John 18:19-24
The High Priest Questions Jesus
19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20"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. 21Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."
22When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.
23"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
All four gospels write about the questioning of Jesus before the chief priests, the teachers of law, the Sanhedrin, and the High Priest...This is right before He is tortured and put on the cross...
The former High Priest, Annas, and son-in-law of the current High Priest, question Jesus...The former High Priest asks Jesus about His disciples and His teachings...Jesus taught at the synagogues and by the temple...He did much of the these teachings in public, so the High Priest and his (Annas') followers and friends would have been able to see Him teaching and what He taught...Jesus make Annas aware of His keeping His message and teachings in the open and in public...
One official does not like Jesus' answer or tone to Annas and slaps Him...Jesus says He has done nothing wrong, and asks what has He done wrong...However, He says if He has spoken the truth, why did you slap me...Annas then sends Him to the current High Priest, Caiaphas...
Throughout John, Jesus gives us His teachings, His beliefs, His signs, His telling us who He is...The people (throughout John) and followers are listening and watching Him and trying to make an informed decision...The decision and the question is - is He the One, our Messiah...
John's story's is reaching a climax at the arrest and questioning and His trial...The crowd who greeted Him with raised hands and praise , would later have another crowd greet Him with clenched fists and crucifixion...The disciples whose thoughts throughout His teachings were strong during His teachings would disappear and they also would deny and question Him...
I think many believers of today, have these same issues of belief, one day (of good belief) and question about their faith the next (less belief)...If we were there on Good Friday would we have still been praising Him???...There were questions then, and still questions now, about the strength of our belief...