Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him ¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year (John 18:12-13).

There are three phases of the “trials” Jesus went through in front of the Jewish leaders. It all starts with Jesus being taken to Annas. Only John tells us that Jesus was originally sent to Annas for his initial questioning. Annas was the former high priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas, the current high priest. According to tradition, the residence of Annas was on the south side of Jerusalem, not far from the city wall. Annas was the high priest from A.D. 7-15, when he was deposed by the Roman procurator, Valerius Gratus.

After Annas’ removal he continued to wield great influence among the Jews and the Romans, managing to elevate to the high priesthood four of his sons, as well as Caiaphas, his son-in-law. As an elder statesman, Annas was regarded with great respect by the Jewish community.

John’s account continues: “Meanwhile, 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. ²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.’ ²² 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. 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?’ ²⁴ Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest” (John 18:19-24).

Annas specifically asked Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. The former high priest was looking for incriminating evidence. If Jesus said he had a big following and gave any indication that they were frustrated or agitated, the Jews could take that information to the Roman authorities and make their case for Jesus to be killed. It’s also likely that Annas asked Jesus about his teaching hoping that Jesus would say something contrary to Mosaic and Roman law.

Jesus admitted that he taught openly in public settings to all who would hear him. His answers irritated one of the officers of the temple, who slapped him on the cheek. Striking Jesus was illegal since no sentence had been passed and prisoners who were not found guilty were not allowed to be abused.

After Annas was done, it is not clear how far they had to take Jesus to get to Caiaphas. It’s possible that Annas and Caiaphas lived in separate rooms in the same building. The appearance before Annas was like a preliminary hearing to determine some charges and get his input on how to proceed.

In today’s world, there are seemingly endless accusations and investigations regarding government, business, school, and religious leaders. Of course, the desire to root out corruption is good, but sometimes the motives for such inquiries are greed, jealousy, and the lust for power and control. Certainly, Jesus’ appearance before Annas had nothing to do with fairness. It was designed to dig up dirt and it was tainted by a preconceived view of Jesus’ guilt.

Have you ever been misunderstood and falsely accused? Jesus demonstrated the best way to respond to injustice. Following his example, we must entrust ourselves to God and continue to do what is good (1 Peter 2:21-23, 4:19).

Prayer

Father God, when trouble comes help us to stay faithful to you. Give us the strength to do the right thing even when others are not. We are grateful that you give grace each day to weather the storms of life and bring honor to you in how we respond.

Question

Think of a time you had to rely on God for wisdom and patience in how to respond to someone. What did you learn from that experience?