It was not only the Jews who arrested Jesus, but the Roman officer who arrived with soldiers for the same purpose. Christ, who is Lord over death and demons, who calmed the storm, healed the sick, and forgave sins, endured the bonds meekly. The One who was free became a captive. The Lord became shackled and fettered. We caused that because of our ugly sins. His bonds represent one further step downwards towards his humiliation to the lowest degree on the cross.
Annas was the high priest from 6 BC to 15 BC. In theory, he was in office for life, but Rome removed him from his seat. Eventually, they picked Caiaphas, the Fox, his son-in-law, a devious lawyer. He was able to meet the demands of the Law as well as the requirements of Rome. He was notoriously sly and deceitful, the prophet of Satan who produced a fraudulent prophecy about Jesus’ death to ensure the nations’ survival. The trial that ensued was a tragedy dramatized to condemn the accused, with a trumped up charge, to give an appearance of justice. Those who were disturbed in their consciences were given the impression that the trial was fair and based on clear evidence.
John does not record the events surrounding the two sittings of the Trial, as recounted in the other gospels, but he gives prominence to the investigation and questioning that preceded the Trials before Annas, chief of the priestly clan. He was still the prime mover of the developments in the land. Caiaphas ordered that the preliminary questioning be transferred to Annas as a mark of respect.