The Trial of Jesus

If we think of famous trials, we can’t help but think about those of Winona Ryder, Michael Jackson, the Menendez Brothers, Scott Peterson, and of course, OJ Simpson. All of which have been known for its high profile nature and high public attention. What about the trial of Jesus Christ? Can this compete with these popular trials of our time?

Chapter 25 of William Barclay’s book The Mind of Jesus goes inside into the trial of the Son of Man. Barclay starts out by describing the composition of the court  (Sanhedrin) which is seventy. The group was led by the High Priest and their goals is to ‘conserve the interest of the man on trial’ and to ‘exercise mercy in judgment.’

It’s interesting to note that not all people can participate in such trials in terms of being a witness for these proceedings. It was said that dice players, pigeon fliers, those who traded with the Sabbatic growth, loan sharks, robbers, herdsmen, and extortioners were not allowed. Witnesses who do qualify are compelled to attend not just the beginning, but also the end of these trial for they will be asked to cast the first stone at the accused once the trial is over.

The court usually meet at the precincts of the Temple at the so-called Hall of Hewn Stone. Its members sit in a semi-circle position so that the people can see each other and by all.

The trial of Jesus can be summed up into six parts:

1.    Jesus being brought to Annas after his arrest (Jn 18:13-14)

2.    Jesus being brought to house of Caiaphas for examination (Mt. 26:57-68, Mk. 14:53-65, Lk. 22:54, 63-65, & Jn. 18:19-24).

3.    The meeting of the Sanhedrin to carry out the official trial and to arrive at the official condemnation (Mt. 27:1f, Mk. 15:1, Lk. 22:66-71).

4.    The trial before Pilate, the Roman procurator (Mt. 27:2-26, Mk. 15:2-15, Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25).

5.    The trial before Herod (Lk. 23:6-12)

6.    Completion of the trial before Pilate and final condemnation. 

The trial began with the search for witnesses. It’s interesting to note many false witnesses were being prepared to testify against Jesus. However, according to Mark’s account, no two witnesses could agree.

The only charge that they could master up was with regards to Jesus’ statement that he would “destroy the Temple and that he would replace it within three days with a Temple not made with hands” (Mt. 26:61f; Mk. 14:58).

Then they asked Jesus whether he is the Messiah to which he said he was (Mt. 26:63; Mk. 14:61; Lk. 22:67). The real charge then came, and the events which led up to a blasphemy charge against him. This charge was considered treason against God; and Jesus must die because of this.

If there is one word that can describe the trial of Jesus it’s the word conspiracy. Jesus was doomed even at the onset of his trial. Barclay said that he was asked to answer questions in which he was bound to incriminate himself.  The group was also accused of producing false witnesses. Also, the group was suppose to meet at the Hall of Hewn Stone.  Instead, they gathered at the house of Caiaphas at the night of the Passover.

Normally, such proceedings would conserve the rights of the accused. Instead, the process end up destroying all of them as they handed out an illegal verdict against Jesus.

As Jesus was brought to Pilate, Pilate had the opportunity to save the day. As governor, he had the power to release someone at Passover.  At that time there was a man in custody named Barabbas. Pilate then gave them a choice on whom to release—Jesus or Barabbas? The people then made their choice as they shouted the name of Barabbas.

As much as Pilate wanted to liberate Jesus, he could not stop the great hatred of the Jews towards the Son of Man, and their determination to see Jesus die a horrible death…death on the Cross.

Interestingly enough, Barclay contends that all throughout Jesus never thought of himself as a victim. That amidst his impending doom, Jesus still saw the guiding hand of God. That he was not a victim of men. In a situation that has gone array. Instead, he sees himself as a chosen instrument and Servant of God whose outcome were in the hands of God.