The Trial
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What shall we do with Jesus?
What shall we do with Jesus?
Each year we revisit these powerful stories— Christmas and Easter— these parts of the Gospel story can become quite familiar to us, too familiar— so it’s probably very common for pastors and teachers to pray that we might see these incidents with new eyes and hearts— every year.
One thing that I want you to remember and consider today, is the fact that we have a multitude of choices in this life— We have agency to do what we want to do, say what we want to say, be what we want to be— choices— we have all sorts of choices. You chose what to wear today, or even if you were coming to church— All of us have a multitude of different choices we make---But there is one choice or one decision that all humans will face: You’ve heard me say at other times that it is the most important thing about you— It comes down to basically this question— Who is Jesus? or even better: What shall we do with Jesus?
Josh McDowell, a well known author and Christian apologist wrote a book called “Evidence that demands a Verdict”. He also said this:
“After more than 700 hours of studying this subject, and thoroughly investigating its foundation, I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted upon the minds of men, or it is the most fantastic fact of history.”
Josh McDowell
We are focusing in — on the Passion of Jesus— this last 36 hours of Jesus’ bodily life, up to and including the crucifixion and resurrection (we celebrate that on Easter morning).
Or some of you may have heard of the C.S. Lewis’ great apologetic plea: It comes from the book he wrote called Mere Christianity:
It’s basically a “trilemma”— a choice that one must make between three options:
C.S. Lewis’ Trilemma:
Jesus, when we listen carefully to the things he said, and observe intently the things he did— he was either:
A Liar- meaning he was actually a deceiver, and evil.
A Lunatic- meaning he was self-deceived. He actually believed he was God, but he was a madman.
The Lord. He was indeed exactly who he said he was.
Today I want to take the opportunity to dive into the Trial— or rather the hearings and happenings that led an angry High priest, a pleasure seeking terrible King, a political Roman Governor, and a thoughtless, blood thirsty mob to conclude that Jesus of Nazareth was not actually who he said he was or who he demonstrated himself to be---that he was not what people expected him to be, and ultimately they lead our Lord Jesus to his execution as a criminal and enemy of the church, state and society.
Many have written and taught that there are actually Two versions of this trial going on simultaneously. An earthly trial of the man Jesus— and a heavenly trial of all of mankind. Jesus, who embodies both GOD and MAN— he is the key to both of these trials. By subjecting himself to the earthly authorities— he is standing in our place before the heavenly authority— His Father. And as a result, he, Jesus will prevail and sit down at the right hand of the Father— and judge all.
And at the same time Peter’s denials were taking place— a trial, a hearing with several entities — each had their moment to look Jesus right in the face— and make a conclusion on who He was, and what they would do with him.
They all thought they were the one’s in charge— they all thought they were testing and putting Jesus on trial— but in fact it is Jesus who is putting them on trial.— as He does with us as well. They all must face this question— what shall I do with Jesus.
The answer to that question is rooted in whether we realize: Four main concepts:
who he is,
what he can do,
how much he matters, and
what his ultimate mission is.
Jesus before Caiaphas the High Priest. (Mt. 26:57)
Jesus before Caiaphas the High Priest. (Mt. 26:57)
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled.
Caiaphas is mentioned earlier in Chapter 26— in a very dark and sinister way:
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.
This follows a particularly heated conversation that the Pharisee’s and most likely Caiaphas himself— it’s in Matthew 25— it’s the parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Jesus basically tells everyone that they will be judged at the end of time— the Son of Man will sit and separate those that loved him, the sheep, from those who hated him, the goats. The Sheep will be welcomed into eternal life— and the goats sent away to eternal darkness and separation from God in hell.
That did not sit so well with the religious elites. It was at that point that they were looking for a way to get rid of this Jesus.
Caiaphas’ motive here is to hold onto what he thinks he has: Authority, Power, influence. He and the Sanhedrin— this is the judicial rulers over the nation of Israel— they had authority to a point— they could administrate the people’s worship, their disputes with each other— but they could NOT kill someone. They did not have that authority any more— they used to- but the Roman’s have stripped them of that power. So Caiaphas is attempting to build a case against Jesus that would convince the entire assembly HERE— but also needed to be able to present a case to the Roman’s to actually complete the sentence and execute Jesus.
