What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life – 1 John 1:1 HCSB
Several years ago my father went to Augusta, Georgia and actually attended one of the practice rounds for the Masters Golf Tournament. He described to me the beauty of the golf course and even showed me pictures of the course and some of the golfers he saw that day. I have seen the Masters Golf Tournament on television, but I have never been to Augusta, Georgia nor have I had the opportunity to experience the Masters Golf Tournament firsthand. Maybe someday…
In this verse John is proclaiming that he had actually seen Jesus with his own eyes; he had observed and even touched Jesus after His resurrection from the dead. He was validating that the account he was writing was true. John had actually walked with Jesus and was reporting that he had experienced Jesus firsthand. Jesus appeared to his followers at least ten times after His resurrection, including Mary Magdalene, who held His feet at the Tomb and Thomas, who touched his hands and side. It is reasonable to think that many people observed and touched Jesus after His resurrection. This helped to dispel any thought that Jesus was a ghost or spirit of some type.
Challenge: Thank God that Jesus lives today. You may not have experienced Jesus Christ face to face, but as a believer you have a special relationship with a living Savior. Someday you will have the opportunity to experience Jesus firsthand in heaven. What a glorious day that will be!