What We Have Seen And Heard

Every Christian is commanded to be a witness to the world. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19–20). This is not an optional task—it is essential to our obedience to the Lord.

After the shepherds had gone to the manger in person and seen that everything had happened just as the angel had told them, they did not just go back to their sheep and keep the news to themselves. Instead they went across the countryside telling everyone they met what had happened. There are no people who do not need to hear the gospel message that a Saviour has been born, and God has no other plan for them to hear than for us to tell them.

Notice that the angels did not go from door to door announcing the birth of Jesus. After their initial announcement and song of praise, they went back into the heavens. The good news is not carried around the world by angels, but by men and women who are willing to tell what they have seen and heard. This is what the apostles did after Christ’s resurrection. When authorities tried to silence their witness, they responded, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). There is nothing more life-changing than meeting Jesus, and we must take the message to others.

Today’s Discipleship Principle: Like the shepherds, we must be faithful witnesses to the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.