Jesus on Trial.
The historical events:
When the 4 gospels are harmonized, we see Jesus tried before ...
(1) Annas - former High Priest (7 years) deposed by Pilate's predecessor
(2) Caiaphas - current High Priest/ son-in-law of Annas
(3) Sanhedrin - the 70 ruling elders of Israel - (the people with the real clout)
(4) Pontius Pilate - Roman Governor of Judea - appointed to oversee military, keep peace, collect taxes
(5) Herod Antipas - son of Herod the Great - appointed ruler of Galilee - (had ordered John the Baptist's beheading)
(6) back to Pilate - tries to release Him
(7) Add? The crowd - that clamors for Jesus' crucifixion.
Mark's account - Mark 15:1-15
Sanhedrin - finds Jesus guilty of blasphemy BUT needs Rome's approval/assistance to execute Him. So.....to Pilate with accusations of Civil Disobedience!! Luke 23:2 - Rome could care less about the religious complaints.
Charges:
(1) Subverting the nation = creating public discord, disturbing the peace on grand scale, fomenting revolution.
(2) Opposing taxes to Caesar - which = rebellion against Rome and personal affront to Caesar.
(3) Claiming to be King - challenge to Roman authority, rule.
The Irony!! They are accusing Him of Exactly what He refused to do/be.... ie: a political, military Messiah!!
To their charges (1) Jesus makes no reply, which (2) amazes Pilate!
But Jesus did give some information!! - John 18:36
Pilate attempts to pass off the responsibility!! - Luke 23:4-12
back to Pilate ... has Jesus flogged (scourged) in hopes of pacifying the Jews. - John 19:1-16 with Luke 23:20-25
Add interesting note... Matt. 27:19 so ... Matt. 27:24-26
Question: Who is Barabbas? "led insurrection and murder" - (possibly a Zealot)
Some manuscripts and early commentaries give his Full name as ... JESUS BARABBAS (breakdown = Bar - son of, ABBA... father) Jesus, Son of the father!
Question: What about the crowd? clamoring for crucifixion
are likely not former followers/admirers of Christ.
Rather = followers/supporters of Barabbas!! here to secure his release (custom at Passover) and are willing to sacrifice a 'pacifist' rabbi. (they want a military leader to overthrow Rome, and Barabbas was likely their leader)
Normally, naturally, we see this as Jesus on trial before the Sanhedrin/Pilate
BUT ... from a Biblical perspective/ Biblical worldview, we see....
THESE MEN ARE ON TRIAL BEFORE JESUS!!!
These men are judging and determining Jesus' earthly and immediate fate. BUT... in fact, these men are being tried!! Their hearts, minds, motives, actions are all being measured and weighed before God and His Christ!!
AND, whereas THEY could find NO REAL, Valid reason to condemn Him... there stands a mountain of evidence against them!!!
So, on one hand, Jesus' immediate, earthly fate determined by them.... However, their final, eternal fate will be determined by Jesus!!
Some Applications:
(1) As these men had to decide (what to do with Jesus) SO you must decide (what to do with Jesus).
Your decision is not whether to crucify.
But it DOES = whether to Bow the knee!! - accept Him as Lord!
You (like them_ are privileged with free will and so know this:
2) Your free will decision will have eternal consequences.
(3) A Non-decision is still a decision
example: Herod ("whatever") but will face Christ at the Judgment seat!!
You must decide, one way or the other.
(4) You cannot simply 'wash your hands' of the matter. (compare to Pilate)
Once you are confronted with His claims and conviction of the Holy Spirit ... you cannot argue ignorance, innocence, indifference.
(5) Unlike them.... you'll have to choose repeatedly
Initially ... (A) IS Jesus the Savior?
then... (B) will I accept Him as MY Savior?
(C) is He my Lord? (in a practical way)
(D) is He my Lord... TODAY?? in this situation/circumstance?
(6) Concerning Christ.... don't let others make up your mind for you!! like Pilate/ like the crowd
You should determine your eternal state
(7) Know this.... deciding for Christ is not always easy, comfortable, or joyous, But it is always RIGHT!! -
Example: C.S. Lewis ' "reluctant convert"
Closing Scripture:
Eph. 1:7-8
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