The things that happened during Jesus’ trial were meant to do him harm in order to rid the world of his presence. The opposite happened. As a lamb before the shearers, for the most part, Jesus was silent. The little he did say speaks volumes to us.
John 18: 19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
Jesus asked the question why are you asking me who I am. Why question the Lord? Do you find yourself questioning him? Jesus came right back at them with his own question. Why are you asking me? Pilate asked Jesus a question and he asked him one right back. He wanted Pilate to think for himself.
The inquisition was reversed. Instead of the Scribes and Pharisees tearing Jesus apart, he turned it around on them. Jesus is continually brought up with a question mark. He’s not on trial. We are. Who do you believe Jesus is? It will determine your eternal destiny. This has been the age-old question from generation to generation. People seek answers in every way and place possible. The answer is not found apart from the right way. It’s really an unnecessary question. We may question others but don’t question the Lord.
Jesus directs the question to us. When Moses asked who he should say sent him, God said “I am that I am.” When asked in the Garden who they sought, the soldiers said “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said “I am he.” The question answers itself. When Jesus said “I am” in the courtroom, the High Priest went crazy. The power, presence, and reality of Jesus are that you can see who he is without asking.
This is the real question. Do we know who we are and how we stand before God? We appear to test the Lord. We test the Bible and salvation. We pretend to put Jesus on trial, but we’re the ones on trial. If you’re not saved, you have this moment to put things in order. Take Jesus as Savior. He’ll give you release from a death sentence in hell.
People try to make accusations against Jesus. They’ll find nothing. He will find plenty to accuse us of. We need his mercy, but he doesn’t need ours. The High Priest didn’t want to know; he wanted to find fault. The false witnesses couldn’t get it together. Jesus ignored most of the questions and comments. They weren’t worth making or asking. They had no case. If you have anything against Jesus, you don’t have a case. He has enough to condemn us for eternity, but he chooses not to.
We shouldn’t question the Lord when we get down and out. John the Baptist sent word from prison asking if Jesus was indeed who he said he was. Jesus sent word that all was well. Herod wanted to be entertained by Jesus, but he just stood there. The look scared Herod, so he sent him back to Pilate. Watch what you think and say about Jesus. It will come back to you.
Jesus asked Pilate why he asked his question. Was it for himself or because of what others said. If you blame others or the Lord, before you question him listen to the question he is asking you. He’s giving you the chance to do the right thing.
Jesus did nothing in secret. He was not two-faced. You could believe what he said. He spoke openly and plainly to the people then, and he does the same today. Wherever we are and whatever our intellect, we can understand what he’s saying. None of us will stand before God and say we didn’t understand. The question to ask is who am I before the Lord? He is fully and eternally who he revealed himself to be. He doesn’t have to claim to be it. He showed it.
What will you do? You’ll believe what you want. You’ll do what you want. Remember, you will reap the consequences. Question yourself. See where the fault lies. It’s not in God. It’s not in his Son. Call on him who is above all.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 