Luke 22:63-23:25 - Declared Guilty Though Proven Innocent

Introduction:

Justice is ingrained into the heart of man. When we hear of injustice, we struggle to cope with it. That is because we are made in the image of God. God is a God of justice. He has promised that He will make all things right in the end.

However, on this side of eternity, we continue to see injustice. During our Scripture today, we will see the most unjust verdicts in the history of the world. The most innocent man to ever live - namely the perfect Savior the Lord Jesus Christ - was subject to 6 wickedly false trials.

However, this was the plan of God from the beginning. God knew that man would sin and justice would be needed. However, although He is fully just, He is also a fully loving God. And in His love, He sent His only Son - Christ Jesus - to take the verdict we deserved. We are guilty, yet Christ has taken our place. We deserve mocking and lashings, yet Jesus has taken our place. We deserve condemnation, yet Jesus has taken our place. We deserve death, yet Jesus has taken our place.

As we go through today’s Scripture, spend some time reflecting on the fact that Jesus is taking all of this on your behalf. Seek to personalize all of this.

Prayer

As we get started, we are going to go through the 6 sham trial that Jesus faced. We will use the parallels from the other three Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John as well so that we can get a more complete picture of what Jesus experienced.

We will start by going through the three times that Christ was tried by His own people…

Christ Was Tried Three Times by His Own People

1) The Trial Before Annas (John 18:12-13, John 18:19-24, Luke 22:54-55)

Although Luke briefly mentions Jesus being brought before the high priest in Luke 22:54-55 that we went through last week, John gives more information on this…

John 18:12–13 ESV

So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

It appears from the parallel Gospels that Jesus, after He was arrested, was first brought before the former high priest, Annas (John 18:12-13, John 18:19-24).

During this first trial, Jesus was questioned by Annas and after answering the questions, He was struck by one of the officers (John 18:22-23).

John 18:22–23 ESV

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?” 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?”

Note the amazing stability of Christ. He doesn’t strike back.

He remains calm and collected despite just taking a hit. He had said nothing that would warrant such a response. He had only stated the facts - that He had been teaching in the temple regularly and had done nothing in secret (John 18:20-21).

Compare this to Paul who faces a trial before a different high priest some years later in Acts 23:2-3:

Acts 23:2–3 ESV

And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

Paul’s response to the high priest is probably more like I would respond. Unfortunately, I may have even struck back. Yet, Christ remains meek and humble. He knows where this road is leading. Isaiah 53:7 prophesied about how Christ would be silent despite His oppression and affliction. He was like a lamb being led to the slaughter.

After some back and forth, Annas realizes that he is getting nowhere with Jesus and sends Him bound to Caiaphas, the current high priest (John 18:24). The verdict reached has been guilty, but the supposed and fabricated facts are nowhere to be found.

2) The Trial Before Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57-67, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:63-65, John 18:24)

This second trial that Jesus faced was before Caiaphas and some of the Sanhedrin. As we discussed before, Annas and Caiaphas likely lived very close together. It is likely during this trial that Peter denies knowing Christ (Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, John 18:15-18, John 18:24-27). Most theologians and historians mention that the rooster would crow between midnight and 3 AM. So these first two trials likely took place in the middle of the night.

During this second sham trial, many false witnesses come forward and their testimony is contradictory (Mark 14:56).

It is important to note the Jewish Law’s opinion about false witnesses. Deuteronomy 19:16-20 asserts that a false witness should be punished with whatever punishment was due for their accusation.

Thus, because the punishment for blasphemy was death, a false witness against someone accusing them of blasphemy should be executed (Deuteronomy 19:16-20).

Yet, these religious leaders look the other way. Despite contradictory witnesses, they let false testimonies continue to be spewed out. Their miscarriage of justice shows their evil intent.

After a lot of back and forth we come to Matthew 26:63-64:

Matthew 26:63–64 ESV

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.” 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.”

It is clear that Caiaphas and the other religious leaders recognize Jesus’s claim to be the Messiah here. They understood Christ’s use of the phrase Son of Man from Daniel 7:13 as a statement of deity. Caiaphas tears his robe and accuses Jesus of blasphemy and the smaller council orders that Jesus be put to death (Matthew 26:65-66).

Luke gives us an interlude after this second trial as they await daybreak for the final Jewish Trial before the Sanhedrin.

Luke 22:63–65 ESV

Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

After claiming His Messiahship, the temple guards begin beating and mocking Jesus. Matthew and Mark tell us that they spit in His face which was a vile mark of contempt (Matthew 26:67, Mark 14:65).

