Second Sunday of Lent

Second Sunday of Lent

So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. John 18:12-14

Meditation

            The Gospel of John adds additional detail to the time in the Garden and the trial before the Sanhedrin the next morning. Jesus is arrested by the Temple police, bound, and taken to a couple of the priests for questioning: Caiaphas, the high priest, and Annas. Earlier, Caiaphas had stated that it was better to have one person, i.e., Jesus, die than to have the entire Jewish way of life threatened, tenuous as their existence was under Rome. No doubt, Caiaphas feared Roman retaliation against the Jews for the unrest Jesus created.

The fact that some of his followers referred to him as their King further enflamed Roman concern because non-Roman kings could not be tolerated.

Spiritual Discipline

            Attend worship at the church of your choice. Hold the picture of Jesus in your mind, bound and standing before the priests. In the evening, review the lessons, your notes, and your Lenten experience of the journey of this past week.

Prayer

            Jesus, my Lord, keep me awake and alert on this journey to the cross with you. Help me understand the significance of the events as they relate to my salvation. Ponder with me the irony of the Son of God on trial before the religious authorities of the day. These things I ask in your most holy name, Amen.

Optional Music Video: Meditation Moment – The Wilderness

This is the 14^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes.Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.