"2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— "
1 John 1:2 (NASB77)

John had a perspective that few had. At the time that he wrote this epistle, he was likely the only one left who had actual face to face, eye witness experience of anyone alive.

For John, Jesus was manifested, revealed, in such a way that even a court would have to rule in his favor. Three times in his gospel account, John shows how Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples three times after His resurrection. The first time was in the upper room giving them the opportunity to see with their eyes the scars on His body.(John 20.19-23)

The second was after Thomas had voiced his doubts, but it was 8 days later. Just like many of those who doubt, they call for the physical evidence. If they look honestly into the testimony and what we know, they will eventually come to face a Saviour. (John 20.24-29)

Ever wondered what happened during the eight days? I wonder if Thomas got tired of hearing all about what the others had seen. I just can’t imagine having walked with Jesus all that time and heard what He said, and not trusting those who you lived and walked with when they said “He’s alive!”

The third manifestation took place on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias. He was sitting on the shores having breakfast. A display of His humanness by eating. He took the bread and broke it, then the fish and they ate. Not only was their Lord back from death spiritually, but He was also alive physically.

This was the life that was manifested. Revealed. Made known.

John was a witness to this life. Life eternal. Life proclaimed. Oh, praise God, he did not keep silent! John proclaimed a Gospel made more pure because of the audible, visible, and physical manifestation of Jesus.

At the Cross,
At the Cross,
Where I first saw the Light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away.
It was there by faith,
I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day…

The Jesus we serve was and is historical, physical, and has spoken.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Aaron “Tree” Landis
Psalm 1.3