Jesus faced several trials on the Passover before His crucifixion before Jewish authorities and Roman authorities. These trials were contrary to both Jewish and Roman Law. In this episode Arnie and Fred discuss what the Bible says about these trials by primarily reading the record in sequence as best we can determine. It is evident from the record that the Jewish authorities conspired for about a year on how they could kill Jesus. We discuss that conspiracy as well as the arrest and each incident of Jesus before the Jewish and Roman authorities. Take about 30 minutes to listen in on this Bible discussion.
Jesus faced several trials on the Passover before His crucifixion before Jewish authorities and Roman authorities. These trials were contrary to both Jewish and Roman Law. In this episode Arnie and Fred discuss what the Bible says about these trials by primarily reading the record in sequence as best we can determine. It is evident from the record that the Jewish authorities conspired for about a year on how they could kill Jesus. We discuss that conspiracy as well as the arrest and each incident of Jesus before the Jewish and Roman authorities. Take about 30 minutes to listen in on this Bible discussion.
Fred: 0:00
This is the presentation of the Woodland Church of Christ, meeting at 33 70 Broad Street in Sumter, South Carolina. We meet for worship on Sunday at 10:30 AM, 5:30 PM. You meet for Bible study at 9:30 AM on Sunday at 7 PM on Wednesday. If you have questions or comments on this lesson, you may e-mail Fred Gosnell at fgosnell@ftc-i.net or to Arnie Granke at agranke440718@twc.com
Arnie: 0:33
Good afternoon. This is Arnie Granke and Fred Gosnell with the Woodland Church of Christ. This is what does the Bible say? I'd like to start with a passage from Isaiah 53 verse eight " through violence and judgment was he taken away and who gave thought to his end - how he was cut off from the land of the living? for our transgressions was a stricken to death." The year is about AD 30 and on the Jewish calendar, the 14th day of Nisan, the day before Passover - had begun at sunset. By our reckoning, it would have been a Thursday evening when Jesus observed the Passover meal with his disciples as His last supper. Later that evening, he would be arrested at Gethsemane, then be interrogated. He would be tried and crucified and would die and be buried on the day we call Friday before the Sabbath began at sunset, Each of the New Testament biographical writers relates portions of the things that were said and done during Jesus arrest and trial, each noting that the Lord indeed was denied a fair trial. But it's impossible today to determine the exact order of it all. Nonetheless, we'd like to read their New Testament accounts with you in order to try and take notice of everything that transpired, as closely as we can to the order in which each event occurred, beginning with the conspiracy,
Fred: 2:18
Yes, and it was a conspiracy. The Jewish authorities had met, conspiring to kill Jesus, at least since May of the previous year at the Feast of Tabernacles at that time, and in John seven versus one and two say "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand." So Jesus knew what was going on and again shortly after, Jesus had a raised Lazarus. and we're in John 11:46 to 48 which says " But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done And If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation." Verse 53 says "Then, from that day forth, they took counsel together for to put him to death." And then again we are told in Mark 14:1-2 After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people." And then in Mark, 14: 10 and 11 we're told there , "And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him
: 3:57
Arnie: 3:58
Yeah, Judas. Judas was, of course, one of the apostles. And he knew where Jesus would go. He knew when he would be there and where would be the best place that they could take Jesus quietly. Of course, Gethsemane was the place. So there was a large party that was organized consisting of Levitical police and Roman soldiers, and in John, Chapter 18 and Verse one "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? 12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
Fred: 6:31
So then, of course, they led him away. And then the first stop is gonna be before Annas and it says they led him away in John 18 verses 13 and 14 "13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year 14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Arnie: 6:59
Okay. And, uh, yeah, that's verse 24 also there. And this had been the high priest at one point but had been deposed when he ordered an execution without the Roman governor's authority. And so now his son in law was the high priest. Want to say just a couple of things quickly about Jewish trial procedure. Deuteronomy Chapter 19 and verse 15 prescribes "one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity or for any sin in anything that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses shall the matter be established," so there had to be adequate witnesses. Evidence could be introduced, but it had to be convincing , and the accused rights to a fair trial were very, very closely guarded. There were no interrogation or any trials that could be held at night. If they started in the daytime but couldn't conclude in the same day, they would have to stop overnight and then reconvene. And if there was a sentence that would be handed down for the offense that included death, it couldn't be given on the same day as the trial. There had to be an overnight layover, you might say, before the sentence could be given, so all of this was to protect the rights of the accused. And if you have a copy of the Mishnah, you can read about those in it. That's how they were supposed to be operating. Of course, they didn't
Fred: 8:55
Of course. So the preliminary hearing is before Caiaphas, the high priest, and he's the one that is interrogating. And during the interrogation, Jesus was a struck by one of the officers, which was not authorized beginning John 18 verse 19 "The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Arnie: 9:46
Very clearly, they're not relying on witnesses. They are violating the rules of jurisprudence and are interrogating the prisoner. They even go so far as to deliberately suborn false witnesses. They're out looking for false testimony to have something to convict Jesus. In Mark chapter 14 beginning in verse 55 "And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
Fred: 10:46
Yeah. So we're told exactly what Jesus actually said in John 2 and in 18 through 22 it says, "Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21 But he spake of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Arnie: 11:21
In Matthew, 26 beginning in verse 62 "And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God." And I'm just going to pause here for a moment to point out that that it was not lawful for him to swear the accused. And that's what he's done unlawfully by adjuring him. Jesus probably would not have sworn on his own, but he didn't have that option and he should have been given that. Verse 64 "Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. 67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, 68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?"
