Tomorrow I am preaching on Christ’s first trial before the Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:53-65). But before he appears before Caiaphas he appears before Annas (who was Caiaphas’ father-in-law). Phil Johnson links to an excerpt from Charles Spureon’s sermon on John 18:13. Read the whole thing here but here is just a few paragraphs to help you better become acquainted with this man Annas:
Annas bore a very promising name, for it signifies clement or merciful,yet he was the man to begin the work of ensnaring the Lord Jesus in his speech, if he could be ensnared. He examined him first in a semi-private manner, that, by cunning questions, he might extract from him some ground of accusation. Under pretence of mercy, he turned inquisitor, and put his victim to the question.
This priest, whose name was clemency, showed the usual tender mercies of the wicked, which are proverbially cruel. When Jesus is to be ill-treated in his servants, there is usually a presence of pity and compassion. Persecutors are grieved to feel forced to be harsh; their tender spirits are wounded by being compelled to say a word against the Lord’s people! Fain would they love them if they would not be so obstinate! With sweet language, they inflict bitter wounds; their words are softer than butter, but inwardly they are drawn swords.
