Particular testimonies that this coming of Jesus is his coming to save us.
The Testimony of Simeon.—Simeon the Just gives testimony of him: 'And the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lets thou thy servant depart in peace,—for mine eyes have seen thy salvation (Luke 2:25-32).
The Testimony of Anna.—Anna, a prophetess, one 'of a great age, departed not from the temple but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. And she, coming in at that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem' (Luke 2:36-38).
The Testimony of John Baptist.—John Baptist, as he fulfilled his ministry, cried concerning this Jesus, 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.—And he,' saith John, 'that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining' or abiding, 'the same is he which baptized with the Holy Ghost. And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God (John 1:29-34).
The Testimony of the Star and Wise Men—The star that appeared at his birth in the east and coasted through the heavens till it came over to where the young child Jesus was, that star gave testimony that he was the Saviour. This star alarmed many, especially the wise men of the east, who were brought by it from afar to worship him: 'And lo, the star which they saw in the east, went before them till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they went into the house, they saw the young child, with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh (Matt 2:9-11).
The Testimony of the Angels.—1. To Mary herself—' And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, -and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored.—And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, bring forth a son, and call his name JESUS. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there shall be no end (Luke 1:26-33). 2. The angels' testimony to the shepherds, as they were feeding their flocks in the fields by night—' And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:9-11). 3. How the angels solemnized his birth among themselves—' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men' (vv 13,14).
The Testimony of God the Father.—1. When he was baptized—' And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and, lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased' (Matt 3:16,17). 2. The Father's testimony of him at his transfiguration—' And he took Peter, John, and James, and went up to a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.' And Moses and Elias appeared talking with him, and a cloud from heaven overshadowed them; the three disciples began to be afraid. Then 'there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him' (Luke 9:28-35). Peter speaks of This testimony of God, saying, 'We had not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And we heard this voice from heaven when we were with him in the holy mount (2 Peter 1:16-18). 3. God gave testimony of him by signs and wonders—' Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father, who dwelleth in me, does the works.' 'God also bearing them witness,' that preached salvation by Jesus, 'both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will' (John 14:10; Heb 2:4).
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