Jesus, the Creator of the world, the King of kings and God the Son was taken away bound with ropes, making sure He could not escape. What foolishness! It was only possible because Jesus gave Himself into their custody in order to fulfil God’s great salvation-plan.
 
They took Jesus to somebody important – the High Priest’s father-in-law. Although the Roman authorities had deposed Annas from the role, allowing his less experienced son-in-law to take over, Annas was still regarded as the ‘proper’ High Priest by many. Caiaphas however, had already made his mark with the Romans. Instead of standing up for the rights of the Jews, he agreed with the occupying military to allow the death of Jews who would be trouble, and thus save the country from Roman wrath. Little did he realise that the death of Jesus would be good for the whole world – saving those who believe from God’s wrath.
 
Trying to control God is foolish because we can never succeed. Compared to Him we are very small and powerless. Whatever schemes we might invent, if they do not please Him they cannot bring long term blessing. Yet human nature is desperate to be like God, to replace God or to manipulate God. How foolish! However, many religious practices attempt to do just that: bargaining with God through ‘good works’, prayers, fasting or pilgrimages. The only proper responses to God are to worship Him, obey Him, and serve Him – not as a way of winning His approval but as a grateful response to all that He has freely done for us.