How amazing is it that Jesus took these beatings without fighting back? He could have told them exactly who hit Him. He could have stated facts about their lives - sins in which they struggled and no one else knew. He could have called down angels to wipe them out in a moment. Yet, He remained silent…

Once the sun rises, we are introduced the final sham Jewish trial…

3) The Trial Before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71, Matthew 27:1-2, Mark 15:1-2)

It is clear that the first two trials have been illegal. Jewish Law prevented trials from being done at night. For this final trial, they did wait until right after the sun rose to start it. But that didn’t negate them of all of the other illegal activity that ensued.

The Sanhedrin was the supreme council of legal authority in Israel during the time of Jesus. It consisted of 70 men who were led by the high priest – Caiaphas at this point - which made for a total of 71 - thereby keeping any votes from being a tie.

Interestingly, the Sanhedrin had legal authority over religious matters and certain civil laws, but they were unable to execute someone apart from Roman authority after being occupied by Rome.

The Sanhedrin was to be the judge and jury but not the prosecution. They were not supposed to come with charges but instead to address charges that were brought.

In this case, however, they sought also to be the prosecution. But unfortunately for them, they had a punishment designated but no actual charge that would stick. They wanted Jesus put to death but didn’t have a true charge that would warrant such a sentence. They were perverting justice - something the Lord hates (Isaiah 10:1-2, Deuteronomy 16:19).

Jewish Law also prohibited having a trial or executing someone on a Jewish feast day (Matthew 26:5). Yet, this did not stop them from doing both of these things during this Passover week.

This brings us to our final Jewish trial in Luke 22:66-71:

Luke 22:66–68 ESV

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, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer.

We now have Jesus before the entire Sanhedrin - called the council here - other than a couple of likely missing chairs - including Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. These two men who followed Jesus were likely left out of the proceedings to avoid any disunity in the group as we see clearly that Joseph of Arimathea did not consent toward the decision and action of the Sanhedrin and as we later see both of them taking care of the burial of Jesus (John 19:38-39, Luke 23:50-51).

They ask Him again if He is the Christ. They want to really nail it down in the presence of the entire group. Jesus knows their mind is made up and refuses to play their games. There is no defense He could bring that would be heard. He has been declared guilty even though He is innocent.

He knows that there is no amount of discussion that they could have that would suffice for them. They want Him dead. And knowing this, He gives them the final ammunition they need to render their illegal verdict. Again He calls Himself the Son of Man…

Luke 22:69–71 ESV

But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

He refuses to answer their follow-up question, but they have the testimony they wanted. He had confessed to being the Son of Man - namely the Messiah. The Jews have now officially declared Jesus guilty three times.

There is something interesting here. My friend, Pastor Josh Bailey said the following:

“They came to the right conclusion, but refused to believe.”

Josh Bailey

It is interesting that they come to a correct accusation - Jesus has claimed to be the Son of God. Yet, they move to kill Him instead of repent and follow Him.

Let’s take a step back and consider this ourselves. There are a lot of people in our world who are cultural Christians - meaning that they believe in Jesus. If you asked them if they believed Jesus was the Son of God - they would probably say yes. They have come to the correct conclusion.

However, have they repented and believed?

More pointedly…

Have you repented and believed and followed?

It isn’t enough to come to a conclusion in your mind. It is what you do with the conclusion.

True believers don’t just come to the right supposition, they repent follow the right and only Savior.

After these three sham trials by the Jews, Jesus is brought before the Romans… Which brings us to our second section…

Scripture References: John 18:12-13, John 18:19-24, Acts 23:2-3, Isaiah 53:7, Matthew 26:57-67, Mark 14:53-65, (Peter Denies Christ - Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, John 18:15-18, John 18:24-27), Deuteronomy 19:16-20, Daniel 7:13, Isaiah 10:1-2, Deuteronomy 16:19, Matthew 26:5, John 19:38-39, Luke 23:50-51

Christ Was Tried Three Times by the World Power (Rome)

1) The First Trial Before Pilate (Luke 23:1-7, Matthew 27:2-14, Mark 15:2-5, John 18:28-38)

Luke 23:1–3 ESV

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 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.” And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”

After being illegally tried and convicted by the Sanhedrin, Jesus is brought before Pilate.

Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea and had his seat of government in Cesarea. Pilate was likely in Jerusalem since it was Passover. During feasts and festivals, the Romans would want to make their presence known to squash any attempts of rebellion or insurrection.

He served from around AD 26 - AD 36 and was known for his harsh treatment of the Jews. Despite the animosity between the Sanhedrin and Pilate, the Sanhedrin did not have the authority to execute someone (John 18:31). Capital punishment was only for the Roman government. So the Sanhedrin had to try to appear pro-Roman in their interaction with Pilate to get their way and have Jesus executed.

