John Profiles

CAIAPHAS

John 11:49-50

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 lifestyles 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 decidedly 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?

Strength and accomplishment	High priest for 18 years
Weaknesses and mistakes	One of the most directly responsible persons for Jesus’ death Used his office as a means to power and personal security 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 Kept up religious appearances while compromising with Rome Involved in the later persecution of Christians
Lessons from his life	God uses even the twisted motives and actions of his enemies to bring about his will When we cover selfish motives with spiritual objectives and words, God still sees our intentions
Vital statistics	Where: Jerusalem Occupation: High priest Relative: Father-in-law: Annas Contemporaries: Jesus, Pilate, Herod Antipas
Key verses	“And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not” (John 11:49-50).

Caiaphas is mentioned in Matthew 26:57; Luke 3:2; John 11; 18; and in Acts 4:6.