The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” — John 18:19-22

Jesus stands before Annas, a former high priest who still influences the Jewish religious system. I have dubbed him the "Godfather" because of all the collusion and corruption surrounding him during the time of Jesus.

We don't know precisely where this interrogation occurred in the house, but Annas gets to Jesus first. And when you listen to the interrogation, you hear the boldness in Jesus's response. It contrasts sharply with how Peter behaved in the courtyard around the campfire.

In this hearing, Jesus declares two truths. First, he spoke openly. And this was true. Everything Jesus did, he did openly. This was true in both the synagogue and in the Temple. He spoke and acted in full view of the religious authorities, which leads to his second point. The religious authorities had plenty of time to gather all evidence against Jesus before this moment. There was no need to interrogate him because a mountain of evidence was made public for all to hear. But, as we see, this second truth will get Jesus a slap in the face. But this wasn't sarcasm. It was the truth that they interpreted as sarcasm because they rejected the truth.

Believing men need to take a lesson from the Master here. Jesus knew the truth, so he declared the truth. His personal beliefs were always made public because Jesus understood there is no such thing as a private faith in God.

But here's the issue for most men. Our publicity will eventually meet with persecution because, at some point, someone will protest the truth. But when we encounter this moment, something is revealed through us — boldness. Boldness is born. And for a believer, boldness is not manufactured by self-confidence. It is a by-product of deep convictions derived from God's truth publicly proclaimed to those around us. While we may "look" bold, we are mere stewards of something bolder than us — God's bold truth.

Jeremiah 23:29 reads, "Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?"

Then Acts 4:13 explains, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

So, are you ready to be bold? If so, take what you have kept private, like Peter, and go public like Jesus. Don't be the coward standing by the campfire; be the man who is willing to suffer a slap in the face.

ASK THIS:

Jesus' boldness was a by-product of deep convictions derived from God's truth. How can men today cultivate deep convictions in their faith?

When you think about your own life, are there areas where you've kept your faith too private, perhaps out of fear of how others might react? How can you begin to go public with your beliefs, like Jesus did?

Consider the statement, "Boldness is born when our convictions are publicly proclaimed." What convictions do you hold in your faith, and how can you share them more openly with others?

DO THIS: Discover boldness by going public.

PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me the strength and courage to boldly proclaim my faith and convictions, just as Jesus did, even in the face of opposition. May Your truth guide my actions and words, leading me to be a faithful witness in the world. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Take Courage.