shows personal testimony can do things no one would ever think possible. If it is only shared with others.
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.