John 18:15-38
Everything that transpires in these verses happened between about 1 a m and 6 a m on Friday morning, presumably April 3, 33 A D, according to earlier research that I did for my book, LEAD ME TO THE CROSS.
In yesterday's sharing - which was also technically all on Friday, Jesus was arrested and tied to be taken to those who would try him. This morning I am reminded that those ropes or bindings did not have any power to hold him. He was just being obedient to his Father, who sent him for this purpose - to be the final sacrifice ever needed to cover mankind's sins from the beginning of time when Adam and Eve sinned to the culmination of time when this world comes to its end.
First, that night sometime shortly after midnight, Jesus was taken to Annas, who was the Father-in-law of the high priest, Caiaphas. Peter stood just outside the gate, as close to where Jesus was as he could get. During this time of questioning, John tells us about "another disciple" who was known to the high priest, who arranged for Peter to be let in. I assume that disciple was John himself. And it was just as Peter came through the gate that he denied Jesus the first time (John 18:17).
At that point Jesus was still with Annas, but by verse 24, Jesus was sent bound to Caiaphas.
I am intrigued by these encounters with Annas and Caiaphas in the middle of the night. It is logical to place the timing between about 1 a m and 6 a m, as I stated, so they had to have been awakened by those who brought Jesus into Jerusalem, and why was it with such urgency that it had to be handled in the wee morning hours of the morning under the cover of darkness?
I have been to the holding cell under the high priest's house, alleged to be where Jesus was held between his 'visits' with these two men of religious renown. It was an incredibly memorable experience. It was a holding hole under the house - a space that he would likely have been lowered into. Dark. Cold. Bound. Alone. Waiting.
His next 'visit' was with Caiaphas, and while he was there, Peter denied Jesus 2 more times (verses 25 and 27) Immediately a rooster crowed. It was just as Jesus told him.
After seeing Caiaphas, in the early morning after the rooster crowed, Jesus was led to Pilate, and Pilate gave in to the mob will of the people, even though he could find no fault in Jesus. He released a criminal instead of the one who can save criminals from their sins. Talk about lawfare! Jesus lived it. It's tempting to say he also died from it - but we know better. This abuse was part of the plan. He was verbally abused, not believed, falsely accused, slapped.
Lord, I don't deserve the love you poured out, the price you paid. I am humbled once again just by reviewing this account. Lord Jesus, thank you! I am overwhelmed!
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