Today’s reading is John 18:1-23
“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?” Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?””

‭‭John‬ ‭18:19-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/jhn.18.19-23.esv
All,
This stands out because Jesus says, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” We are in a age of “personal truth”. If we hold the Bible as the standard for our behavior, we are likely to be labeled as hateful. I don’t think anyone thinks that Jesus is hateful, but He was persecuted. Do we expect any different? Jesus loves all His children and because of that love, He doesn’t want any of them to suffer in sin. He wants to free us from our sin, but that offends the world sometimes. Please pray that we and our friends are concerned with pleasing Jesus more than pleasing the world. Please pray for Hunter and Stephen as they are building their group.