JESUS SPEAKING
The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.” (John 18: 19 – 21)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
After His arrest, the high priest began questioning Jesus about His doctrine. He responded by proclaiming that His teachings were never secret; but rather, He preached openly so everyone could hear Him and ask questions. The purity of truth requires no concealment, nor is there any sort of hidden knowledge required for Christianity. Unlike Christ, there have been many false prophets throughout history who have professed Godly authority, but were required to conceal their beliefs or activities because they were evil.
In the 1800s a false prophet named Joseph Smith founded Mormonism. Because he could not control his fleshly lusts he cheated on his first wife Emma, but then afterwards claimed that God had given him a revelation that polygamy (having multiple wives) was ordained by God. And so knowing this would be seen as universally evil by those of any respectable Christian religion, he kept this doctrine secret. For many years, he and his cohorts married multiple women, even consummating marriages with other men’s wives. Joseph and his followers were eventually run out of the state of Missouri, but then moved to Illinois and settled in a town called Nauvoo. Despite his best efforts, his secrets were again uncovered. When the local printing press began running stories pertaining to his polygamous doctrines, he once again attempted to conceal his sins by having the printing press destroyed. Shortly after his arrest, he was killed in jail. Unlike Joseph Smith and other false prophets, Jesus Christ was without sin, and therefore had nothing to conceal. Instead he spoke the gospel truth openly; even allowing others to examine and question Him.
The truth of Christianity is transparent and has never been hidden. There are no secret doctrines or clandestine practices required to follow Jesus Christ. Instead, the gospel is very simple and devoid of human corruption. If we look to Christ alone as our teacher, we can avoid false prophets, embrace transparency, and never stray from what is right. May we all walk in that truth.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to draw nearer to you, and to grow in our faith. May we never be persuaded by false prophets who twist the truth to conceal their lies. But rather, give us the strength to remain committed to the gospel as we spread Your message to those who are in need of hope. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
