19 The high priest therefore questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21 "Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold, these now what I said." 22 And when He had said this, one of the officers standing by gave Jesus a blow, saying, "Is that the way You answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?" 24 Annas therefore sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Message: Before a Kangaroo Court
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: Preface - Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, and pulls out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus.
In verse 19, the high priest is questioning Jesus, it seems with a desire to find out his impact. This is unorthodox for someone that has been arrested, for the questioning should be only addressed to the witnesses instead of the accuser. Jesus makes mention of this in verse 21 - "Question those who have heard what I spoke to them." Why go to the accuser to ask him about the impact he has on others, instead go to those that have possibly been impacted.
Jesus remarks that He spoke "openly" and did not hide, but went to the temple and synagogues.
But this did not go over well with those asking the questions, for one of the officers hit Jesus for him responding to a question with a question. And yet Jesus was simply being honest and responding to questions. But then Jesus was sent away by Annas to Caiaphas and sent bound.
This lesson is titled Kangaroo Court based upon Tabletalk for this day (November 6, 2018). A kangaroo court is "a mock court in which the principles of law and justice are disregarded or perverted." There is a predetermined verdict regarding the accused.
Summary: Jesus is accused by Annas regarding his impact, answers that Annas should ask those that have been impacted, but Jesus is then sent to Caiaphas bound.
Promise: Like Jesus we need to hope that justice prevails when we are accused.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you were authentic in your time on earth, being forthright in the information you provided of yourself and your relationship to the Father. You did not hide, but stayed at the forefront of those that would later accuse you. You were authentic in your approach always with Your people and You are fair. You went to the cross to redeem me and I praise You for Your sacrifice and all that you did for me. Keep me humble and trusting in You always.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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