Untitled Sermon

Trial of Jesus Christ

Synopsis

Jesus Christ, falsely accused of blasphemy towards God and treason towards Rome, humbly endured his trial as a fulfilment of the purposes of God.

When we read about the trial of Jesus, it's easy to get caught up in the drama and forget that these were real people facing a life-and-death situation. It's a reminder that even in the most monumental events, there's always a human element that we can relate to.

The preliminary hearing before Annas

Jn 18:12–14 Annas, though deposed from office by the Romans, was probably still regarded by many as the true high priest; Jn 18:19–23

John 18:12–14 (ESV) — 12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

John 18:19–23 (ESV) — 19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”

The trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin

Jesus Christ is sent to the ruling high priest

Mt 26:57; Lk 22:54

Matthew 26:57 (ESV) — 57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.

Luke 22:54 (ESV) — 54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance.

False evidence is sought

Mt 26:59–60 The Sanhedrin was the high court of the Jews and consisted of 71 chief priests, elders and teachers of the law, including the high priest who presided.

Matthew 26:59–60 (ESV) — 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward

False accusations are made

See also Mt 26:60–61 A person could only be convicted on the evidence of two or more witnesses.

Matthew 26:60–61 (ESV) — 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’ ”

Jesus Christ’s trial centres upon his Messianic claims

Jesus declares himself to be the Christ

Mt 26:63–64

Matthew 26:63–64 (ESV) — 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

See also Lk 22:66–70

Luke 22:66–70 (ESV) — 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.”

Jesus Christ is charged with blasphemy

Mt 26:65–66; Mt 27:1The Sanhedrin decided that Jesus Christ deserved death but charged him with treason rather than blasphemy.

Matthew 26:65–66 (ESV) — 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.”

Matthew 27:1 (ESV) — 1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

Jesus is mocked as the Christ

Mt 26:67–68

Matthew 26:67–68 (ESV) — 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

The trial before Pilate

The Sanhedrin hand Jesus Christ over to Pilate

Mt 27:2; Lk 23:1; Jn 18:28–32

Matthew 27:2 (ESV) — 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.

Luke 23:1(ESV) — 1 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate.

John 18:28–32 (ESV) — 28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

Jesus Christ accepts the title of king

Jn 18:36–37

John 18:36–37 (ESV) — 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

See also Mt 27:11; Lk 23:2–3; Jn 19:9–12; 1 Ti 6:13

Matthew 27:11 (ESV) — 11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.”

Luke 23:2–3 (ESV) — 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”

John 19:9–12 (ESV) — 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

1 Timothy 6:13 (ESV) — 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,

Pilate decides Jesus Christ is innocent

Lk 23:4

Luke 23:4(ESV) — 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”

See also Lk 23:14–15; Lk 23:22; Jn 18:38; Jn 19:4–6; Ac 13:28

Luke 23:14–15 (ESV) — 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.

Luke 23:22 (ESV) — 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.”

John 18:38 (ESV) — 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

John 19:4–6 (ESV) — 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”

Acts 13:28 (ESV) — 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed.

Pilate sends Jesus Christ to Herod

Lk 23:5–10

Luke 23:5–10 (ESV) — 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.

Herod sends Jesus Christ back to Pilate

Lk 23:11–12

Luke 23:11–12 (ESV) — 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

Pilate seeks to release Jesus Christ

Jn 19:12

John 19:12 (ESV) — 12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

See also Mt 27:15–18 Pilate appeals to the crowd on the basis of Jesus Christ’s kingship; Mt 27:19 Pilate is warned by his wife not to get involved; Lk 23:16; Lk 23:20; Lk 23:22; Jn 18:38–39; Jn 19:6; Jn 19:15

Matthew 27:15–18 (ESV) — 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

Matthew 27:19 (ESV) — 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

Luke 23:16 (ESV) — 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

Luke 23:20 (ESV) — 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus,

Luke 23:22 (ESV) — 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.”

