|
Caiaphas’s Profile
Caiaphas was the leader of the religious group called the
Sadducees. Educated and wealthy, they were politically influential in the
nation. As the elite group, they were on fairly good terms with Rome. They hated
Jesus because he endangered their secure life-styles and taught a message they
could not accept. A kingdom in which leaders served had no appeal to
them.
Caiaphas’s usual policy was to remove any threats to his
power by whatever means necessary. For Caiaphas, whether Jesus should die was
not in question; the only point to be settled was when his death should
take place. Not only did Jesus have to be captured and tried; the Jewish council
also needed Roman approval before they could carry out the death sentence.
Caiaphas’s plans were unexpectedly helped by Judas’s offer to betray Christ.
Caiaphas did not realize that his schemes were actually part
of a wonderful plan God was carrying out. Caiaphas’s willingness to sacrifice
another man to preserve his own security was clearly selfish. By contrast,
Jesus’ willingness to die for us was a clear example of loving self-sacrifice.
Caiaphas thought he had won the battle as Jesus hung on the cross, but he did
not count on the resurrection!
Caiaphas’s mind was closed. He couldn’t accept the
resurrection even when the evidence was overwhelming, and he attempted to
silence those whose lives had been forever changed by the risen Christ (Matthew
28:12,13). Caiaphas represents those people who will not believe because they
think it will cost them too much to accept Jesus as Lord. They choose the
fleeting power, prestige, and pleasures of this life instead of the eternal life
God offers those who receive his Son. What is your choice?
Caiaphas’s Strength and Accomplishment
1. High priest for 18 years
Caiaphas’s Weaknesses and Mistakes
1. One of those most directly responsible for Jesus’ death
2. Used his office as a means to power and personal security
3. Planned Jesus’ capture, carried out his illegal trial, pressured Pilate to
approve the crucifixion, attempted to prevent the resurrection, and later tried
to cover up the fact of the resurrection
4. Kept up religious appearances while compromising with Rome
5. Involved in the later persecution of Christians
Lessons from Caiaphas’s Life
1. God uses even the twisted motives and actions of his enemies to bring
about his will
2. When we cover selfish motives with spiritual objectives and words, God still
sees our intentions
Caiaphas’s Vital Statistics
1. Where: Jerusalem
2. Occupation: High priest
3. Relative: Father-in-law: Annas
4. Contemporaries: Jesus, Pilate, Herod Antipas
Key Verse
"Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up,
‘You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one
man die for the people than that the whole nation perish’ " (John 11:49,50).
|