Episode 120 - "I have taught openly" - John 18:19-24
John 18:19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
From this account, we observe that this context supports what we suggested about the crowd taking Jesus to Annas first. Even though Rome had technically deposed Annas as the high priest, the officer who hit Jesus (v. 22) referred to Annas as the high priest. Many Jews still considered him the high priest.
Yet, it doesn’t appear that Annas wanted to “deal with” Jesus after Jesus’ responses backed Annas into a corner. Jesus had spoken and taught openly. Jesus clearly and strongly asserted that he was speaking nothing from his own, but only what he had seen and heard from the Father. Furthermore, Jesus tells them to reveal anything “wrong” in what he had said. There are some important lessons in this.
Occasionally in our current day and culture, people with charismatic personalities are able to persuade others that they have a special or more accurate truth about God. Some even claim to be a god or prophet. But, these people often do not speak in a venue where they can be questioned, challenged, and rebuffed by sound doctrine that has consistently been held within the Christian faith since its beginnings. These groups are cults.
There are many denominations that vary in some beliefs from other Christian denominations and that is understandable. But, these differences are often respectfully understood and accepted. But, few would accuse the other denomination of being a cult. Besides significant doctrinal differences such as the nature of Jesus and the sources of revelation considered to be a divine origin, cults have secretive practices. Jesus is turning the table on his accusers by saying, “I’ve done everything in the open. Layout the evidence that shows I’m a false teacher.” (My interpretation/paraphrase)
The bottom line from that is we should not follow people who are not accountable and are secretive or not willing to be questioned about their teaching and we should be observant that those around us are not led into such deception.
Perhaps another lesson we can learn from this is to follow Jesus’ example. We can teach others things we are learning in God’s word. It’s ok to have opinions on some things. But, where the Scriptures and the common beliefs of the Christian faith speak, we should not have anything “new” or “novel.” We should not try to create our own fan club around our ideas and convictions. If our teaching is consistent with the Scriptures and someone is challenging specific teaching, invite them to explain how they read the Scripture. I’ve changed my mind about a few things over the years when I realized that some idea I had was not consistent with what was being revealed in what I believe is God’s word.
I think Annas realized he didn’t have a leg to stand on and handed him off to Caiaphas who had already made up his mind what he wanted to do with Jesus. May we all humbly listen to God’s word to learn and discern. May the Lord lead us to believe and share with others what has been faithfully handed down over time concerning the revelation of God in the Holy Scriptures.