There is another reason why Jesus worked so openly. The Christian faith would begin as something everyone knew about. People wrote about His actions. Since Jesus was among the people, there were often many witnesses to what He said and did. He had nothing to hide. He said at His trial,
“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.” (John 18:20-21).
When the apostle Paul was later tried in a royal court, he said,
“For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” (Acts 26:26).
In this, Christianity is different. Some faiths use claims of hidden events, and personal ideas or feelings. These have no way to prove to others that they are true. From the beginning, Christianity was a matter of public and historical record, and could be fully examined. Today, one can still find out whether it is true or false. Indeed, it demands such study. Christians invite people to check for themselves, to examine the facts. “Come and you will see!”
One of the two disciples who met Jesus on that memorable day was named Andrew (John 1:40-42). He was the brother of Simon Peter. Their partners in a fishing business were Zebedee’s sons, James and John (Luke 5:7-10). Jesus chose these four, and eight others, to serve as His special messengers, called “apostles” (Luke 6:12-16). (“Apostle,” like the word “ambassador,” means one who is sent with special authority to pass on his leader’s message.) An important duty of the apostles was to be with Jesus.
And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) so that they might be with Him and He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14).
Being “with Him” meant they could see Him often, at any time of the day or night. They could watch Him closely in good times and bad, happy times and sad, crowded times and lonely. They could see how He met every new challenge. Many people are afraid to let others get too close. Why? Closeness uncovers their faults. But Jesus invited others to be near. By watching, listening and sharing in His life, the apostles could see who He really was. They could also learn how to become like Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they would carry on Jesus’ work after He left. They would be the Spirit’s way for others to come to know Jesus. He made this clear when He prayed for the apostles.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one… ” (John 17:20-21)