John 18:20-21 

New International Version (NIV)

“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. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

For Meditation

It was Jesus’ trial, and all eyes should have been on Him. But Peter has taken center stage in the Biblical account with his denial of the Lord (Jn. 18:15-27). It shows how news about people’s failures usually claim the headlines and leave the real news in the shadows. But, who was really on trial in this case? Was it Jesus or the Jewish leaders themselves? Human pride and failure were put on trial that night, and it was set to reveal the heart and arrogance of sinful humanity in ways none of the players anticipated. They had Jesus on trial, but they were rather the accused.

John records that the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and His teaching (Jn. 18:19). However, I am not sure they really expected Jesus to give them what they wanted. They had been around Him throughout His ministry. They had heard and seen everything they wanted to know, so what more did they expect to hear from Him?

“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. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said” (20-21).

Jesus started giving evidence of Himself right from the beginning of His ministry. The miracles, sermons, teachings, healings, deliverances – all gave evidence of His Messianic claim. He had rested His case; and now He turned the searchlight on His interrogators. He took the Judge’s seat and put the chief priests and elders in the defense chair.

What had they learned about His proclamation of the Kingdom of God? Did they hear His Sermon on the Mount that outlined the new order, the heart of the law? Were they not witnesses of all the signs and miracles He performed? Didn’t they demonstrate deity beyond argument? How many questions from them and the crowds hadn’t He answered already? But that’s human failure. Even John the Baptist, the man who baptized Jesus and identified Him as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:36) almost fell to the level of the Jewish leaders (Lk. 7: 20-24). Jesus gave John’s messengers the same evidence of deity He had demonstrated to the people throughout His ministry. It was their turn to give account of themselves. Did they recognize Him as Messiah? What was their response?

So, when they pronounced Him guilty, they condemned themselves.

Truth is, every time we question God, we question ourselves. His word puts us on trial. His works judge us, and His Spirit interrogates us. It’s all because He is Sovereign, and no one can fathom His ways. But, in His mercy, he bears with our human weakness, and graciously refreshes us when we fail like Elijah (1 Kings 19:4-8).

So, instead of questioning God, surrender to His wonder like Job finally did, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6).

Shalom