Lesson 23 Trial of Jesus

 Lesson 23

Trial of Jesus

Reading Portion :  Mat. 26: 57 - 68

                              Mark 14 : 53-65

                              Luke 22: 66 - 71

                              John 18: 12-24

Memory Verse : John 18 : 37

When Jesus had finished praying to his Father, along with his disciples, the soldiers reached Gethsemane, to catch Jesus. Judas Iscariot was also with them and he betrayed Jesus by kissing him. 

Before Annas (John. 18 : 20 -24)

The priests and soldiers took Jesus first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest of that year. Annas tried Jesus first, because Sanhedrin the council of Jews could not assemble on time. As per the Jewish custom they were to undertake the trial. They asked Jesus about his doctrine and disciples. Jesus didn't say anything about his disciples, but He said that He taught His doctrine publicly in synagogues and to ask them assemble there, about his doctrine. Then one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus on his face with the palm of his hand. Then Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, prove it, but if well, why do you strike me?" Jesus response was filled with humility and peace. 

Before Caiaphas  (Mark. 14: 53 - 65)

Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas for further trial. The council of Jews had arranged some false witnesses there but their testimonies did not agree. Jesus didn't replay for any of their accusations. Then the high priest, Caiaphas, stood up and asked " Are you Christ, the son of God?". Jesus answered him, saying, "I am, and you will see the son of Man sitting at the right hand of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes. The low says that the high priest should never tear his dress ( Levi 21 : 10). This incident was a symbol of showing the end of old testament priesthood.

Peter's Denial ( Mathew : 26: 29 - 75 , John 18 : 15 -27)

When Jesus was standing before the council of Jews, John and Peter, came to the courtyard of the high priest, to know what the verdict would be. The woman who was keeping the gate know John and by John's influence, Peter was allowed to enter the courtyard. The servants and officers had made a fire of coals, for warming themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. Then the officers asked him, "Are you not one of His disciples?". He denied it and said "I am not". After this, Peter was standing in the courtyard, when a servant  girl came and asked him, "you also were with Jesus of Galilee". But he denied before all of them saying, "I do not know what you are saying". And when he had gone to the gateway, one of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Peter then denied again and immediately a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus and went out and wept bitterly. We should always be alert, and pray that we will not enter into temptation.

Before Pilate ( Luke 23 : 1- 7)

Caiaphas sent Jesus to the Jewish governor Pontius Pilate. Jews brought four allegations against Jesus. 

a. Jesus opposed giving taxes to Caesar (Luke 23 : 2)

b. Jesus claimed that He is Christ the King ( Luke 23: 2)

c. Jesus perverted the nation (Luke 23:2)

d. Jesus stirred up the people (Luke 23: 5)

But Pilate couldn't find any fault with Jesus, even after his interrogation.

Before Herod ( Luke 23 : 8 - 11 )

When Pilate know that Jesus was form Galilee, which came under the jurisdiction of Herod, he send Him to Herod. Jesus didn't answer for any of his questions. Herod and his soldiers mocked Him, arrayed Him in a kingly robe, and send him back to Pilate. 

Again Jesus before Pilate on trial ( John : 18 : 28 - 40)

Since Herod could not find any fault in Jesus to condemn Him for death penalty, he sent Him back to Pilate. Pilate brought Jesus before his judgement seat and prosecuted Him for the second time. Here also he couldn't find any fault with Jesus and therefore sent him to the elders of the Jews. 

Pilate sat on his judgement seat for a third time, and asked Jesus. " Are you king of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "I am a King. but my kingdom is not of this world". Then Pilate's wife sent messengers to him asking him not to condemn the righteous man Jesus. But since Pilate feared the Jews, he tried to release, Jesus after chastisement, Then Pilate delivered Jesus into their hands. The soldiers removed His dress and put a scarlet robe on Him. They twisted a crown of thorns and put it on his head and a reed on His right hand. And they bowed before Him and mocked Him. They spat on His and took a reed and struck Him on the head. Later they put his clothes back on Him. Jesus suffered all this for remission of out sins. 

Pilate, fearing the Jews, sat a fourth time on his judgment seat and began to prosecute Jesus; saying "Do you not know that I have power to crucify you and to release you?". Then Jesus answered, "you could have not power at all against me unless it has been given to you from above. Therefore the one who delivered me to you has the greater sin". Pilate sought to release them. But the Jews cried out saying, "If you let this man go, you are not the friend of Caesar".

 Since Pilate was not ready to face the enmity of Caesar and Jews, he delivered Jesus into the hand of Jews to crucify him. Jesus suffered all these, because he lived us. Do you love Jesus the someway?