WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY?
Read John 18:1-27
John 18:19, "The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine."
I have never thought much about this verse before. I don't believe the high priest was truly interested in Jesus' disciples or His doctrine, other than to build a case against Him. He wanted to entrap Jesus into some statements which might be used against Him. The Pulpit Commentary states, concerning this verse, that the high priest wanted to know: "... the extent of his following, the number of his accomplices, the ramifications of the society or kingdom he professed to have founded, and, concerning his doctrine, the secret teachings that held his followers together. He evidently knew the claims of Jesus well enough; his spies and officers had continually been dogging the steps of Jesus, and hitherto he had failed to gain evidence positively incriminating him. And, as his representatives a few days ago were utterly foiled, notwithstanding their clever design, he hoped by his own ingenuity to entrap the Lord in his talk. Our Lord, anxious not to endanger his disciples, pointed to the publicity of his ministry, and appealed to all and sundry who had heard him."
Jesus wants you and me to be genuine in our ministry to others. He wants our doctrine to be true. He wants our lives to reflect His character, and our speech to be with grace, seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6), that we may know how we ought to answer every man. If Jesus were asked the same question today, would He be able, if so inclined, to identify you as one of His disciples? Would He be in agreement with your doctrine?
I pray each one of us will be a disciple of Jesus Christ, true in our following Him, and in our doctrine.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What do you view as the glue that holds believers together?
2. How have you sought out believers to fellowship with over the years?
3. How can you be more involved in reaching others for Christ?
4. Do people you know respect your character and speech? Explain.