They attempt to find witnesses that can confirm some crime— (remember, what is the charge that has been rendered to Jesus? Nothing yet.) There are several ways that this “trial” or hearing of sorts breaks the rules that these Jewish leaders upheld for themselves. One is that they were not to hold “court” like this at night.
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ”
They seem to have a case now— These two confirming that Jesus said that he would desecrate the Holy Temple, and then rebuild it solved both of Caiaphas’s problems:
-Desecrating the Temple was punishable by death within Jewish law.
-Rebuilding it implied that Jesus would set up a new government, rival to the Romans— punishable by death as a revolutionary.
But as you can guess---this isn’t what Jesus said— was it? Not at all.
Our Gospel authors are adept to make this point very clear:
19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
Scholars are split on the interpretation of this whole subject— but both sides of the discussion work for me--
Some believe that Jesus was referring to his OWN Body— this Temple— God resides inside us— that’s echoed in Paul’s writing about our bodies being the Temple of God— right, and the resurrection is the “raising” of that Temple— three days later.
Another group believes Jesus may be indeed referring to the Temple building and all it’s sacrifices and procedures for worship- Go ahead and destroy it— and in three days, Jesus himself institutes a WHOLE NEW WAY OF WORSHIP— not bound by the physical Temple, but living inside our hearts— FOREVER.
58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’ ”
And Jesus stays completely silent. Never corrects them— never defends himself. Even in his silence he is teaching us, and sending a strong message to everyone in the meeting:
These men would have known this very set of verses, written by Isaiah:
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Either way— Caiaphas can’t stand it any more— his real question comes in verse 63:
63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Exorkizo— Greek word for “put under oath”— adjure— I demand you tell me the truth! It’s like he is performing an exorcism on Jesus to produce the truth...
Caiaphas asked “Who is Jesus?”
His person was in question.
And oh boy does Jesus speak up now— he has an answer that blows everyone away!
64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
This answer is Jesus basically giving Caiaphas exactly what he wants to hear— It’s indeed the truth— but Caiaphas wants to hear this for all the wrong reasons:
Jesus’ answer blends two OT prophesies together:
Psalm 110:1 (NIV)
1 The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
Daniel 7:13 (NIV)
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.
You want to question who I am?… There you go. Take it or leave it.
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
Caiaphas is making a huge assumption here— he’s assuming that Jesus couldn’t be the promised and prophesied Messiah— why not? Because he doesn’t look like what we think he should look like?
There is a funny story about a young adult man who was on an art tour in Italy, and is led by a tour guide to view the Mona Lisa—
Considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance,[4][5] it has been described as "the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world". The young man quipped back— “I don’t think it’s all that great”… The tour guide was quick with his answer for the man— “Ahh sir, perhaps it isn’t Divinci’s painting that is on trial here— it’s rather your perception of it.”
You and I may fall into the same trap today=— We dismiss the work of God because it may not fit into our preconceived packaging… We need to be very careful. We test everything by Scripture— we listen carefully for the Holy Spirit to guide us in our discernment. And just because God may not work exactly like we think he should— that doesn’t mean that He isn’t there— because he is working very powerfully- it’s our perception of Him that is broken.
None the less— Caiaphas, and the rest of the Religious rulers condemn Jesus for claiming that He is God. When they have concluded that he is not. Blasphemy is finally the verdict. Blasphemy by the way is simply defined as an abomination to God. Something that goes so far against God that it cannot be tolerated.
66 What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.
Snarky commentary warning— yep, he sure is — he’s the only one worthy to die for our sins.
It reminds me of the parable Jesus taught about the four soils, (Matthew 13)— remember this little farming analogy— there was a farmer that sowed seed— some fell onto the path, and birds ate it up quickly. Maybe that’s how Caiaphas and the religious leaders are— they don’t even give Jesus a chance— the enemy has scooped up any chance that they may believe in Jesus. There well worn paths of tradition and the Law— as they understand it, prevent them from ever embracing the Seed— Jesus at all.
