Why Jesus Was Tried 6 Times in One Night

Justice collapses in a single night, yet redemption moves forward anyway. We follow the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane into six escalating trials and ask the question that won’t go away: why was an innocent Jesus sentenced to death by crucifixion?

We walk step by step through the hearings before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin, then into the pressure cooker of Roman power with Pilate and Herod. Along the way, we name three truths the gospel narratives make impossible to ignore: Jesus is completely innocent, the trials are a miscarriage of justice, and Jesus is not a victim. He endures rejection by religion, rulers, and the people while fulfilling God’s plan of redemption so we can have fellowship with Him.

We also connect the story to Scripture and history, from Jeremiah’s unjust imprisonment to Daniel’s sentence in the lion’s den, and even modern testimonies of God delivering people in impossible situations. The conversation turns personal with an invitation to make Jesus Lord, a simple prayer for real change, and a closing time of spoken declarations, Psalm 23, and a blessing over your life.

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Transcript

Trials Before Jewish Authorities

Innocence Amid Religious Power

Pilate Confronts A Crime With None

Herod Mocks The Silent Jesus

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

Redemption And The Lamb Of God

Prayer To Receive Jesus

Declarations Of Life And Blessing

SPEAKER_00 0:03

Why was an innocent Jesus sentenced to death by crucifixion? After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was questioned by priests, interrogated by rulers, and finally condemned by the crowd. These events revealed three important truths. First, Jesus was completely innocent. Second, the trials were a miscarriage of justice. Third, Jesus was not a victim. He was fulfilling God's plan. Stay with me as we examine these truths within the context of the six trials that took place that faithful Thursday night. Jesus was rejected by religion, rejected by rulers, and rejected by the people. Through it all, God was accomplishing his plan of redemption so that you and I could have fellowship with him. Imagine being completely innocent and being framed by the religious leaders of the day. The first three trials of Jesus took place before the Jewish religious authorities. John 18, 12 to 24 documents the first trial. After leaving the Garden of Gethsemane, the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials that arrested Jesus brought Jesus first to Annas. Annas was a former high priest and therefore a member of the Sanhedrin. He was also the leader of the Kabul that was against Jesus. This trial that was conducted by Annas was illegal by Jewish law because it took place before daylight. Annas questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teachings. Jesus replied that he had taught in the synagogues, in the temple, and where the Jews regularly gathered. Jesus had done nothing in secret. Jesus encouraged Annas to ask those who had been in those places as they would know what he had said. At this answer, one of the officials slapped Jesus and asked him how dare he answer the high priest in that manner. Jesus then asked, why was he being punished for speaking the truth? As Annas had been unable to pin any wrongdoing on Jesus, he moved him bound unto Caipas, the high priest. Let us reflect on the price Jesus paid so that we could become part of the family of God. At the time of this second trial, Caiaphas was a current high priest, and as such was a religious lead of the Jews and the president of the Sanhedrin. Matthew 26, 57 to 67 documents the second trial as taking place in Caiphas's palace, where the teachers of the law, the elders, and Caiaphas had gathered to fabricate evidence against Jesus. A parade of witnesses stepped forward, but none of their stories were watertight. Finally, Caiphus asked Jesus if he was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus stated that Caiphas had said it. Caiphus then tore his clothes and declared that Jesus had committed blasphemy. All those who were present conquered and stated that Jesus should be put to death. This trial was also illegal as it was held at night. Matthew and Luke recall that those who were guarding Jesus struck and slapped Jesus and also spat in his face. These men also blindfolded Jesus and mockingly asked him to prophesy as to who had hit him. Let us reflect on the fact that Jesus endured humiliation so that we could have fellowship with God. Jesus' third trial took place before the entire Sanhedrin, the ruling body of the Jews. Luke 22, 66 to 71 records that the Sanhedrin came together early on the Friday, probably by four o'clock in the morning, to develop and coordinate their stories so that the Roman governor Pilate would be convinced to crucify Jesus. The Jews could not deliver a death sentence, so they needed Pilate. Furthermore, while they were actually condemning Jesus for committing blasphemy, they knew Pilate would not be interested in that particular charge. Pilate would have chased them out of his judgment hall to work out their religious differences. Luke tells us that they concocted three charges against Jesus. A, Jesus was a revolutionary. B Jesus was encouraging the people to not pay taxes. C. Jesus was claiming to be king. These trumped up fraudulent charges were capital crimes against Rome and carried the death penalty. This third trial was also illegal as Jesus' guilt was entirely fabricated. The Sanhedrin that moved Jesus on to Pilate. This brings us back to the first truth of these trials. Jesus was completely innocent. Can we envision Jesus being treated with contempt by those who hated him? Many of the prophets in the Old Testament were similarly unjustly condemned to be punished. The book of Jeremiah documents that King Zedekiah frequently imprisoned Jeremiah for correctly prophesying that Jerusalem would fall to the Babylonians. Jeremiah 37 informs us that at one point Jeremiah was placed in a vaulted cell in a