PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 18:19-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” (John 18:21)
Jesus’s message isn’t hard to find, it is recorded in bibles all around the world.
Those who heard Jesus – his disciples – did know what Jesus said, and proclaimed it.
“We proclaim what we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us.” (1 John 1:3)
Jesus was not being evasive, his point was that he was always open about his teaching.
Jesus is still making his message clear, though are we always listening?
If Jesus pointed to us today, could he still say “surely they know what I said?”
I can’t speak for others, but I admit for many years I did not know what he said.
I read the bible, went to church and heard many sermons – but Jesus was not my focus.
In recent years I’ve been more intentional about listening to Jesus’s teaching directly.
And the more I read, the more I realize how little I know, and how much I have to learn.
I strongly encourage a steady diet of spending time with Jesus in the gospels.
The rest of the bible points to what he said and did, but the gospels are the clearest.
The better we know and hear Jesus, the better we will understand the rest of the bible.
I want the Lord to be able to say of me, “surely he knows what I said!”
PRAYER
Lord, I suspect that I will spend the rest of my life never fully knowing the truth of what you said. Help me to keep listening, keep learning, and keep growing in your truth.
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Jesus knew what the high priest was doing and defended his teaching and methods – Jesus was open and Jesus knew that the High Priest was very aware of what Jesus had taught. Jesus said the truth and challenged the person who struck him to testify to what Jesus said was wrong. But that challenge went unanswered. Yet even today, how many people are abused and persecuted because they stand up for the truth – how many are struck or killed? Lord, help me to stand up for truth, for justice and for your name – for the Good News – the way to a deep relationship with you and the Father! Help me not to say something wrong, I pray!
Jesus spoke to the crowds with words and deeds. The people followed and even the religious leaders followed and heard the words of Jesus but they failed to trap Him. Their ears were closed because they were more interested in the people’s praise. We still have His Word when we read His Word. I need to read that Word with open ears and open eyes to hear what the Lord requires of me – to serve Him. My journey of learning continues in His presence.
When I feel afraid
Think I’ve lost my way
Still you’re there right beside me
And nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to your side
I will love you to the end
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
And a light unto my path
You’re the light unto my path