John the Evangelist reports the soldiers brought Jesus after his arrest first in front of Annas, the former high priest and father-in-law of the then high priest Caiaphas. Annas was a corrupt person and had bribed the Romans to get the position of high priesthood. He had a business alliance with the merchants, who were money changers and sellers of sacrificial animals in the temple area. Since excessive exploitation was taking place in the name of God at the holy place, Jesus had wiped out the businessmen. That ignited the fury of Annas against Jesus and caused the arrest of Jesus.
Jesus questioned the trial by Annas because he was violating the Jewish procedure of the trial. The accusers had to bring two independent witnesses against the accused. The judge should not ask leading questions to the suspect. When Jesus questioned these, the Temple guard struck Jesus. He questioned that as well.
We might also face challenging situations and false accusations. We do not have to agree with falsehood of any kind whatsoever.
REFLECTION
As a high priest and Jewish judge, Annas should have welcomed Jesus Christ as the Messiah and introduced him to the fellow Jews. Because corruption crept into his life, he had evil motives and considered the Messiah as his opponent. Thus, he was like a blind leading the blind, falling into the pit of destruction. Are we in the same role or are we under the influence of such mischiefs?