dungeon and remained there for a long time. Let us reflect on the truth that walking with Jesus may lead to suffering. Throughout history, the leaders of the Christian church have at times targeted those who seek to serve Jesus in a manner that differs from the norm. Starting in the 12th century, the Waldensians were targeted by the Catholic Church. They were declared heretics for preaching without authorization and rejecting papal authority. By the 14th century, hundreds were estimated to have been executed by inquisitors. History repeatedly shows that those who stand for God's truth are often opposed by those who claim to represent religion. Let us ask God to give us the courage to always follow Jesus. Having concurred on what to present to Pilate, the conspirators then made their way to Pilate. This assembly was probably composed of elders, scribes, chief priests, temple officers, and others who had gathered to ensure that Jesus would be condemned. These people led Jesus off to Pilate. Luke 23, 1 to 31 document trials 4 to 6 of Jesus' night. In this fourth trial, Jesus is standing in front of Pilate, being charged with sedition, which would mean that he was challenging the Emperor of Rome. Imagine the scene. A tired and bruised Jesus stands before the Roman governor. The religious leaders are shouting accusations, yet the governor cannot find a single crime. When Pilate directly asks Jesus if he's the king of the Jews, Jesus responds that Pilate has stated that this is so. The Bible records that at least four times Pilate tried to set Jesus free. Jesus' accusers were on move. Instead, they made up even more stories against Jesus. Jesus was now being accused of stirring up mobs all the way from Galilee to Jerusalem. This would mean that he could potentially use these mobs to defy Roman rule. The one thing the Roman government could not afford to tolerate in their far-fung empire was civil disorder. If Pilate did not deal with this, then the Jews could have reported Pilate to his superior and he would have been dismissed from the post of governor. However, when Pilate heard that Jesus was from Galilee, he immediately determined that he should send Jesus over to Herod as Galilee was Herod's jurisdiction. Let us reflect on the hostility that Jesus endured on that Thursday night. The fifth trial took place in front of Herod. Herod had always wanted to see Jesus. He had heard about Jesus' miracles and was hoping to see something spectacular. Herod kept on interrogating Jesus, and the chief priests and Pharisees kept on accusing Jesus. In the midst of the chaos and confusion, Jesus kept silent. Finally, Herod got fed up. Herod took some time to ridicule and mock Jesus along with his soldiers. He then placed a gorgeous white robe that Jewish nobility normally wore on Jesus. Herod then proceeded to send Jesus back to Pilate. After the events of this night, Herod and Pilate became friends. The presence of the Prince of Peace, Jesus, in these judgment halls was able to calm the enmity between these two wicked rulers. The sixth and final trial took place in front of Pilate. When Jesus returned, Pilate called together Jesus' accusers, the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, and unequivocally declared Jesus' innocence. Pilate pointed out that Herod had also found Jesus to be innocent. Pilate offered to scourge Jesus, which would leave him close to death, and then release him. During this final trial, three times Pilate tried to get the crowd to agree to him releasing Jesus. However, the people adamantly, unanimously, vehemently, and violently insisted on Jesus being crucified and Barabbas being the one who should be set free. Luke states that Barabbas had been arrested for attempting overthrow Roman rule, which probably would have made him a hero to the crowd. Pilate was outnumbered, outvoted, and outmaneuvered. Finally, Pilate gave in and released Barabbas and turned Jesus over to the will of the people. Let us reflect on what Jesus endured so that we could gain salvation. The Old Testament records that the innocent Daniel was condemned by the rulers of the land against the will of the king. Daniel 6 tells us that having observed Daniel praying, the princes and presidents went to the king to loudly state that Daniel was disrespecting the king by not offering prayer to the king. Furthermore, these men informed King Darius that Daniel needed to be thrown into the lion's den, as that was what the law that King Darius had signed into effect demanded. Scripture states that the king tried for as long as he could, until the sun set, to reverse the order. Ancient Eastern custom dictated that the execution was to take place the same day that the infraction was discovered. These princes and presidents showed up in the evening to remind King Darius that his decree could not be changed. The king then gave the commandment to throw Daniel into the lion's den. However, King Darius told Daniel that the God that Daniel had been serving all these years would surely deliver Daniel. Daniel survived and was lifted out of the lion's den in the morning, as God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. Let us reflect on the truth that our God is a deliverer. Christian history tells how God still delivers his people from seemingly impossible situations. When Adoniram Judson was attempting to travel to London in mid-January 1811, France and England were at war. The British ship that he was on was overrun by French privateers. He found himself in France being taken to jail. God set him free so that he could accomplish the work. Are we aware that God will show up for us? The six trials that were conducted on this Thursday night were travesties of justice that God allowed to occur so that Jesus could die for the sin of the world. Adam's sin had separated man from God. God then enacted a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, the Jews. However, in order to maintain fellowship with God, the high priest once a year had to offer sacrifice for his sin, his family's sin, and the sin of the people of Israel. In order for all of mankind to once more have