The Great High Priest Stands Before the High Priest

When we meditate upon the events of this chapter of John's gospel, among the many observations we can make is the startling observation of contrasts. At the beginning of the chapter, we see the contrast of the armed mob seeking the lone Savior who, with a mere word, shows that He is yet in control. We see the traitor, Judas, who with a kiss (as recorded in Matthew and Mark) betrays the Savior to the malice of the religious and civil authorities. We have also seen incidences of the foolish zeal and shrinking cowardice of Peter displayed within moments of of each other. Now, we see Caiaphas, the high priest, sitting in judgment over the Great High Priest who he is supposed to pre-figure as a type of the Messiah. The contrast could not be starker. Caiaphas has purchased his office; Jesus Christ is the natural High Priest by divine right. All the while Peter, that boldest of disciples, stands outside and continues to deny he knows the one he confessed as the promised Savior and with whom he walked for three years. Yet in the midst of all this, the Jesus Christ is saving His people! – Pastor Schlegel