Note something important in these accusations brought from the religious leaders…

If you recall, the Jewish trials had been focused on blasphemy. Now they are accusing Him of misleading the nation, teaching against paying taxes, and not respecting the office of Caesar. The injustice is obvious. Jesus is clearly innocent of all three of these charges.

They know that Pilate doesn’t care at all about Jewish customs or Jewish religious matters. He is a Roman pagan. He doesn’t care about their religion. So they attempt to change the charges to make them more anti-Roman. They are hoping these charges will get Pilate’s attention.

Pilate then turns to Jesus to ask Him a question. It is clear by his question that he has completely ignored the first two questions. There is only one thing that he is concerned about - is Jesus an insurrectionist or revolutionary? So he asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Jesus answers Him interestingly by saying, “You have said so.”

Matthew 27:12-14 tells us that there are many other charges brought against Jesus and yet Jesus remains silent - which amazes the governor.

John goes on to tell us about an extended discourse between Pilate and Jesus. Listen to this interesting dialogue between the two…

John 18:33–35 ESV

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?”

John 18:36–37 ESV

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.” 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.”

John 18:38 ESV

Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

Pilate is very confused and disturbed by this discussion. He ends the discussion by asking Jesus an interesting question.

Jesus had just said that He came to bear witness to the truth. And Pilate’s response is - “What is truth?” (John 18:38)

This is such an interesting question, isn’t it?

Do you know the answer to that question? Do you understand that Christ is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6)?

Pilate was in the presence of the Truth but completely missed Him. I pray that you don’t finish your life with the same result. Be sure that you personally know the Truth - namely Jesus.

There is another important lesson in Pilate’s question.

A lot of people can ask the right question. However, most people don’t spend time trying to seek the right answer.

There are many people out there asking about the meaning of life, why we are here, where we came from, and what is our purpose. These are excellent questions. However, many people I talk with that are unbelievers don’t seem focused on finding the answer to such questions. Like Pilate, they seem calloused and hopeless that such answers truly exist.

Don’t buy into that lie. Jesus provides us with the answers to our questions through His Word. Seek your answers through His Word and you will find the answers to these big questions in life.

Those who abide in Christ’s Word - namely the Word of God - are truly His disciples. And those who are truly His disciples know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).

After this lengthy discussion, we hear Pilate’s initial verdict…

Luke 23:4–5 ESV

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Pilate declares Jesus innocent for the first time here. He doesn’t see Jesus as a threat to Rome. There is nothing deserving death.

However, Luke tells us that the religious leaders were now urgent - meaning that they were more intensely coming at Pilate with charges.

Just when Pilate is feeling backed into a corner, he finds a loophole. Jesus is a Galilean. Listen to Pilate’s response to that information…

Luke 23:6–7 ESV

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 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.

It just so happens that Herod is nearby as well since it is the Passover. Pilate can now wash his hands of this case and send it Herod’s way. Despite finding Jesus innocent already, he now sends Jesus to Herod. Which brings us to our second Roman trial…

2) The Trial Before Herod (Luke 23:8-12)

Luke 23:8–9 ESV

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. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.

Luke, alone, gives us the trial before Herod.

Pilate outranked Herod in authority, so sending Jesus to Herod was a mark of endearment to Herod. Herod was not only happy for the political acknowledgement, he was happy because he had long desired to see Jesus.

Unfortunately, his longing to see Jesus was more like longing to see a magician. He had heard of the signs and miracles that Jesus had done and was excited to see a show.

Despite the many questions Herod had for Jesus, Jesus refuses to answer him.

This is really interesting. Jesus had answered the high priests, the Sanhedrin, and even the pagan ruler, Pontius Pilate. Yet, He refused to even mutter a single word to Herod.

How lost and hopeless was Herod that Jesus would not even address him with one word? Herod was an evil man. He had married his niece who was actually his brother’s wife. He had beheaded John the Baptist. His father was Herod the Great who had murdered all of the male children in Bethlehem 2 years and below in order to attempt to wipe out the Messiah (Matthew 2:16).

You have gotten to quite a dangerous place when even Jesus has nothing to say to you.

Luke 23:10–11 ESV

The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.

Despite the accusations from the religious leaders and the mocking and contempt from Herod and his soldiers, Jesus remained silent.

They arrayed Jesus in splendid clothing - mocking Him by dressing Him as royalty.

Jesus has finished his 5th sham trial. Despite the mocking, it appears that Herod has sent Jesus to Pilate declaring Him not guilty as seen later in Luke 23:15.

Interestingly, a friendship formed over this horrible encounter.

Luke 23:12 ESV

And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

The two had been at odds with one another. We are not aware of what caused the friction, but it was likely due to the fact that they were ruling adjacent territories.