John 18:38–39 (ESV) — 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

John 19:6(ESV) — 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”

John 19:15 (ESV) — 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”

The crowd demand the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Mt 27:20

Matthew 27:20 (ESV) — 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

See also Mt 27:21–23; Lk 23:18; Lk 23:21; Lk 23:23; Jn 18:40; Jn 19:6–7; Jn 19:12; Jn 19:15

Matthew 27:21–23 (ESV) — 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Luke 23:18 (ESV) — 18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—

Luke 23:21 (ESV) — 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”

Luke 23:23 (ESV) — 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.

John 18:40 (ESV) — 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 19:6–7 (ESV) — 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.”

John 19:12 (ESV) — 12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

John 19:15 (ESV) — 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”

The crowd’s demands prevail

Mk 15:15

Mark 15:15 (ESV) — 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

See also Mt 27:24 Pilate denies responsibility; Mt 27:25; Lk 23:23–25; Jn 19:16; Ac 3:13–14 The emphasis is on the people’s responsibility.

Matthew 27:24 (ESV) — 24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”

Matthew 27:25 (ESV) — 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

Luke 23:23–25 (ESV) — 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

John 19:16 (ESV) — 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,

Acts 3:13–14 (ESV) — 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

Jesus Christ is mocked as king

Jn 19:2–3

John 19:2–3 (ESV) — 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.

See also Mt 27:27–31; Jn 19:15

Matthew 27:27–31 (ESV) — 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.

John 19:15 (ESV) — 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”

Jesus Christ’s response to his trial

Is 53:7

Isaiah 53:7 (Brenton LXX En) — 7 And he, because of his affliction, opens not his mouth: he was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.

See also Mt 26:62–63; Mt 27:12; Mt 27:14; Lk 23:9; Jn 19:9; Ac 8:32–35; 1 Pe 2:23

Matthew 26:62–63 (ESV) — 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Matthew 27:12 (ESV) — 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer.

Matthew 27:14 (ESV) — 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Luke 23:9(ESV) — 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.

John 19:9(ESV) — 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

Acts 8:32–35 (ESV) — 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

1 Peter 2:23 (ESV) — 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Jesus Christ’s trial confirms he is God’s servant

Ac 4:27–28

Acts 4:27–28 (ESV) — 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

See also Is 53:10; Jn 19:8–11; Ac 2:23 The outcome of the trial fulfilled God’s declared purpose.

Isaiah 53:10 (Brenton LXX En) — 10 The Lord also is pleased to purge him from his stroke. If ye can give an offering for sin, your soul shall see a long-lived seed:

John 19:8–11 (ESV) — 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

Acts 2:23(ESV) — 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

Gospel accounts of cross

Synopsis

Each of the four Gospels provides a detailed account of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.

The way to the cross

Simon is compelled to carry the cross

Mk 15:21

Mark 15:21 (ESV) — 21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

Women follow the cross and Jesus Christ is offered relief from pain

Lk 23:27–31

Luke 23:27–31 (ESV) — 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

See also Mt 27:34

Matthew 27:34 (ESV) — 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ crucified between two criminals

Mk 15:22–27 “Golgotha” is a transliteration of the Aramaic word for “a skull”. Its actual location is uncertain.

Mark 15:22–27 (ESV) — 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.

The humiliation of Jesus Christ on the cross

Mk 15:29–32

Mark 15:29–32 (ESV) — 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

The words of Jesus Christ on the cross

Jn 19:30

John 19:30 (ESV) — 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

See also Mt 27:46; Mt 27:50; Mk 15:37; Lk 23:28–31; Lk 23:34; Lk 23:43; Lk 23:46; Jn 19:26–28

Matthew 27:46 (ESV) — 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:50 (ESV) — 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

Mark 15:37 (ESV) — 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.

Luke 23:28–31 (ESV) — 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Luke 23:34 (ESV) — 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Luke 23:43 (ESV) — 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:46 (ESV) — 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

John 19:26–28 (ESV) — 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”

The death of Jesus Christ

Mk 15:33–37

Mark 15:33–37 (ESV) — 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.

See also Jn 19:28–35According to John, Jesus Christ was on the cross while the Passover lambs were being sacrificed.

John 19:28–35 (ESV) — 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe.

Temple Veil

Mk 15:38

Mark 15:38 (ESV) — 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

Witnesses of the crucifixion

Mk 15:39–41

Mark 15:39–41 (ESV) — 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.