The testimony of evangelism

The story of Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4 has been used for years as a textbook example of how evangelism should be approached.  In the story, Jesus finds a point of common interest with the woman (they both want water), He bridges the conversation to spiritual issues and steers clear of chasing any rabbits in the conversation, and in the end He extends an invitation for her to see who the Messiah truly is.

But what strikes me most about this passage is what happens way down toward the end of John 4 in verse 42, when the men of the town have heard the woman's report about Jesus and have come out to hear and believe it for themselves.  Here is what they said: "And they told the woman, "We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.""  This is not a slam on the woman and what she has shared with them; instead, it is an honest and heartfelt response of those who have encountered the truth of Christ.  When we are faithful to share the truth of the gospel, then it is no longer our word that is being taken at face value.  Rather, men and women come face to face with Jesus and they will know for themselves that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

This woman went back to her village to share her personal testimony, but it wasn't her story that brought salvation.  It was the very message of the gospel of Jesus Christ that wins men and women to Christ.  I've sat in on many evangelism courses in my life that focused almost entirely on the personal testimony of the believer. The rationale is that no one can argue with what Christ has done in your life so whenever you share with someone, share your faith and there can truly be no denial of God's work.  While sharing your testimony is a great tool for evangelism, it is not the primary means of it.  The gospel is.

Nothing can replace the glorious gospel message that, while we were dead in our sins, Christ came to pay the penalty for our sins by offering Himself up as our substitute on the cross.  As a result, we are not only forgiven of our sins but we also live with the hope and promise of eternal life since Jesus rose from the grave three days later, effectively conquering both sin and death.

The power of the gospel lies not in our story or personal experience (although our changed lives are evidence of that incredible power), but rather in what Christ has done for us on the cross.  We must be careful never to let our story take precedent over His story.