Truth & Being Truthful--The Courage of Your Convictions

John 18:13-24 (NIV)

¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people…. ¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. ²⁰ "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. ²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." ²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. ²³ "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" ²⁴ Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.

The passion story is so familiar to most of us, yet, if we spend time to not only read it, but to truly reflect upon it, it is SO powerful. As I read this passage today I am stuck by two thoughts. 1) Jesus spoke, lived, etc. openly. How open is my life? How much of my life would I prefer remain secret—thoughts and actions (words are generally public, although in gossip are there those I would not like some to hear?). 2) Jesus spoke the TRUTH. How often do I shade or color truth (or at least attempt to do so) in order to advance myself. Jesus spoke the truth and it resulted in His death. To what extent am I ready to live for and to even die for the truth. Thank You Jesus for being THE TRUTH, THE WAY, and THE LIFE.

John 8:31-32 (NIV)

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 14:6 (NIV)

⁶ Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.