A Biblical Theology of Mission (Hope as Witness)

When Jesus witnesses to the Samaritan woman at the well he probes her lack of hope, helping her see that what she has set her hope upon for life, a relationship with a man who loves her, has proven empty. He offers her a hope that is in God Himself and in God’s Messiah, Jesus. The impossibility of finding hope in the world attracts the unbeliever to the true place of hope in Christ.

Hence, the apostle Peter urges Christians to set their hope fully upon Jesus and to ready themselves for opportunities to give personal witness to Christ to those drawn to their hopefulness.

¹³ Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming… ¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 1:13; 3:15,16 NIV)

Peter teaches us three things:

Real Hope Is Observable

People can see someone who has hope. They can see how personal tragedy or suffering does not destroy the believer but actually strengthens the believer’s love and endurance. They can see how believers don’t despair over political or governmental tides and waves but maintain strength of character and commitment to good.

Real Hope Is Desirable

The unbeliever has searched for hope in the world (relationships, power, safety, etc.) and may see the folly of this when they observe real hope in the Christian. They may wonder at how you can have such hope, wondering in fact if your answer might be a saving one for them.

Real Hope Is Defendable

Peter calls believers to be able to give a reason for their hope, if indeed they have real hope, and to center this reason in Christ. As we set Christ apart as Lord of our lives we become ready to tell others about him and how he has rescued us from hopelessness. Personal evangelism is fueled by real hope.