They led Him to Annas first

John Farley
Pastor Teacher
Sunday,
March 16, 2025

They led him to Annas first

JOH 18:11-27

It is the cup of the wrath of God against sin.

2CO 5:21

He was made to be sin.

He endured the wrath of God against sin when He bore our sins in His body on the cross.

Verses 12-27 record the arrest of Jesus, followed by His trials before the religious leaders:

the high priests Annas and Caiaphas. Interspersed between the trials are the three denials of Peter.

Verses 12-14: Jesus is arrested and brought before Annas
Verses 15-18: Peter’s first denial

Verses 19-24: Jesus is interrogated by Annas and sent to Caiaphas
Verses 25-27: Peter’s second and third denials \

John 11:47-50, 53

John gives both men - Annas and Caiaphas - the title of the high priest. JOH 18:19, Joh18:24 .

So does Luke.

LUK 3:2
ACT 4:5-6

In the Law of Moses, the appointment was for life.

The office of high priest was passed down from father to son.

The high priests were appointed and removed at will by the Roman governor.

Annas was appointed high priest in AD 6 by Quirinius the governor of Syria.

Over the next 50 years, seven members of the family of Annas ruled as high priests:

5 sons, a son-in-law, and a grandson.

Joseph Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas, was appointed in AD 16 and remained in power until AD 36.

Annas remained a powerful figure in Jerusalem.

JOH 18:19-24

Even though he had no official position, he was still referred to as “high priest” by the Jews.

John gives short shrift to the words of Annas and Caiaphas.

Instead, John features the words of Jesus.

Matthew provides Jesus interrogation by Caiaphas in detail.
Why didn’t John?

John wrote to convince his readers that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus is the main character. He delivers the lines.

God does not recognize the priests’ legal or religious authority.

JOH 5:26-27

The day is coming when Jesus will judge these religious leaders.