There were a number of people allowed to take part in the Jesus story leading up to the crucifixion, people who thought they were making their own decisions but actually were putty in the hand of God. For prophecy to be fulfilled Jesus had to be crucified but woe to those who were chosen to be the actors in the story. Caiaphas was one of these people.
He had gained his position by cosying up to Caesar. With Jesus standing as a captive before him he was consumed with fear. Not fear of Jesus though in the long run he had every reason to be fearful of Him. Caiaphas was afraid of being thrown out of office, losing face with his people or worse still losing face with the Romans as a whole
Caiaphas had no excuse to doubt the sovereignty of Jesus ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One,’ he asked.
Jesus replied, ‘I am.’
You can’t get any clearer confession than that. Caiaphas thought he had so much power, but actually he had no power at all; he was just everyone’s pawn.