Yet, Herod was grateful for Pilate allowing him to see Jesus as well as showing him political honor by asking his opinion on the matter.

And Pilate was honored by Herod sending Jesus back - thereby submitting to his overarching authority as well.

Their shared mistreatment of Jesus brought these two evil men together in friendship.

Which brings us to the final trial Jesus endured on His way to the cross:

3) The Second Trial Before Pilate (Luke 23:13-25, Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-16, John 18:39-19:16)

Luke 23:13–16 ESV

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 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. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”

Having returned from Herod, Pilate begins to takes things more seriously and calls together the religious leaders and rulers.

He tells them that neither he nor Herod have found Jesus guilty of any of their charges.

In essence, Pilate has declared Jesus not guilty a second time. Although declared guilty by His own people three times, the Romans have found Jesus not guilty three times in response.

Yet, Pilate offers to punish and then release Jesus.

We might hear this and be very confused. Why would Pilate offer to punish an innocent man?

Many theologians do not see this first offer as a typical scourging that we will discuss next week. Roman law allowed a light beating along with a warning from someone who behaved in a way that caused trouble. This was in essence an attempt to compromise with the religious rulers.

But they would have none of this attempt at compromise…

Luke 23:18–19 ESV

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.

Some Bible versions have verse 17 in brackets while others have it listed at the bottom of the page as a footnote. This is because this verse is not present in most Greek manuscripts. The verse is likely brought in from the parallels of Matthew, Mark and John (Matthew 27:15, Mark 15:6, John 18:39). Thus, it was likely brought in to explain the situation taking place more thoroughly.

It states that at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner. There is no problem keeping the verse in there or seeing it as a possible addition as a commentary later.

Situations like this can be confusing for believers at times. I discussed the manuscript evidence in my sermon on Luke 17:20-37 called ‘The Coming Kingdom.’ If you would like to study more about the amazing mounting manuscript evidence and accuracy of the Bible, listen to that which will help clear up situations like these.

But moving forward, we see that the Jewish leaders were not having a quick release of Jesus. A quick punishment and release wasn’t going to do it for them. Instead, they request Barabbas – an insurrectionist an murderer - to be released.

This man, Barabbas, who is called a murderer and insurrectionist is set free and Christ takes his place. This is such a beautiful picture of us as well. Christ has taken our place at the cross. He has taken our punishment.

We, like Barabbas are guilty, yet Christ has died for us so that we might be set free.

Free from the bondage of sin.

Let’s continue forward as we see this get more and more out of hand.

Luke 23:20–22 ESV

Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 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.”

Pilate continues to try to coax the crowd to reason. He knows that Jesus is innocent, and he knows that Barabbas is guilty. Mark 15:10 shows that even Pilate saw through their thinly veiled jealousy. He saw that this was all a sham, and that they wanted Jesus out of their way to maintain their own power.

Pilate had another reason to avoid convicting Jesus as well. Matthew 27:19 tells us that his wife had a dream that troubled her and that she had told her husband, Pilate, to have nothing to do with that righteous man – speaking of Jesus.

But Pilate keeps losing control of the crowd.

They become louder and begin shouting, “Crucify Him.”

Again, he attempts to compromise with a lighter punishment of Jesus and then setting Him free.

Luke 23:23–25 ESV

But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 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.

Eventually, the people prevail upon Pilate. He delivers Jesus over to their will. Jesus is declared guilty though He had been proven innocent three separate times by Rome.

However, Pilate cares more about himself and his own renown than finding truth.

Pilate goes on to wash his hands of the situation as seen in Matthew 27:24. He declares himself not guilty in Christ’s crucifixion. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Pilate was the only one in this situation with the power to deliver Christ over to the cross. His plead of ignorance was one that was untrue. He was guilty of ordering the crucifixion of the Son of God.

And in the middle of this hostile interchange, in the following verse (Matthew 27:25), we see one of the most Satanic statements in Scripture.

Matthew 27:25 ESV

And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

What egregious evil is seen here? The passive and weak leadership of Pilate is overwhelmed by the Satanic fury of this demonically-driven group of religious leaders along with many others who were following them.

Jesus, though proven innocent, is now declared guilty and is heading for the cross.

Scripture References: John 14:6, Matthew 2:16

Conclusion:

As we close today, I want us to reflect some on these trials. Spend some time reflecting on the harsh treatment that Jesus endured on your behalf.

Also spend some time considering the guilt of those who refused to believe the truth. Don’t spend your life asking questions without seeking the correct answers to them. Seek after the One Who is the Truth - Jesus Christ.

Jesus was declared guilty though proven innocent so that you, being guilty, could be declared innocent.

Praise be to God for such a wondrous gift of salvation.