A testimony tells what God has done and who did it. We often speak about ourselves: what we were, how we changed, and what we now have. These things matter, but Jesus must be the subject. Our changed life is evidence that helps others know the one who saved us.
The angel told Mary to name her son Jesus. The name means, “YHWH saves.” YHWH is God’s own name. Before Jesus preached, healed, died, or rose, his name told people why he had come. God wanted his Son known and called upon.
The name grows sweeter as we learn who Jesus is. He shows us God’s mercy, truth, justice, and love. He keeps God’s promises. He rules as King, yet welcomes weak people and sinners. He made everything, yet came to live among the people he made. His power makes his care effective. He is willing and able to save.
Jesus took a human body. He knew hunger, pain, sorrow, death, and burial. Yet he never sinned. He carried our sin to the cross, rose from the grave, and defeated death. He gives new life.
The blind man beside the road cried, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” He did not know everything, but he knew whom to call. Jesus heard him. Romans says that all who call upon the Lord will be saved.
Calling on Jesus is faith’s cry for mercy to the Saviour we know. Jesus saves, and salvation produces a testimony. That testimony should introduce others to Jesus so they may know his name, call upon him, and discover why his name is sweet.
Study Questions
- What have you learned about Jesus that makes his name sweet to you?
- List at least 5 way that helps you know that Jesus is willing and able to save change the way you call upon him?
- Missional: How can you learn and practise sharing your testimony so that it introduces someone to Jesus and places the focus on him rather than on you?