Tradition is beautiful— it reminds us that our history and the deep foundations of our faith are ancient. There are many valuable aspects of tradition and routine. We celebrate the History of our Anabaptist heritage, and the history of our 160 years here on this corner as a local church. That’s some of why we choose to worship regularly singing in a more traditional way— it is part of our history to sing these timeless songs and practice the harmonies to glorify God together. But when that tradition, that structure limits either us or others from meeting Jesus— that’s when it’s got to go.
With the verdict in hand— they send Jesus to Pilate— Pilate finds out that Jesus is from Galilee— and he promptly sends him to the Roman appointed Jewish King in charge of that jurisdiction— Herod Antipas.
Matthew doesn’t even write this into his account— because Herod is perceived to be so worthless in the Jewish mindset. It’s recorded in Luke:
Jesus before Herod the King of the Jews. (Lk. 23:7)
Jesus before Herod the King of the Jews. (Lk. 23:7)
7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.
9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.
10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.
Herod (Antipas) was the son of Herod the Great. Herod the Great was the notorious King who tried to kill Jesus when he was just a baby. These were not nice men. They were rulers of their own people, the Jews, but only by the authority given to them by the Romans. In fact, under this Herod— he was not even actually called a King, he was given the title of Tetrarch.
This was the Roman Empires way, through Caesar, to remove all indications of any other King--
This Herod was a particularly crafty man- He had to be. He was fully committed to his own selfish ambition. This was the man who executed John the Baptist. John the Baptist told him that it was wrong for him to divorce his wife, and marry a close relative. That was the end of John.
He seems to want Jesus to do some miracle or give him something— show him his ability. Jesus doesn’t comply— and Herod Antipas sends him back to Pilate quite promptly.
Herod asked “What can Jesus do?”
His provision was in question.
So many in the world are like Herod. We see that they are very anxious and excited to meet him, but when he doesn’t immediately jump to their aid or service— they dismiss him pretty quickly.
Back to our Matthew 13 parable about the seeds again:
Some seeds fell among the rocky soil, and they shot up quickly, but then withered in the sun and heat. That’s how I think Herod was— he’s seemingly eager— he grows up quickly— but then falls away when he doesn’t get what he wants.
You’ll note here that although Herod may ask a lot of questions— these were most likely selfish in nature— and when Jesus doesn’t answer—Jesus knows his motive is immature and not genuine--- So Herod sends him away.
Jesus didn’t do what Herod wanted him to do— so he dismissed him. Do you know anyone who has done this also? This is very common— the staying power of our faith is pretty small if it’s only based upon what Jesus can do for us.
So Jesus is face to face with the Roman government—
Jesus before Pontius Pilate the Roman Governor (Mt. 27:11)
Jesus before Pontius Pilate the Roman Governor (Mt. 27:11)
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
Pilate was a Roman leader, assigned to rule and keep order over this area of Jerusalem and the surrounding territory. He’s actually already messed this up with the Jews a couple of times. Once he rides all his soldiers into the city with carved eagles on their pole arms weapons— this is the symbol of the Roman Empire— the Jews are furious, both the religious ones— (do not worship idols), and the secular ones (Rome is a dominate ruling empire, holding their land and the people captive as colonists).
He also made a real blunder a second time, when he chose to build a beautiful new aqueduct (water) delivery system in Jerusalem— for the people— but he took the money from the Temple Treasury. Just stole it basically. So the Romans loved him— but the Jews here hated him. It was considered a territory in the Roman empire that had a high potential for riots, discord, rebellion, and revolution. Because of this tedious state, Jerusalem was not considered a “full-status” state or territory— that meant two things— No representation in Rome, like having a senator— and extra military personnel stationed in that area, just to stop any revolutions from popping up. So Pilate was ultimately charged to keep the peace— and prevent any riots or commotion to be stirred up.
Pilate is faced with a terrible dilemma— Side with the religious leaders and the crowd, — Killing an innocent man. Side with Jesus and let him free—setting the whole city up for a possible uprising.
