When God Says …
“The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.” (John 18:19-21 KJV).
The sham interrogation is now started by Annas the former high priest and most influential member of the Sanhedrin. True to the nature of this process that they subjected the Lord, they asked Him questions that they already know of, just probably to find ways they can twist to justify their shallow and devious reason for His arrest. This first line of questioning is akin to gangsterism and debrief tactics in counter-intelligence circles.
The Lord Jesus Christ taught openly. He spoke in full view to the crowds that followed Him in the countryside. He taught publicly in their Synagogues (Luke 4:15) and in the Temple courts while in Jerusalem (Mark 12:41; Luke 21:37). He did not start a secret society built on deception or clandestine meetings. In contrast, these religious authorities and leaders of the Jews arrested Him under the cover of darkness. They illegally question the Light of the world in the middle of the night, hiding from the people. Now, they are asking Him what He taught and who He is with? They heard and watched Him!
They ask the Lord Jesus about His disciples who were with Him always in broad daylight and about His doctrine which He taught in the open for people to accept or reject. He healed the sick and showed signs for everyone to witness. Which is the kind of living we are to live as His redeemed, being born again by faith. The truth we received freely, need to be shared freely to others in our proximity, especially those we care and love. Our life is not meant to be hidden or kept tucked away (Matthew 5:14-16). Our life is intended to be openly demonstrated before others so that the Holy Spirit's fruit of the righteousness of God by faith will lead many to grace in Christ Jesus (Galatians 5:22-25). The Lord Jesus declares this about His disciples and us: “Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:20 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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