What does John 18:19 mean?
That the former high priest, Annas, even asks these questions is dishonest. The religious leaders of Jerusalem already knew what Jesus was teaching (John 18:20–21). They already knew their opinion of His ministry, and their fears over what it might bring (John 11:47–487). And they already knew what the conclusion of their so-called trial would be (John 11:53). The entire purpose of arresting Jesus secretly, at night, away from supportive crowds (John 11:57) was to ensure no interference in their plan to have Him killed.Extensive knowledge of first-century Judaism is not needed to see the unfairness of these proceedings. Jesus is taken in the middle of the night, in secret, abused by His captors (John 18:22), and accused by obviously false witnesses (Mark 14:55–59). And yet, contrary to their own claims, Israel's religious leaders will condemn Jesus to death and pressure the Roman governor to carry out an execution (John 18:29–30).
John 18:19–24 begins a series of dishonest hearings led by Jewish religious leaders. The person leading the interrogation is Annas, the "true" high priest, though his son-in-law Caiaphas is Rome's current appointee. Much as a courtroom prosecutor might ask an accused to explain their actions, the high priest gives Jesus an opportunity to confess what He has taught. Yet, as Jesus points out, everyone there already knows what He has been teaching. Additional details of this sham trial are found in Matthew 26:59–68, Mark 14:55–65 and Luke 22:63–71.
Jesus is secretly, quietly arrested in the garden of Gethsemane and taken to a series of sham trials before Jewish leadership. This leads to His encounter with the local Roman governor. Jesus accepts being described as "King" but denies that His current purpose is earthly rule. A mob assembled by Jesus' enemies reject Pilate's attempt to free Jesus. In the meantime, Peter fulfills Christ's prophecy about a three-fold denial.
