At the end of John's account of the Savior's ministry, he explains his purpose in writing his gospel: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). John wanted to bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. How did he know this? Because he was Jesus' beloved disciple. He knew Jesus, he saw His works, and knew firsthand of His divinity.

This past week we had the opportunity to listen to the Lord's modern special witnesses bear testimony of His divinity. Just as in times of old, Christ has called twelve Apostles lead by the First Presidency upon the earth. They, like John, have a special testimony of Jesus Christ and we can learn of Him by listening to their witness.

However, we do not have to simply take their word for it, or even John's. John wanted us to have life through Christ's name. All throughout the New Testament Jesus asks us to come unto Him. He is the Bread of Life, the Fountain of Living Water. If we believe on His name, do His works, and seek His will then we can come to know Him for ourselves. We can gain our own testimonies that Jesus is the Christ.

I personally know that Jesus is our Messiah. I know that He suffered for our sins in Gethsemane, and that He died on Calvary that we might live. As the prophet Isaiah said, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). I know that His Atonement is real, and that through Him we can find comfort, healing, and rest. In the spirit of the Easter holiday, I want to testify: I know that my Redeemer lives!