4/11/2019 4 Comments (at the bottom of this reflection.)
Today's question:
"I have spoken openly to the world....why question me?"
From John 18:
20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
Reflection from Karen Boesche
Annas, the high priest who spoke with such great power and influence in the Jewish nation, is secretly questioning Jesus in the middle of the night. Annas viewed Jesus as a threat to his power and leadership in Jerusalem and was behind the scenes secretly interrogating Jesus about His disciples and supposed secret teachings, hoping to get Jesus to incriminate Himself. This was the first of six hearings during Jesus’ 18-hour trial. It’s in secret because Annas was a jealous, hypocritical, evil man.
During this first hearing, Annas asks Jesus about His disciples, then about His teaching. Notice Jesus ignored the first question concerning the disciples and answered the teaching question first stating, “I have spoken openly to the world.” I imagine Jesus’ response was calm and collected, only stating facts about His earthly ministry. No secret teaching. No secret doctrine. No secret society. No secret plot against the Romans. Only an open, honest ministry of truth, spoken openly for all the world to hear. Today as Christ’s followers, doesn’t He ask the same of us?
The very next verse, Jesus flips and now asks Annas, “Why question me?” only to check and question those who have heard what He’s openly taught. Jesus is asking for what is important in any trial or hearing – witnesses. Jesus is asking for witnesses’ testimonies and also asking to be treated fairly. Asking for those witnesses to stand up and defend His teachings. Today as Christ’s followers, doesn’t He ask the same of us?
Have you ever been falsely accused? Perhaps by an ‘Annas’ type person who seeks answers only to prove an agenda? Being falsely accused hurts. It’s unfair. It’s wrong. You can feel like it’s the end of the world if you do not remind yourself of God’s love for you and His promise to always be with you.
I clearly remember the phone call, after a practice, informing me of an upcoming meeting to discuss an incident earlier in the week. As I heard what was to be discussed at this meeting, I couldn’t believe I was hearing such untruthful accusations. I found myself uttering, “why aren’t they asking all the others/witnesses that were around?”
I am not in any way comparing these circumstances to that of Jesus’ trial. I am, however, telling you that at the meeting the Holy Spirit did guide and help remind me that a ‘soft answer always turns away wrath.’ I am certain when reading this devotional passage, Jesus was guided and responded with soft answers to Annas’ accusatory questions.
John 18:19-22 helps to serve as a reminder when faced with unfair questioning and or trials, to follow the perfect example given — to be open and honest and respond to questions as Jesus would. Knowing God’s love for us helps us to withstand any such trials or difficult circumstances. God was always there for Jesus, and today God is always there for us.
This Lenten season, let’s reflect how to be that witness Jesus needs us to be. Let’s speak with soft answers, defending and proclaiming calmly and openly to the world who He is and what He’s done for all. Even if our proclaiming is to the Annas-types who question.
Jesus died for us. Even Annas.
During this first hearing, Annas asks Jesus about His disciples, then about His teaching. Notice Jesus ignored the first question concerning the disciples and answered the teaching question first stating, “I have spoken openly to the world.” I imagine Jesus’ response was calm and collected, only stating facts about His earthly ministry. No secret teaching. No secret doctrine. No secret society. No secret plot against the Romans. Only an open, honest ministry of truth, spoken openly for all the world to hear. Today as Christ’s followers, doesn’t He ask the same of us?
The very next verse, Jesus flips and now asks Annas, “Why question me?” only to check and question those who have heard what He’s openly taught. Jesus is asking for what is important in any trial or hearing – witnesses. Jesus is asking for witnesses’ testimonies and also asking to be treated fairly. Asking for those witnesses to stand up and defend His teachings. Today as Christ’s followers, doesn’t He ask the same of us?
Have you ever been falsely accused? Perhaps by an ‘Annas’ type person who seeks answers only to prove an agenda? Being falsely accused hurts. It’s unfair. It’s wrong. You can feel like it’s the end of the world if you do not remind yourself of God’s love for you and His promise to always be with you.
I clearly remember the phone call, after a practice, informing me of an upcoming meeting to discuss an incident earlier in the week. As I heard what was to be discussed at this meeting, I couldn’t believe I was hearing such untruthful accusations. I found myself uttering, “why aren’t they asking all the others/witnesses that were around?”
I am not in any way comparing these circumstances to that of Jesus’ trial. I am, however, telling you that at the meeting the Holy Spirit did guide and help remind me that a ‘soft answer always turns away wrath.’ I am certain when reading this devotional passage, Jesus was guided and responded with soft answers to Annas’ accusatory questions.
John 18:19-22 helps to serve as a reminder when faced with unfair questioning and or trials, to follow the perfect example given — to be open and honest and respond to questions as Jesus would. Knowing God’s love for us helps us to withstand any such trials or difficult circumstances. God was always there for Jesus, and today God is always there for us.
This Lenten season, let’s reflect how to be that witness Jesus needs us to be. Let’s speak with soft answers, defending and proclaiming calmly and openly to the world who He is and what He’s done for all. Even if our proclaiming is to the Annas-types who question.
Jesus died for us. Even Annas.
Comments
Anne Hardy
Thu, Apr 11, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Thank you for your lent response.
I found it very useful.
Thu, Apr 11, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Thank you for your lent response.
I found it very useful.
Renee Edmondson
Thu, Apr 11, 2019 at 11:41 pm
I think we have all been falsely accused at some time in our lives. If only we could respond like Jesus. Thanks for making us reflect and think.
Thu, Apr 11, 2019 at 11:41 pm
I think we have all been falsely accused at some time in our lives. If only we could respond like Jesus. Thanks for making us reflect and think.
Kay Maloney
Mon, Apr 15, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Thanks Karen, Great insight that even when we are falsely accused of things or feel that people may question our actions, that are response can definitely help to change the outcome.
Mon, Apr 15, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Thanks Karen, Great insight that even when we are falsely accused of things or feel that people may question our actions, that are response can definitely help to change the outcome.
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About Today's Author
Karen Boesche is married to Neal with two grown children (ages 23; 20).
FUMC-DP is her lifelong worship home. Amen!
FUMC-DP is her lifelong worship home. Amen!
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Pastor Irene Taylor
Wed, Apr 17, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for this powerful reminder.
Wed, Apr 17, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for this powerful reminder.
