seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
John 18:19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.
23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Annas was appointed to his office by the Occupying Roman Govenor of Syria. He was well educated. He wielded power from his seat in the Sanhedrin. He, no doubt, had heard of the man from Nazareth who was drawing crowds of thousands upon thousands. He had heard, no doubt, the man had a temper tantrum in the courtyard at the Temple. That, no doubt, cost the Temple some money. The vendors probably didn't pay off the big wigs that day. Annas, no doubt, heard about Lazarus. He probably considered it as some kind of magic trick or staged event. After all, no one comes back from the tomb.Annas would have asked about the disciples, because once Jesus was out of the way, he would need to quash the runner up. That would have probably been John or Peter... right? Snuff out the inner circle and the problem is solved. That's who most cults work, right? They have a leader ready to step up next. Annas seems to be attacking the problem of Jesus like a political coup. Jesus was a threat to him and his buddies. Annas was questioning Jesus as if Jesus was the head of the Resistance!
It's a good thing no one recorded the name of the official, or officer of the guard, that smacked Jesus. That name would have been Mudd. [remember Dr. Mudd who treated John Wilkes Booth] No one wants to be a Mudd. They were actually treating Jesus as if they had already quashed His whole Mission! They thought they got the head of the serpent.
They led Him out bound like a criminal.
It's still only Thursday. Peter still has two denials to make before dawn.
All of this was illegal.
