Day 10
John 18: 19-24
19The high priest then 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 come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
The Examination Before Annas (John 18: 19-24)
The ‘high priest’ now questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. This must be a reference to Annas (verse 13) because after the interrogation he would send Jesus to ‘Caiaphas the high priest’ (verse 24). Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas. Presumably Caiaphas was the official high priest, perhaps recently appointed by Pilate (11:49), but many would still regard Annas as the real high priest, because the job and the title were for life.
What is described was highly illegal. Jewish law made it clear that the accused could not be invited to incriminate himself. Guilt must be established by witnesses. That is why Jesus asked, ‘Why do you ask me?’ This appeal caused an official to strike him. Originally, this was a blow given with something like a piece of wood, but by this time had come to mean a clip with the hand, especially an open hand. The official ‘slapped Jesus in the face’ is what we are being told. It was as illegal as much of the interrogation.
Think: What was ‘highly illegal’ about these proceedings?
