Were you there? Annas

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers. Matthew 21:12-13, NIV

Annas was a member of the Sadducees, the elite ruling class in first-century Judea. He and his family were notorious for their greed. Much of their wealth came from their control over the "booths of the sons of Annas," market stalls located on the Mount of Olives. They also ran stalls inside the temple complex, in the Court of the Gentiles. Through these, they monopolised the sale of sacrificial animals and the exchange of money into temple coins for offerings, charging exorbitant prices and exploiting the poor to amass their wealth. When Jesus entered the temple, he drove out the money changers and sellers, condemning their corrupt practices. This action struck a financial blow to Annas’s family.

According to John, Jesus was initially brought before Annas before being sent to Caiaphas who was the current high priest and leader of the Sanhedrin. Annas is likely the one most responsible for orchestrating the arrest, trial, and crucifixion. He highlights the dangers of unchecked power, greed, and the willingness to compromise righteousness for personal gain.

Let's pray
Lord, guard my heart against the temptations of greed and power. Help me to adhere to your standards and seek righteousness and integrity above all else, following your example of justice and compassion. Guide me to act with humility, reflecting your love and truth in all that I do. In Jesus’, name. Amen.