communion with God, a perfect sacrifice had to be offered. In John 1.29, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. When the initial Passover occurred, the blood of the Lamb on the door posts would literally allow the death angel to pass over that household. Similarly, Jesus shed his blood to redeem mankind from sin and death. All who believe on the name of Jesus can once more have fellowship with God. Have we asked Jesus to be Lord of our lives? In the New Testament, Acts 8 tells us how the Ethiopian eunuch came to know Jesus. An angel told Philip to go down to the desert road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. When Philip got there, he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot, reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The spirit told Philip to go to the chariot. The man then invited Philip to come and sit with him. The eunuch was reading, he was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. The eunuch asked Philip, who was the prophet Isaiah was speaking about? Philip began with that very passage of scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water. Philip baptized the eunuch. The eunuch then went on his way rejoicing. Are we being witnesses for Jesus? Jesus came, died, and rose again, so all could have new life in him. There are many miraculous stories about people meeting Jesus through dreams and visions. A 16-year study by Mission Frontiers magazine suggests that 27 to 40% of Muslim converts to Christianity in regions where the gospel is restricted or dangerous to access have had such dreams. Mission Frontier writes that individuals often describe seen a man dressed in brilliant white clothing who offers a message of love, forgiveness, or command to follow me. Reports indicate that these visions often lead to profound life changes. Have we encountered the risen Savior? We started by asking why an innocent Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion. After being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was questioned by priests, interrogated by rulers, and finally condemned by the crowd. As we analyze the six trials that took place at faithful Thursday night, we uncovered three truths. First, Jesus was completely innocent. Second, the trials were a miscarriage of justice. Third, Jesus was not a victim. Jesus was rejected by religion, rejected by rulers, and rejected by the people. Yet through that rejection, God accomplished his plan of redemption so that we who declare Jesus as Lord and Savior now have fellowship with him. Before you go, if this message spoke to you, like this podcast and subscribe so you don't miss what God is doing here at Catch on Fire Podcasts. If you're ready for real change, take a moment right now to pray with me. Jesus, I give you my life. Lead me, forgive me, and make me new. If you pray that, welcome to the family. Follow along, stay connected, and let's walk this walk together. Please join me as we confess words of life over all of our lives. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are still holding on to God's unchanging hand. We are still in God's holy plan. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are living holy lives as God requires. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, giving clothes to those in need, ministering to the sick and visiting those in prison. And we are doing so to the least of those among us, as when we do so, we are ministering to Jesus. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we have received healing, as by his stripes we are healed. From the crown of our head to the soles of our feet, all of our bodily organs are working correctly. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that God is ordering our steps, that all weapons that are formed against us have been utterly and completely destroyed, and every tongue that is rising against us in judgment is condemned. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that all generational curses are cancelled. Anything that runs in our ancestral bloodline that is not of God has no power over us, our children and our grandchildren, and is eliminated forever right now. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that angels are watching over and keeping our family, our children, our grandchildren, our Loved ones safe. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that every negative word that has been and is being spoken over our lives and that of our family, children, grandchildren, and loved ones is cancelled and sent back to the pit from whence it came. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are the head and not the tail. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are not and will never be ashamed. Our enemies have not and never will triumph over us. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that anything that is not of God, that has been dispatched to hinder our blessings, our progress, and our well-being is immediately destroyed. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are financially in line with God's word, and as such we are lenders and not borrowers. As a result, all of our debts have been paid and are forgiven. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that the enemy of our souls has no authority over our finances and our funds, and that we are good stewards of the money that God has placed in our keeping. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus in the area of business and our carriers, that just as Isaac reaped a hundredfold, the blessings of Abraham are falling on us, and we are reaping a hundredfold from whatever we put our hands to. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are living under an open heaven in every area of our lives. Blessings are falling on us, our family and our loved ones. These blessings are being manifested in our lives, in the spiritual and in the physical. Let's repeat the 23rd Psalm together. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restored my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea do I walk to the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Amen.