(story told in Matthew 26:57; Luke 3:2; John 11:18; Acts 4:6)
Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest during the time of Jesus’ ministry and crucifixion. As high priest, he held great religious and political influence, serving as a bridge between the Jewish leaders and the Roman government. He was responsible for overseeing temple worship and protecting the nation’s religious order. Yet, when Jesus began to gain followers and perform miracles, Caiaphas saw Him not as the Messiah, but as a threat to his authority and to Israel’s fragile peace under Rome.
When the council of Jewish leaders debated how to handle Jesus, Caiaphas spoke with cold practicality. He said, “It is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.” Without realizing it, his words became a prophecy—Jesus would indeed die, but His death would bring salvation to all people, not political safety.
Later, Caiaphas led the council that condemned Jesus. He accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God and sent Him to Pilate to be executed. Even after the resurrection, when Peter and John boldly preached about Jesus in the temple, Caiaphas and the other leaders tried to silence them, ordering them not to speak in His name.
Caiaphas’s life shows the danger of valuing position and control over truth. Though he witnessed God’s power through Jesus’ words and works, he refused to believe.
Caiaphas reminds us that pride and fear can blind even the most religious hearts. God’s truth cannot be silenced, and His plans move forward—even through those who oppose Him. In the end, Caiaphas’s attempt to stop Jesus only fulfilled God’s greater purpose of redemption.