A Jewish high priest.  His main job was to look over the sanctuary and all that belonged to the sacred service.  His job was also hereditary, meaning it was passed down from father to son.

High Priest

A Jewish high priest. His main job was to look over the sanctuary and all that belonged to the sacred…

Also known as Kohen Gadol or Kohen ha-Gadol. The High Priest of Israel could officiate sacrifices and enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur.

High Priest of Israel

Also known as Kohen Gadol or Kohen ha-Gadol. The High Priest of Israel could officiate sacrifices and…

"And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:" Leviticus 2:2 KJV

The High Priest Offering Incense on the Golden Altar

"And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour…

"And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Luke 2:22-24 ASV
<p>Illustration of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the temple forty days after his birth.

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

"And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought…

"And the child Samuel ministered unto Jehovah before Eli. And the word of Jehovah was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision." I Samuel 3:1 ASV
<p>Ilustration of the three-year-old Samuel being brought before Eli, the High Priest, by his mother Hannah. Hannah's left hand is over her heart as she holds Samuel's small hand. Samuel carries a small staff. Eli sits on a throne and reaches out for Samuel. There is a hanging lamp (left), two scrolls lying on a table and a bench, and a curtained window that reveals a town in the distance.

Samuel Meets Eli, the High Priest, at Shiloh

"And the child Samuel ministered unto Jehovah before Eli. And the word of Jehovah was precious in those…

"And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him. But he denied, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou also art one of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not. And after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was with him; for he is a Galilaean. But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew." Luke 22:56-60 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter denying his knowledge of Christ to a woman and a soldier. Peter sits in a courtyard. Jesus walks by (left), with his hands bound by rope, being followed by soldiers. A rooster sits on a windowsill above Peter's head. A column and low wall separate Jesus and Peter.

The Denial of Peter - Jesus Looks at Peter in the Courtyard

"And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him,…

"Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? They answered and said, He is worthy of death." Matthew 26:65-66 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus standing in trial before the High Priest, Caiaphas, and the other priests in the temple. Caiaphas rents his robe and points at Jesus in accusation. A soldier kneels at Jesus' feet with the rope that binds Jesus' feet. The soldier looks up at Jesus with arms open.

Jesus Appears Before Caiaphas, the High Priest

"Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we…

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year." John 18:12-13 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus with his hands bound behind his back, being led before Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas, the High Priest. The surrounding text confirms it is Annas and not Caiaphas. Annas sits on an elevated platform. Other robed men sit on benches to his right and left. A servant holds the ropes binding Jesus.

The Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus - He is Taken Before Annas, the Former High Priest

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led…