Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
How do you read today’s verse? Do you hear, “Meanwhile, the high priest, wanting to better understand who Jesus was and what he was all about, gently questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.” Or, do you hear, “Meanwhile, the high priest grilled Jesus about the whereabouts of his disciples and how many disciples there might be. He also asked leading questions trying to trick Jesus into admitting his subversive teachings.”
John’s writing style is pithy and economical. He doesn’t give us a lot of information about what is going on. Rather, he sketches out his narrative quickly and efficiently. He is focusing on the important parts of his story, and glossing over the bits of the story that connect the meat to the bone.
Was the high priest, Annas, sympathetic to Jesus in any way? Not likely. Given his close association and relationship with Caiaphas, it is very probable that Annas was at least as hostile to Jesus as Caiaphas was. His questions would not be friendly. They would not be questions intended to allow for fair answers.
And what did Annas want to know about the disciples? Was he looking for information on how big Jesus’ “rebellion” might have grown? Was he thinking ahead to a time when the Jewish leaders might have to hunt down these followers of Jesus? Was there some way he could discover who was secretly a disciple?
What did the high priest’s voice sound like? Was it soft and beguiling? (Come on, Jesus, tell me now… ) Or was his voice sharp and accusatory, angry and spiteful? Regardless of childhood poems that talk about “sticks and stones” and tell us “…names will never hurt me,” words do hurt. How they are said hurts. Especially when they come from someone in authority.
Jesus was already under siege. The forces of evil gather around him and are drawn closer and closer. The Son of God stands quietly, not helplessly, but quietly, submitting to all that is going on.
Food for Thought: Was there a time when you were young, or at school, or this past week where someone attacked you with words? What could Jesus say at this point that would appease the high priest?
Please click “Continue Reading” for comments.
Jesus could not say much to appease the High Priest. That was not His goal. Maybe that was one reason He was so silent. We could probably all learn from His example.
Thanks Rich! Certainly appeasement would compromise Jesus’ relationship with the Father. That is not something he would or could allow. Sometimes people take a stance that precludes real communication taking place. I suspect Annas falls into that category.
The judge of all the earth allowed unfounded accusations against Him to be made by those He created. This profound humility is part of His perfect, omnipotent, wonderful character. I am fairly certain that Annas was in the camp of “Don’t confuse me with the facts; my mind is already made up. “
Thanks JEC –
Humility is a big part of this story, even if it is in the background of Jesus’ character. That is a great point. Thanks for making it.