Thoughts on the Gospel of John (179) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
John 18:12–15

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (179)
Jesus’ enemies have just experienced once again who Jesus of Nazareth really is: the Son of God, who only needs to say one word and they fall to the ground. At the same time, they have seen how merciful He is: He healed Malchus’ ear. But neither Jesus’ power nor His mercy cause them to change their attitude towards Him.

The Son of God is arrested and bound – but only because He allows it. Three times the evangelist John reports that the leaders of the Jews wanted to seize Jesus, but “no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come” (ch. 7:30; cf. 7:44; 10:39). Like a sheep being led to the slaughter, He is now brought before Annas the high priest.

Annas had once officially served as high priest. And even now he was still held in high esteem. But in the meantime, Caiaphas, his son-in-law, had been appointed high priest by the Roman occupying power. His advice that one man should die for the people so that the whole nation would be spared is mentioned again here (cf. ch. 11:50). Thus, it is already implied here that the death of Jesus is a firmly decided matter – no matter what the outcome of the following trials would be.

The evil intention of the religious leaders of the people is used by God to bless people: Jesus’ death brings life to all who believe in Him!

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Esther 6:1-14 · Proverbs 20:11-20