To whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Luke 12:48, NKJV

Accountable Before God

When Annas the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching (John 18:19), Jesus answered directly, “I have spoken openly to the world . . . 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” (John 18:20-21, NIV).

Jesus confronted Annas with the awesome principle that God holds people accountable, not just for what they have heard or know, but for what they have had opportunity to hear and know, with churches on every corner, with religious radio broadcasts, with Christian television programming, with evangelistic crusades and festivals and services…