Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

9 June 2026

Reading From John 18:19-40

“Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.”

—John 18:19-24

     Jesus wasn’t hiding anything.  He taught openly.  His teachings are not hidden from the world as with some religious groups.  The Lord wants everyone to know the Good News of His salvation, healing, power and hope that He makes freely available to whosoever will believe and receive.  There were outcasts from society along with members of the ruling class, secular and religious, in Jesus’ day who became His followers.  Both men and women followed Him as well as people from different ethnicities.  The Gospel is the most inclusive and exclusive message in that it is for the whole world, but is only available to those who choose to believe, confess, repent and receive Him as Savior and Lord. 

“Lord, thank You for revealing the plan of salvation to us so that we can be free from sin.  I pray that those who have received You will grow in their faith and knowledge of You.  Guide us by Your Holy Spirit into the deeper truths of our faith. We desire to know You more and experience all that You have for us.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

—Luke 8:16-18