Mistaken Identity

In this section of Scripture, one of the issues which stands out is the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, specifically. They should have been a people that were so knowledgeable about the Old Testament that they would have immediately recognized the identify of Jesus. Yet regardless of all the facts, they didn’t like the fact that they would lose power and reverence if they would see that Jesus was the Son of God.

Another issue which irritates most of us is their supposed piety. They were so focused on rules and regulations and ritual that they completely ignored letting God do a work in their heart. They would pursue ungodly behavior while practicing on the edge policies and even blatant disregard of the actual law.

It’s also interesting to note that the Jewish system of justice was considered to be the superior system in the world. It was based on absolute truth; which makes sense, because God is a God of truth. However, as we will see from this point forward, the Sanhedrin were so blinded by their hatred of Jesus that they completely overlooked and ignored the principles which were supposed to be in place. There were at least seven major contradiction to the rules of a trial.

The religious leaders were incredibly mistaken in Jesus’ identity because they were not really in love with God, nor did they know Him. The political leaders were so caught up in themselves that they didn’t understand that God was even in charge of their authority. Today, we have a lot of similarities in that people want to believe what is easiest for themselves, not really considering the outcome. But we have assurance as to the true identity of Jesus.

Regardless of what others choose to believe, we can be assured that Jesus is the Son of God.

Pretender? - 22:66-71

Luke 22:66–71 NASB95

When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer. “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”

As we’ve noted previously, the whole trial process was an absolute sham. After Jesus had been taken to Annas, who was actually a former high priest, He was then sent to Caiaphas. Caiaphas was actually the son-in-law to Annas. Here the Sanhedrin was gathered together. Because all they were doing was at night, they weren’t actually allowed to officially make a judgment. It was basically a kangaroo court. That is why they met again in the morning daylight to officially declare Jesus guilty.

As we’ve noted previously, the whole trial process was an absolute sham. After Jesus had been taken to Annas, who was actually a former high priest, He was then sent to Caiaphas. Caiaphas was actually the son-in-law to Annas. Here the Sanhedrin was gathered together. Because all they were doing was at night, they weren’t actually allowed to officially make a judgment. It was basically a kangaroo court. That is why they met again in the morning daylight to officially declare Jesus guilty.

Annas was actually no longer the high priest, but chose to remain in power. After all, he had a very lucrative operation in the temple, heading up the moneychangers. He was known as an extremely greedy individual who had amassed great wealth from inappropriate collecting at the temple. He actually had no legal power to question Jesus at all.

At Caiaphas’ place, the Sanhedrin were again gathered illegally. This was at night, in private, in a home. and on a feast day; all of which were illegal. There were no charges against Jesus, except by the group, which was wrong. There were no witnesses at this trial, though witnesses are required. There were no defense witnesses for Jesus, which was required.

Then when the verdict was announced, it was completely wrong. On his own, Caiaphas had condemned Jesus. If this would have been done correctly, the younger members of the Sanhedrin would have started a roll call vote and it would have advanced to the senior members. Plus, this type of verdict would have showed that no mercy was extended, which would question the outcome of the vote.

Once the dirty work was done officially by the Jewish religious council, Jesus was taken to Pilate, then forwarded to Herod Antipas, who spitefully sent Jesus back to Pilate.

Sadly, in this whole perverted back and forth miscarriage of justice, it is obvious that none of the religious leaders had any real connection with the Scripture, nor had they paid any attention to anything which had been teaching during His ministry time.

You see, the religious leaders had wrong ideas as to Who Jesus actually was. I believe this is why Jesus was somewhat vague and evasive in His answers. Yet, for a person who truly understood the Scriptures and the prophecies about Him, Jesus’ answer was quite clear.

Yet, Jesus made certain that there was no question as to Who He actually was. The Sanhedrin wasn’t just asking if Jesus was generically a son of God. They were asking in a definitive sense as to whether He was actually deity. When Jesus stated that He was the Son of God, there could be no confusion that he was truly the Messiah. At this point, Jesus had committed blasphemy in their eyes and faulty understanding.

This is important to understand because this made it so that Jesus would be fit for the death penalty. The challenge was that since they were under Roman rule, they had no freedom to carry out the death penalty without Rome giving the go-ahead. Thus, we go to the next section to see where they manipulate the system so as to convince the Romans that Jesus was doing something against the government worthy of death.

