Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 26:57-68
And
Read Mark 14:53-65
And
Read Luke 22:54
And
Read John 18:12-14
And
Read John 18:19-24
There's two story lines going on at the same time here -- we'll look at Peter's denial of Jesus later -- but right now I want us to focus on the first trial of Jesus.
Jesus was first taken to Annas before being taken to Caiaphas. These two men were arguing over who should be high priest -- Annas had been officially replaced by Caiaphas (his son-in-law) -- but apparently still had enough power to get first crack at Jesus and note that he was considered to still "be" high priest by his hired men.
Israel, at the time of Jesus, functioned under Roman rule as a self-ruled state. The high priest was the local political ruler of the people -- if they kept order and peace. The Romans collected taxes and provided military support and policing, but primarily left the day-to-day life intact. However, the high priest could not break Roman rule -- which meant that they could not sentence a man to death without a trial before a Roman judge.
When you look at the picture it is so ludicrous. Here are two earthly political men – disguised as spiritual leaders, Caiaphas and Annas who have no real power -- only puppet power as allowed by the Romans -- requiring the King of Kings, Creator of the Universe to report to them.
Then it hits me. How often we demand that God report to us and explain His actions! He often acts in a way that we don't understand or approve or like and we rant and rave and demand explanations. We cry or pout or scream at Him. Some people get mad and declare they are "done with Him."
When life doesn't seem fair, when our friends turn against us, when jobs terminate, when marriages fail, when floods or storms destroy, when pain comes, etc. How often do we bow before Him in total confidence and say, "As You wish, Sir"?
Don't you think it pleases Him to no end when we come to Him and honestly say, "I'm hurting because I can't see the end result -- but I trust You. I KNOW You love me, and I trust You. Please carry me through this." He IS King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He IS Almighty God, Creator of the Universe. He says He will not withhold any good thing from us (Psalm 84:11). He says He will work all things for our good if we love Him and walk according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28).
How much do you trust that God is designing what is best for you?