Transparency versus Secretiveness
Jesus was being questioned at the house of Annas ““ a high priest in Jerusalem. It was before the light of day”¦it was in the dark of early morning on the day Jesus would be crucified.
(NASB) John 18:19-21 “The high priest then 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; they know what I said.”™”
Jesus refuted that He had been secretive or subversive when He taught ““ He had taught publicly and with transparency.
What a contrast: this trial was secretive and illegal, it was hidden from the public and it was done in the dark.
The nobility of the Son of Man is exhibited throughout His three religious trials and His three secular trials. Even under duress, Jesus spoke truth.
What is one of the teachings of Jesus concerning persecution?
(NASB) Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “˜Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 “˜Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”™”
Followers of Christ are called to be transparent”¦speaking truth.