12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be expedient if one man died for the people.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- Spend some time learning about Annas and Caiaphas.
- John 18:13, 19-24
- Luke 3:2
- Matthew 26:3
- Acts 4:1-7
- What do you think they knew of Jesus and believed about Jesus (see also Jn 5:39-40, 45-47)?
- Who is really in charge here? Was he REALLY bound?
Prayer
Jesus, please give me the courage to live for you all the days of my life. Regardless of the situation or circumstances, the struggles or the suffering, the joys and delight, please help me to glorify you, to reflect faith in you, and to not waver…for you did not waver when faced with the worst. Amen.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: be expedient | Transliterated Word: sumphero
The Greek word translated “expedient” (sumphero) means literally, “to bear or bring together;” with a personal reference, “to be well or profitable.” In the New Testament it never means “profitable” or “convenient” as opposed to what is strictly right. It is translated “expedient” (John 11:50, “it is expedient for us,” the Revised Version (British and American) “for you;” John 16:7, “It is expedient for you that I go away,” i.e., “profitable,” “for your good,” 18:14; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23; 2 Corinthians 8:10; 2 Corinthians 12:1). In Matthew 19:10, instead of “not good to marry,” the Revised Version (British and American) has “not expedient.” The modern sense of “expediency” as “hastening” or “acceleration,” is not found in the New Testament, any more than its bad sense of “mere convenience.” “Nothing but the right can ever be expedient” (Whately).
FUN FACT: Jesus (John 16:7) and Caiaphus (John 18:12-14) both use the same word to describe how important it was that this event was expedient.
Family Engagement Activity
CONTROL GAME:
Let the children scatter around the room and begin doing the things that the parent gives them directions to do which will be things that are hard to CONTROL, such as, standing on one foot, standing on their heads, doing cart wheels, standing against a wall with their feet out and only their back against the wall; and anything else that the parent can think of that might be difficult to control.
OR
STOP AND GO CONTROL:
The parent will call out an activity for the children to do such as walk, run, skip, or hop. When the parent says, “STOP”, the children must stop the activity and stand perfectly still. The parent will then call out a different activity and say “GO.” The children will then begin the new activity until the parent says, “Stop.” This activity will continue with the parent being in control.
Going Activities To Consider
Today, Jesus stayed bound, not because humans were able to contain Jesus, but because He was not going to stop to do the will of God which was the cross. What are some of the things that you allow to control you? Consider a way to prevent that from happening. Talk to a mentor or friend about this. Also, consider thanking someone that stopped at nothing to make sure God’s love was provided to you. Thank that person today!