(remember, these are unedited/draft show notes, not a transcript — listening is always better…and if you listen AND follow along below, you’ll see how)
Focus Question:
What is Caiaphas' motivation?
Intro:
It is at this point in Matthew where we turn to its three-chapter conclusion. And right away in our reading we’ll hear about Caiaphas, the guy who’s the head dude of the 71-person ruling counsel, the Jewish Supreme Court if you will. And he’ll appear again in the next couple days. So, who was Caiaphas, what’s his motivation? Let’s look at that before we start reading.
Next to the Roman governor (Caiahpas) was the most powerful man in Judea and was responsible to the Romans for the conduct of the nation. Caiaphas was, therefore, especially concerned about the popular enthusiasm and political unrest centering around the ministry of Jesus and about its implications for the revolutionary sentiment of the time. The activities of the Zealots were increasing and were destined to break out soon into open revolt.
Caiaphas played a chief role in Jesus’ arrest and trial. The leaders laid their plans in his palace (Mt 26:3–5); it was there also that part of Jesus’ preliminary trial took place with Caiaphas presiding (Mt 26:57–68). …Upon Jesus’ admission that he was “the Christ, the Son of God,” Caiaphas tore his robes and charged him with blasphemy (Mt 26:63–66).
The historian Josephus records that Caiaphas was appointed to his office about AD 18 and ruled until he was deposed about AD 36. The high priest held office at the whim of the Romans, so Caiaphas’ unusually long term indicates that he was a man of considerable political skill.(1)
New Testament segment:
Passage: Matthew 26:1-46
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 46
Words: ~972
Hey, each day of late I’ve been talking about chapters 13-27 of Isaiah being three sets of oracles. Well today’s that third set, the big picture of which is that these speak to the final end. There’s a description predicting consequences for rebelling against God, a promise of deliverance, and ordination of peace, and a promise of fruitfulness.(1)
Old Testament segment:
Passage: Isaiah 24-27
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 69
Words: ~1882
Wisdom segment:
Passage:
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses:
Words: ~
The bottom line:
That imagery of God as Israel’s hope? Both a timely reality for the Israelites there ~700BC, and a type or vision for you and me. Good stuff!
Love you!
Roger
ForTheHope is a daily audio Bible + apologetics podcast and blog. We’ve got a passion for just keepin’ it real, having conversations like normal people, and living out the love of Jesus better every single day.
Roger Courville, CSP is a globally-recognized expert in digitally-extended communication and connection, an award-winning speaker, award-winning author, and a passionately bad guitarist. Follow him on Twitter -- @RogerCourville and @JoinForTheHope – or his blog: www.forthehope.org.
Sources and resources:
(1) Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Caiaphas,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 398.
(2) Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 1239.