Trial of Jesus Christ

The preliminary hearing before Annas

Annas, though deposed from office by the Romans, was probably still regarded by many as the true high priest;

The trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin

Jesus Christ is sent to the ruling high priest

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False evidence is sought

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.

False accusations are made

See also A person could only be convicted on the evidence of two or more witnesses.

Jesus Christ’s trial centres upon his Messianic claims

Jesus declares himself to be the Christ

Matthew 26:63–64 HCSB

But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “By the living God I place You under oath: tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!” “You have said it,” Jesus told him. “But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

See also

Jesus Christ is charged with blasphemy

; The Sanhedrin decided that Jesus Christ deserved death but charged him with treason rather than blasphemy.

Jesus is mocked as the Christ

Matthew 26:67–68 HCSB

Then they spit in His face and beat Him; others slapped Him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who hit You?”

The trial before Pilate

The Sanhedrin hand Jesus Christ over to Pilate

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Jesus Christ accepts the title of king

John 18:36–37 HCSB

“My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here.” “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”

See also ; ; ;

Pilate decides Jesus Christ is innocent

Luke 23:4 HCSB

Pilate then told the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no grounds for charging this man.”

See also ; ; ; ;

Pilate sends Jesus Christ to Herod

Luke 23:5–10 HCSB

But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where He started even to here.” When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. Finding that He was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him. So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him.

Herod sends Jesus Christ back to Pilate

Luke 23:11–12 HCSB

Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously, they had been hostile toward each other.

Pilate seeks to release Jesus Christ

John 19:12 HCSB

From that moment Pilate made every effort to release Him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!”

See also Pilate appeals to the crowd on the basis of Jesus Christ’s kingship; Pilate is warned by his wife not to get involved; ; ; ; ; ;

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

Matthew 27:20 HCSB

The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

The crowd’s demands prevail

Mark 15:15 HCSB

Then, willing to gratify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. And after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

See also Pilate denies responsibility; ; ; ; The emphasis is on the people’s responsibility.

Jesus Christ is mocked as king

John 19:2–3 HCSB

The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and threw a purple robe around Him. And they repeatedly came up to Him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and were slapping His face.

See also ;

Jesus Christ’s response to his trial

Isaiah 53:7 HCSB

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ;

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

Acts 4:27–28 HCSB

“For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place.

See also ; ; The outcome of the trial fulfilled God’s declared purpose.