Live to Love Scripture Encouragement
Live to Love Scripture Encouragement John 18.19
John 18:19-21 “The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 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. Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.’” I had a friend in South Africa, the late Judge Neels Claassen, who wrote a book entitled, “The Last Passover of Jesus on Earth: A judicial perspective of His trials, crucifixion, and resurrection.” He outlined the Jewish requirements for a fair trial from the Jewish Mishnah, the oldest authoritative codification of Jewish laws compiled over a period of two centuries. “This jurisdiction was vested in the Jewish Council or Sanhedrin comprising the High Priest, elders, and scribes, a total of 71. There were exceptionally strict regulations for trials. 1. The complainants had to apprehend the accused during daylight hours and then bring the prisoner to court. 2. A capital crime had to be heard during daylight hours. 3. The bench was not allowed to interrogate the accused. 4. Judgment had to be reserved until the next day, and in the event of conviction, the sentence had to also be delayed until the following day. 5. A conviction could only be imposed based on the evidence of at least two reliable and independent witnesses. The first two regulations were ignored as they arrested Jesus during darkness and they were intent on a capital crime. The third regulation was mocked as the high priest questioned Jesus. Even though Annas was not the acting High Priest, Jesus answered Annas according to the law. Basically, He reminded Annas of what was required by law. Jesus had spoken openly and thus there were plenty of opportunities for witnesses to be summoned and to testify. So Jesus asked, “Why do you question Me?” This is an amazing act of love in the midst of confrontation. He was actually speaking for Annas’ highest good, even though He knew it would cost Him. He knew His fate was already determined. Even yet, without making any accusations against him, he lovingly reminded Annas and the rest of the court of what was right. Sometimes that is the only way to love in a situation when someone is out to get you and hates you. You can simply state the truth without accusing them. It was Peter who described Jesus’ attitude and actions before this council. May we love like this. 1 Peter 2:21-23. “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
