Monday 11 May 2026

Psalm 44:1-8

Background
These verses continue Jesus’ farewell teaching, which began in chapter 13, and refers specifically to his earlier promise that he would not leave his disciples 'orphaned' when he leaves them (14:18). Jesus now turns more explicitly to the theme of witness and opposition. The promised Advocate (in the original Greek parakletos) is described as the 'Spirit of truth' who comes from the Father and testifies to Jesus (15:26).

The language of ‘testifying’ and ‘testimony’ can seem strange to modern readers. It may make us think about a witness giving evidence in court. It is a key theme in John’s Gospel, though, with the root word occurring 33 times – more than in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts and Romans combined.

Today’s passage brings out two important meanings related to this central concept. First, it speaks about testifying as ‘bearing witness’ (15:27), as someone might do in court. The Spirit tells us about Jesus, and this testimony will be the truth (15:26). Jesus tells his disciples that they can depend upon it and the Advocate will not fail them.

Second, Jesus speaks about the cost of such honest testimony and here it is important to note the original Greek word: martureo. It is from this root that we get the English word ‘martyr’. Martyrs are those who bear witness to the truth, even at the cost of their own lives.

In these verses, Jesus both encourages his disciples to be such witnesses (15:27) and warns them of the consequence of so doing (16:2). There is a specific reference to followers of Jesus being thrown out of their synagogues (16:2). For John’s original audience, this likely reflected real experiences of separation from their Jewish communities in the late first century. The language is stark, even shocking, as it suggests that such persecution may be carried out in the belief that it is serving God (16:3).

To Ponder:

• What might it mean to 'testify' to Christ in contemporary society?
• Where do we see people suffering today because they are witnessing to the truth?
• How might the Holy Spirit strengthen people facing opposition or misunderstanding?

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you promised your disciples that you would not leave them without an Advocate; strengthen all those who testify to the truth of your word today, and help us to be your faithful witnesses, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Geoffrey Farrar
The Revd Geoffrey Farrar is the Superintendent Minister of the Richmond & Hounslow Circuit in south-west London. He has pastoral charge of Barnes, Putney and Roehampton churches. He is currently studying for a (very) part-time PhD at the nearby University of Roehampton, looking at the impact of the Maccabean Revolt on responses to Jesus. He lives in Putney with his partner and their adopted son.