City Life Starter

Written by Opeyemi Ojekunle

The Word

¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

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.”

Exegesis

The high priest did not follow the protocol of opening a charge against Jesus and calling for witnesses to support it. Instead he put questions to Jesus about his disciples and teaching because he was hoping to get something against Jesus to charge him for heresy. This would bring Jesus under the penalty of the law against false prophets. The high priest was not interested in the purpose for which he raised his disciples nor in the truth about Jesus’ teachings.

Jesus answered the high priest, but not directly what He taught, but the manner in which He gave His teachings. The synagogue was an open place of worship and Jesus gave his teachings with all plainness, freedom, and boldness, without secrecy to all his disciples and the Jews, who crowded in great numbers to hear Him. Jesus later became the questioner because the interrogation by the chief priest was not a fair and formal trial.

Application

As believers, we should always speak the truth with no iota of heresy because the truth is bold and light. We are in a world that is constantly seeking to crucify Christians and condemn Christianity. By being truthful in our words and actions, it will allow for justice and also the more we become like our master, Jesus.

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;

Zechariah 8:16