The first letter of John the apostle starts with a lot of enthusiasm—and this energy is for a reason:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” (1 John 1:1)

Let me explain what is happening.

John is going out of his way to tell you that he is an actual eyewitness to the life and ministry of Jesus. That is intended to give us even more confidence to trust and follow what he says. 

Imagine a friend told you that there was a car accident downtown. Someone was pinned under a car but a stranger came along, picked up the end of the car, and rescued the individual. ‘Did you see this for yourself?’ you ask. ‘No,’ your friend replies. ‘A friend of a friend of a friend of a friend told me about it.’ In that scenario, you might not believe it.

But what if your friend—who just so happens to be your most trustworthy friend—says he saw with his own eyes and even spoke to the person who was rescued? In that case, there’s a greater likelihood that you’re going to believe it.

John is telling his readers—including us—that he walked and talked with Jesus. It’s as if he is saying, ‘I saw him cast the demon out of that woman. I saw the joy and newfound freedom in her eyes. She was so happy! I was at the wedding in Cana. I personally tasted the water that was turned into wine! I spoke with the bride and groom who were over-the-moon because Jesus had saved them from embarrassment. I was at the foot of the cross. I was so close that his blood got on my robe. I was there at the empty tomb! We wept tears of joy to speak with our risen Friend and Lord!’

Over time, if we’re not careful, we can become less sure about the word of God. But the more we pay attention, the more we study, and the more we learn, the more reasons we find to be confident.

The apostles walked and talked with Jesus. He told them to continue his teachings (Matthew 28:20) and guaranteed that God himself would ensure they remembered everything he taught (John 14:26).

Trust Christ. Be wise. Be humble. Be strong. Be always learning.

We can be confident in the Way because we are confident in the Word.

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Notes:

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-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on September 15, 2025.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.