Pilate asked: “Does Jesus matter?”
His priority was in question.
Back to our Matthew 13 Parable: Beautiful teaching of Jesus— sets the scene for all of this:
Pilate is worried about the political and social ramifications of his decision about Jesus. Plain and simple— Pilate is like the third seed that falls among the thorns and weeds— it’s choked out by all the trials and confusion of the world. Pilate wants to continue to keep the peace, but cannot manage all the thorns and weeds — warring factions and details of the world at bay — his decision is related to just how important Jesus really is compared to all these other factors.
Pilate is about to ask the critical question of the crowd— he attempts to wash his hands, literally, of the matter— he is trying to keep order first— but he has one last ditch effort to satisfy the whole situation:
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.
16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.
17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
How convenient— choose one Jesus or the other.
Y’shua Bar-Abbas “Jesus son of the Father”?
Or “Y’shua who is called the Messiah?”
Jesus before the angry crowd. (Mt. 27:20)
Jesus before the angry crowd. (Mt. 27:20)
18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”
Watch the irony here:
23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” 25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
They believed that the Messiah would be a powerful Joshua type warrior, riding in on a white horse to forcefully kick the Roman empire out of their land. Jesus showed a lot of promise— but look at him now?
It’s as if the crowd said— we’re better off with Barabbas— he’s the revolutionary that will fight for us!
In many ways they are emulating:
The crowd asked: “Why has Jesus let us down?”
His power was in question.
Barabbas is a guilty man— he’s done everything wrong. He was a convicted revolutionary who had committed murder.
Jesus is an innocent man— he’s done everything right. Displays of brilliant teaching, knowledge of the scriptures, miraculous signs, healings, raising the dead...
Barabbas is held captive for leading a rebellion against Rome.
Jesus is convicted for leading a rebellion, something he does only in the hearts of his followers.
Take note of v. 25 again:
25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
Thank goodness his blood is on us and our children. That’s the blood of our savior, that washes us white as snow...
Remember that fourth type of soil from Jesus’ parable? It was the healthy soil, where that seed took root and thrived. In this crowd, you can count on that fact that there were obviously those who rejected Jesus— but there are most likely others who weren’t shouting with them— they were watching everything— taking it into their hearts— and believing that Jesus is indeed the Lord.
Take away- Have you answered the most important question of your life? What will you do with Jesus?
i know most of you have answered that question. You’ve answered it like Peter did:
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
And just pause a moment to ask yourself if you’ve ever put Jesus on trial.
Perhaps you have— I know I have plenty of times. And why would we do such a thing?
Maybe it’s because Jesus threatens your power and authority over your own life.
You struggle with the thought that HE is Lord, He is ultimately in charge--and you are not. You’re a part of the plan— but it’s His plan— not yours. You are His disciple— and like Caiaphas, you have a hard time believing that Jesus is really who He says he is, or at times you just flat out deny that Jesus is Lord.
Or maybe you are stuck in a very shallow-like faith — that’s Herod, and your faith is rooted only in what Jesus can do for you.
And when Jesus doesn’t come through with your miracle, you just dismiss him.
Pilate is the character in this story we really can relate with. Pilate wanted to do the right thing— but he has to consider his decisions politically— we live our life in the real world, with real consequences for our decisions… Does Jesus really matter that much out in our world? I can maybe just cut this corner— or fudge that number. Hey, I’m innocent, I’m just trying to keep the peace and prevent a riot here— It’s the crowds fault… I gave them the way out, but ...
Verse 22 says it all:
Matthew 27:22 (NIV)
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
Or finally, maybe you struggle because you feel like Jesus has let you down. You think you know what Jesus should do— but He doesn’t do that. You’re disappointed, but you don’t even understand that He might have an even higher purpose. A purpose to save us, even while we didn’t even understand.
Jesus Christ never asks anyone to define his position or to understand a creed, but “Who am I to you?” Jesus Christ makes the whole of human destiny depend on a man’s relationship to himself.
Oswald Chambers