The journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary would pass through the chambers of the high priest. Ordinarily it was a reverent and hallowed space. It was here that the Sanhedrin debated the interpretations of the Law. Under Roman rule, though they had a great deal of authority, they could not impose the death penalty. The Sanhedrin was the high court of Israel. The high priest was the presiding officer.
The Sanhedrin numbered 71 members. It was made up of chief priests, the elders, and the teachers of the Law. These were bright, well-educated people. They knew the Scriptures. Caiaphas, the high priest, knew the Scriptures.
Even though his was a religious position, for he was God's high priest, Caiaphas was more concerned with his temporal arrangement than being faithful to God. From his lips came this prophesy: "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nations perish" (John 11:50). He had in mind the nation of Israel.
God had other plans for His prophecy. One man, Jesus, would die, so that we, His people, would indeed not perish. In His death our sins would be taken away. Without His innocent death, we would indeed have perished.
THE PRAYER: We praise You, O Lord, for laying down Your life for the whole people of God. Amen.
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