THE TRIALS OF JESUS

Luke 23:1-25

The Biblical account of the various trials of Jesus demonstrates the hatred which was in the hearts of the religious leaders. On every count, they lied, misrepresented, and deceived in order to accomplish their goal of killing Jesus. Each trial was a travesty of justice and a mockery of their own judicial process.

Remember, the first three trials were conducted by the Jewish religious authorities.

    1. At the house of Annas, the former High Priest, who, though deposed, still controlled the priesthood through his family. (John 18:12-24)
    2. At the palace of Caiaphas, the High Priest, son-in-law of Annas. (Matt. 26:57;Mark 14:53; Luke 22:54; John 18:24) This occurred at about midnight. Two false witnesses are found to testify against Jesus.
    3. Before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court, in the palace of Caiaphas, at about daylight - in order to ratify their illegal midnight trial. (Matt. 27:1; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)

The remaining three trials were conducted by various Roman authorized civil courts.

    1. At the hall of Pilate, where the following charges were made against Jesus. (Matt. 27:2,11-14; Mark 15:1-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18"28-38)
    1. At the Palace of Herod Antipas. (This is the man who killed John, the Baptist.) (Luke 23:6-12) Herod, basically mocked Jesus. Jesus did not speak to Herod.
    2. At the hall of Pilate for final sentencing. (Matt. 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16) Pilate's efforts to release Jesus are futile. Jesus is condemned and Barrabas, a murderer and seditionist is released.

THINK ABOUT THIS

When men's hearts reject Christ they will do everything in their power to rid themselves of any possible influence His person or teachings may have upon them. Even today, men and women go to fanatic efforts to keep from yielding to the teachings of Christ.

QUESTION: How do people in our generation oppose Jesus?

QUESTION: Jesus faced the two most contentious human powers which impact human life. What were they?

QUESTION: (a) Why do you think Jesus is still rejected by sinful man?

    1. What will be the final penalty for that rejection?
    2. What is the reward for accepting Jesus for who He is?