John 18:19-24 19Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews gather together, and I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; these ones know what I said.” 22And when he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus, saying, “Is that how you should answer the high priest?” 23Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if right, why do you strike me?” 24Then Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Jesus was now in the house of Annas, who, because of his position as the accepted, influential, and honored high priest emeritus, likely had a large house with some type of atrium or inner courtyard where this scene took place. Annas interrogated Jesus about two things: his disciples and his teaching. John does not record any specific questions. Jesus was an unorthodox rabbi. His disciples, or students, were not the smart people of the culture but laborers and fishermen. Some may have had some education and high-paying jobs, such as the tax collect Matthew, but others likely only went through the basic education available to boys through the local synagogue. The Jewish leaders were also concerned about what Jesus taught, especially about himself. The scribes and Pharisees had tried to trick him into saying something against the law, but they were unsuccessful.
As verse 20 indicates, Jesus had no need to defend himself because his teaching was all in public. Everyone knew what he taught. He was not hiding anything or trying to be deceitful. His claims of speaking the truth mentioned throughout John’s Gospel stand behind his trial. Jews could not condemn someone without witnesses. In Jesus’ defense were all Jews in the synagogues and temple who heard him teach. No one could find any fault in him. What likely bothered the Jewish leaders the most, especially in the context of John’s Gospel, is what Jesus said about himself. Jesus kept his disciples out of the questioning. He wanted to protect them and not cause them any problems. They would have to face their own trials after the day of Pentecost.
The physical abuse of Jesus begins with verse 22 and how one of the officers struck Jesus. The word for struck (hrapisma) indicates a blow with the back of the hand. Undoubtedly, it hurt significantly. This officer interpreted Jesus’ response as being irreverent or disrespectful to the high priest. Jesus put this man in his place with his response in verse 23. Nothing he said was wrong or a lie. Jesus puts the man on trial by asking for proof. This officer symbolizes the type of response the Jewish leaders would give Jesus.
Annas had the opportunity to make things right at that point but chose not to, but instead, pass the problem on to the current high priest, Caiaphas. Annas was obviously not making any progress. It was getting late, time for bed. Annas’ power was limited to influence not legality. Caiaphas was the one who could bring charges against Jesus to Pilate. He was in charge of the Sanhedrin and could act to get rid of Jesus. At any point, the Jewish leaders could have reversed course, but they would not because of their hardened hearts. Sin and self had so clouded their vision that they refused to recognize the truth before them.
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