Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 18:21 “Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”

Background

The people who work in our accounts receivable department receive a lot of applications from potential new customers. Part of their process to determine whether the company is viable enough to pay for what we sell them is to do a credit check. So they will gather financial statements, talk to their bank representative, inquire of their references, and look up their rating in our trade books, all with the intent of verifying what the customer has claimed about their financial stability. Our initial contact is with the customer themselves, but in order to get completely comfortable with the idea of extending them credit, we attempt to check with those who deal closely with them regarding their finances. And sometimes, despite the claims of the customer, the picture that we gather is not a good one. As much as they might have hoped to get a good report from those they trusted, sometimes the numbers just don’t add up, even though the bank and others are honestly reporting their situation. 

Application

But for Jesus, His situation was slightly different. He, too, said to ask those who knew about Him. He had made His position plain before others, and so He did not hesitate to send His inquisitors to ask of them. But the word on the street was not so good for Jesus. In fact, while Jesus was directing them to ask others, His very own disciple was out in the courtyard below, swearing not once, but three times, that he didn’t know Jesus. When the High Priest and Pilate asked His people if they would accept Him, all they could say was ” Crucify Him. ” And the ones who might have been counted on to defend Him were nowhere to be found, hiding from the persecution they feared would come from associating with Jesus. Today, we are the ones who have heard Him. We know what He has said. But what do we have to say? I fear that in our minds, the thousand little ways we don’t speak up, or choose not to do, somehow fail to qualify as denying Him. We call it something else, but what is it really? Jesus chose to rely on others then, and He’s still doing that today. How are we answering? 

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to show you your part in testifying for the Lord. Seek to bear witness today for Jesus and what He has done for you.