Trial Before Annas

In his book I Surrender, Patrick Morley writes that the church’s integrity problem is in the misconception “that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior.” He goes on to say, “It is revival without … More

Repentance

It is evident that two of Jesus’ disciples had followed the Lord and His enemies across the Kidron Valley into the city of Jerusalem and into the courtyard of the High Priest. One of these disciples was Simon Peter and the other one is unknown. Many think it was John (v. 15). It has been suggested that John’s father was in the salt fish business and that he supplied fish to the household of the High Priest. If this is true, John would have been known to the High Priest and his servants. Peter stayed near the gate and denied that he knew Jesus (vv. 16-18).

Annas had served as high priest but was thrown out of office by the Romans and now his son-in-law Caiaphas was the high priest. This means that the trial before Annas was illegal, and it proved to be very brutal. Annas was looking for something for which to convict Jesus. He questioned Him as to His doctrine (v. 19). Jesus responded that He had nothing to hide and that He had taught publicly in the synagogues and in public places (v. 20). 

Jesus refused to be a witness against Himself and instead He asked Annas to produce witnesses who could testify as to His teaching (v. 21). Jewish law demanded that witnesses be called before a prisoner was questioned. Annas defied this law, which made the trial illegal. While Jesus was still tied up, one of the Temple police struck him (vv. 22-23). Since Annas could prove no wrong in Jesus, He sent him to Caiaphas (v. 24).

It was only a short time until Peter denied his Lord three times (vv. 25-27). The big difference between Peter and Judas was that Peter wept over his sins and repented, while Judas admitted his sins but never really repented. Judas expressed remorse, not repentance. It was the difference between godly sorrow that leads to repentance, and the sorrow of the world that leads to death.

Application

Can I think of some times when it was very difficult for me to admit that I was a Christian? I want to be bolder for the Lord in my witness. I know that this will only happen as I allow Him to live in me and through me. My greatest memories in this life are when I have had an opportunity to share the plan to salvation with someone and see them trust Christ as their Savior.

John 18:15-27 (English Standard Version)


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