John 18:12-14 – Jesus before the high priest, Annas

Verse 12 shows us the mixture of people who came to arrest Jesus. They were made up of not only Roman soldiers who were Gentiles, but also servants of the priests and Pharisees, who were Jews. They were of different backgrounds but yet had one thing in common. They were totally blind to the glories of the Lord whom they came to arrest. Bear in mind that all of them encountered the power of Christ. Remember in the previous verses how they all fell to the ground when Jesus identified Himself. Despite Jesus clearly identifying Himself, they were not bothered. They also had witnessed the tender mercy of Jesus when He restored Melchus’ ear that was lopped off by Peter. Yet all these people remained unmoved, indifferent and nonchalant towards what they had experienced and saw in Jesus. This reveals the hardness of heart of natural man. They treated Jesus roughly and had Him bound to Annas. 

This account of Jesus appearing before Annas, recorded here in John’s Gospel is another passage not found in Matthew, Mark and Luke gospels. The synoptic Gospels went straight into the account of Jesus’ appearance before Caiaphas, who was the existing high Priest. They did not record Jesus’ appearance before Annas, Caiaphas’ father-in-law. Caiaphas had previously advised that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. This account shows us the amazing humility of Jesus, who submitted Himself to such humiliation before His creatures. Just imagine the King of all kings and the Judge of the universe had to appear before Annas and Caiaphas, grossly unqualified men and be insulted and mocked. Had Jesus not surrendered His will to the Father, none of these could have happened to Him. All it needed was a word from Him and the whole cohort of them who came to arrest Him would have been confounded. Yet unresistingly, He allowed Himself to be bound by these people to appear before Annas and Caiaphas, who one day had to stand before Him in ultimate judgment.    

Annas and Caiaphas were both clearly identified as high priests. The reason is that the Romans elected a high priest for Israel each year. And a high priest could be re-elected. But according to Exodus 40:15, a high priest retained his office until death. In the eyes of the Jews, Annas was still a high priest. But why did John have this recorded? To show us that the people knew that Annas would take a tougher stand. Verse 14 was making a reference to Caiaphas prediction in John 11:49-52. He made reference to the death of Christ in the hope of retaining his office. In a sense, this prediction was his way of currying favor with the Romans. But his prediction revealed the purpose for Jesus’ death – to die on the behalf of the people.  

Jesus, the true High Priest, was being judged by false ones. He subjected Himself to unjust judgments for only one motivation - His great love for us, His creatures. He would soon be put to death to free, heal and restore us. Oh, what marvelous love and grace!