Thoughts on the Gospel of John (181) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.
John 18:19–21

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (181)
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, stands before the high priest Annas and is interrogated. This fact alone makes us sit up and take notice. Does He have to put up with this? No, but He lets it happen! In the future, the circumstances will be reversed: at the great white throne, Annas will stand speechless before the divine Judge and receive his unalterable judgment.

The approach of the high priest also raises eyebrows. Instead of presenting his accusation and having it confirmed by witnesses, he asks the accused about His disciples and His teaching. Obviously, his intention is to find a fault in Jesus’ answers. How unjust is this interrogation!

Annas wants to know from the Lord something about His disciples. Perhaps it was this: Why did He gather them around Him? Or maybe: How will they react to what is happening to Him now? Does Annas perhaps think that Jesus and His disciples were a provocation to the Romans and thus a danger to the Jewish people?

Then he asks the Lord about His teaching, as if His teaching were in contradiction to the Law of Moses. The Son of God answers in a sovereign manner. First, it is noticeable that He does not say a word about His disciples – He protects them. Then Jesus makes it clear that He did not teach in secret. Everyone is able to, and should, know God’s truth!

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Amos 8:1-14 · Proverbs 25:1-10