Politician? - 23:1-7

Luke 23:1–7 NASB95

Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.” When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.

We may wonder what’s so important about Jesus appearing before Pilate and Herod. The religious leaders were quite intentional in trying to make it look like they had everyone’s best interests in mind as they were trying to destroy our Lord. While Jesus was with the Sanhedrin, their intent was to present Jesus as being blasphemous. While Jesus was with Pilate and the Herod, they were trying to make it as though Jesus was against the political system.

The Sanhedrin were pretending to be righteous by staying outside since they wanted to be able to eat the Passover meal. Pilate was fully aware of all that had been happening with Jesus’ teachings, as well as the animosity the Sanhedrin had against Him. He was also aware that they did not have the authority to execute anyone, since that could only be done by the Roman government.

In essence, they were accusing Jesus of stirring the people to rebel and defy the government. They suggested that Jesus was teaching things contrary to the state. Then they went so far as to present a blatant lie; a falsehood which could easily have been proven wrong. They stated that Jesus had told the people that they should not pay any taxes to Rome. If that’s not enough, they added more poisonous innuendo by leading the leadership to believe that Jesus was set on becoming King.

Pilate then proceeds to ask questions of Jesus. When Pilate asked the right question, but with the wrong understanding, Jesus responded with the facts and no more. Pilate did not hear the reality of what Jesus was stating since he was as ignorant about Jesus’ kingship as the Sanhedrin was. However, it was obvious that Jesus was no threat against Rome.

Pilate represented the earthly and political authority and justice. His proclamation should have ended it right then and there. However, the “religious” leaders were so bent on evil, they insisted on going further.

The politicians really didn’t want any part in this, so they tried to pass the buck, if you will. We see the religious group lying to butter up the politicians, portraying Jesus as a political traitor and enemy. Then we find that Pilate declares that there is nothing really wrong so as to find Jesus guilty. Yet, he didn’t want to be cause up in trouble which the Sanhedrin could bring against him by appealing to Caesar.

Next, we will see the next step in the evil process as Jesus appears before Herod.

Performer? - 23:8-12

23:8-12

Luke 23:8–12 NASB95

Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently. And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other.

Herod actually wanted to see Jesus, but for the wrong reasons. He wasn’t interested in justice. He wasn’t interested in the Good News which Jesus brought. He was only interested in an entertainment show. There was really no interest in a just fair trial. Interestingly, Herod was actually a Jew, though he was placed in authority by Rome.

Herod put on a show himself, with his lengthy questioning, but probably was looking very foolish. Even with all of his political authority and power, he could not get Jesus to repond. It’s as if Jesus found no reason to respond to Herod’s arrogance and foolishness.

It almost seemed like the religious leaders and the soldiers were trying to show how tough they were. They had no idea that they were extremely wrong in what they saw as Jesus’ identity. It’s very much like what many try to do who are living lives contrary to God’s ways. They thumb their noses at God and practically dare God to do something to prove He is real while they pretend to be righteous or simply live their lives for their own pleasure.

In their sarcasm and hatred, they dress Jesus in a fancy robe and send Him back to Pilate.

We also see something which is quite common. People who tend to be enemies suddenly become friends and allies when they are against a common enemy.

Summary

Many think they know Who Jesus is? Yet, many are badly mistaken because they want Jesus to fit their nice, neat little box. Maybe they want a Jesus Who lets them practice religion and good deeds their way. Maybe they want a Jesus who lets them keep control and power. Maybe they want a Jesus Who would only vote the way they think best.

The reality is that Jesus is the Son of God Who will either be your Savior or your Judge. He is the One that every voice will declare Him to be the Lord of all. He is the One where every person will bow the knee regardless of your ethnic or religious or political or socio-economic background.

Sadly, the Sanhedrin thought they had the upper hand when they condemned Jesus. However, they just condemned themselves. Like many today, by ignoring the miracles and all the teachings and all that Jesus claimed to be, they chose to reject Jesus, choosing for themselves eternal condemnation.

If you’re here in this building or listening online, don’t make that fatal mistake. Instead, admit that you’re a sinner. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sins and allow Him to make you a child of God. Accept Jesus Christ today as your Lord and Savior.

Indifference to Jesus Christ, as Pilate and Herod were, makes no difference. Antagonism, hatred, indifference, arrogance, all result in eternal condemnation. Don’t be mistaken as to the identity of Christ. He is the Son of God, the Savior of all who believe.