Fred: 13:14
So the next step is before the Sanhedrin. And of course, remember that Jewish law presumed that the individual was innocent until proven guilty by evidence or testimony of two or three witnesses and he was prohibited from being questioned. And of course, uh, that begins at Luke 22:66 "And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, 67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: 68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. 71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth." Even the scriptures call righteous men, Sons of God. So he was not saying at the time. He wasn't saying that, that is blasphemy. He was using it this way of course. It's used in Genesis six 2 , "That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose." Of course the Sons of God were righteous men at that time, but then they took these women that they chose, and that ended a bad thing for them to do.
Arnie: 14:45
So that was the end of what you might think of as the grand jury there to gather evidence and then go to trial before the Sanhedrin. And now the scene moves, to the Roman judgment hall where Pontius Pilate, the governor presides. John, 18 Verse 28 "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: 32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die". Jesus knew all along, of course, that his death would be by crucifixion and Psalm 22 gives a lot of detail about His crucifixion if you'd like to read that.
Fred: 16:14
So then the Jews objected to what was being said. So they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this fellow subverting the nation and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ the king. " And then we go on to John, 18, verse 33, "Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all." Of course, they were got even madder at this. And in Luke 23 5-7 we read, " And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. 6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time."
Arnie: 17:51
I'm interested that Pilate was absolutely fair and asked reasonable questions. And Jesus responded to those that were asked. So now that he's moving the jurisdiction to Herod Antipas. in Luke, Chapter 23 we find Herod glad to hear, beginning in verse eight, " And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. " So Herod Antipas hasn't convicted either. He did the abusing, but he didn't convict.
Fred: 19:10
So so he's returned to Pilate's Judgement Hall. So there the first thing that happens there is Pilot's wife, uh, had a dream, and Matthew, 27:19 says "When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him." So Pilate then cites acquittal. It says in Luke 23 Verse 13, "And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: 15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
Arnie: 20:02
And, you know, back when Pilate initially acquitted Jesus, is when he should have stopped the entire procedure. His big mistake was to keep letting them talk to him and listening to them. Matthew 27 is interesting, in beginning, in verse, verse 15. Because pilot begins to offer choices now to the Jewish officials, for example, Barabbas or Jesus, take your choice. "Matt 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him." So he's savvy enough to understand there are no real charges in this case. This case is because of prejudice and hatred that they have brought this case against Jesus.
Fred: 21:17
So the chief priest, they don't like this at all. So we go to Matthew 27:20- 23 "20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified."
Fred: 21:52
So so now that effort didn't work. The next thing that he's going to do is Pilate's going to offer another deal. A scourge or release, compromise scourge and release compromise. Luke 23 beginning in verse 20, "Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. 21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. 23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed."
Arnie: 22:51
So in John 19 1 through six. "Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. 3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. 4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. 5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! 6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him."
Fred: 23:39
Uh, such a shame. John Chapter 19 and verse seven, "John 19:7-117 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; 9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin."
Arnie: 24:30
So in John 19:12 to 15 it says "12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Caesar."
Fred: 25:28
Exactly. They threaten, they threaten Pilate. And of course, there had been other governors that had been deposed because of the emperor becoming dissatisfied with. And so they were out of a job. Pilate wants to keep his, and so he realizes he can't win this battle. So at least he doesn't want to lose it personally. Matthew 27 in verse 22 " Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children." And I've often thought about that, that curse that they put upon themselves and upon their descendants. And I've wondered if some of the evil things that have happened to Jewish people have somehow been connected with that curse. Been the outcome of of what their ancestors did to them.
Arnie: 27:01
You know, we have a saying, Be careful what you ask for and history shows us that there has been a lot of trouble that has come to the Jewish people over the years. So in Luke 23:24-25 "And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will." What? Ah, what an awful thing. And the whole trial, everything that was done, as you have heard, was done contrary to Roman law. Contrary to, Jewish law and Pilate didn't want to convict. Pilate, over and over again wanted to let him go. But in the end he acceded to the demands of the Jewish authorities and sentencing to crucifixion,
Arnie: 28:07
"Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away." John 19:16 Indeed, Isaiah was right in Isaiah 53:8 "He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken."This is Arnie Granke and Fred Gosnell with Woodland Church of Christ. We thank you for listening to What Does The Bible Say? We hope that you'll be back again with us on the next Lord's Day.