Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 33; Revelation 19; Malachi 1; John 18
John 18:20-21 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
When Jesus was on trial before the high priest, he was asked about his disciples and his doctrine. They wanted to know what he was teaching. It is very important that we as followers of Jesus understand what Jesus here says. He did not teach a secret doctrine. There was no esoteric teaching from Jesus. He taught openly in the places where the Bible was taught – the synagogue and the temple. The only reason a person would not know what Jesus taught was because they had not been present to hear him teach.
Jesus said that you could ask any one of his disciples and they could tell you what he taught. This is as it should be. Secret groups and societies are not of God. There is no secret inner group of true Christians. All Christians are priests and are able to know all the doctrines of the Word of God. It was the Cabbalists and the Gnostics who came up with the differentiation between exoteric and esoteric doctrines. These groups taught that there were two doctrines to religion. There was the open doctrine or exoteric which was taught to the masses of people. There for a select few initiates, there was an esoteric or hidden doctrine.
Yes, Jesus did choose twelve and he gave them fuller instruction, but those instructions were so that once the Holy Spirit had come, they could fully explain everything to all the followers of Jesus. There is no hidden doctrine and true followers of Jesus must beware of falling into that trap. Anyone who will study the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit can know and understand the Word of God. Jesus wants all his followers to know the truth and to share that truth with the world.
Do not form secret clubs. Be a part of a good, godly church and then openly spread the gospel of Jesus Christ with the whole world!
In Christ,
Rody
