John 18:19-24
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 18:19-24 imagining you are the “other disciple (John 18:15-16)” who is now in the room with Jesus observing and listening.
Though Caiaphas is the current high priest at this time, his father-in-law Annas held the office previously. It is to this senior religious leader that Jesus is taken for preliminary questioning.
Now as always, Jesus speaks the truth, and his response exposes the hypocrisy of this religious authority.
In a first century Jewish trial, witnesses, rather than the accused, were required to prove the truth of an accusation or a defense. Jesus calls for this leader to follow his own rules. Jesus has taught about the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God openly and plainly, and he has been crystal clear about his own identity and God-given authority. Now he stands, without self-defense and without explanation, calm and confident in his connection with God the Father.
Take a moment to think about times you’ve been challenged by someone about your faith in Jesus. What was your emotional reaction to the challenge? How did you respond?
If you’ve never encountered a challenge to your faith in Jesus, is it possible that your relationship with Jesus isn’t evident to others? Take some time to talk this over with Jesus recognizing his incredible love for you as evidenced in his mercy and grace.
Read John 18:19-24 again focusing on the interaction between Jesus and the Temple guard.
If we follow Jesus and allow him to shape us through his teaching and through our living relationship with him, there will be times when we are challenged about our faith, and sometimes those challenges will come from people within our own religious circles. If we aren’t prepared for this, we will likely react with defensiveness or even hostility.
Recall for a moment Jesus’ washing the dirty feet of the disciples (John 13:1-17) and meditate on Jesus’ words at the end of that scene: “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”
Talk to Jesus about his example of calm, confident faith in God the Father in the face of injustice and opposition. Consider asking him how you can develop the readiness you need to stay centered in him when your faith is challenged. Then get quiet and listen.
Do you sense Jesus calling you to do something or do something differently?
If so, what do you plan to do about that?
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