Day 310, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): John 18:28-38; Mark 15:1-5; Matthew 27:1-14; Luke 23:1-12
Listen to a dramatic poem I wrote about the Passion week called the Cup. Please email me and tell me what you think of it.
Court Trials and Injustice
We can get about any book or DVD, even old Perry Mason courtroom dramas, through the library interlinked system or the internet. Do we remember Perry Mason, the lawyer who rarely lost? Watching those classic TV episodes gave us hope in the justice of the law (especially if Mason were our lawyer).
It isn’t that way in the real world. The notorious courtroom drama, the 1995 O.J. Simpson trial, led many of us to believe the court system was corrupt. This is nothing new; it has been happening for a long time. It happened in Jesus’ day.
How did the Lord suffer injustice in the court system, and how did he react? How should we react when experiencing injustice?
The religious and civil trials of Jesus
After Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, the Lord was unjustly tried as a criminal. The Bible Knowledge Commentaryhas many insights into the religious and civil trials of Jesus Christ. Here is a summary, including my comments.
False Arrest
When someone is arrested by a civil authority, it is common to follow certain legal proceedings. Even the Jews had them. However, the religious leaders didn’t observe them in the seizure of Jesus. The injustices which Jesus suffered started with his arrest. First, there was no charge or allegation of wrongdoing—his accusers made that up later. Second, legal proceedings were not allowed between sunset and sunrise, and yet Jesus was put through three trials before dawn.
After his arrest, Jesus was taken to Annas, the father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest that year (John 18:13). We don’t know why they brought Jesus to Annas first. Perhaps, Caiaphas wanted to show off his prize prisoner. Or, maybe he sought to honor his father-in-law by seeking his judgment first (he was a high priest before Caiaphas). Another possibility is that Jesus was taken to Annas to allow sufficient time to assemble the Jewish ruling body, the Sanhedrin. After the questioning by Annas, Jesus was brought to the high priest for trial (Matthew 26:57).Violations of Court Procedures
There was something strange about the allegations brought against Jesus in the trial under Caiaphas. Although the religious leaders leveled many allegations against him, none could stick (Matthew 26:59-62).
Having failed in this effort, they required Jesus to testify against himself, which was another violation of Jewish court procedures. They finally convicted Jesus of blasphemy because he claimed to be God’s Son, making him equal in nature to God. However, their charge was wrong because Jesus spoke the truth; Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus received rough treatment during the trial of Caiaphas. He was blindfolded, mocked, spit upon, slapped, and struck with fists (Matthew 26:59-62). All this was done without a conviction. Jesus did not defend himself, although he suffered humiliation and brutality.
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus appears on trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling body (Matthew 27:1-2). They meet and decide to put Jesus to death, but they have no authority to execute anyone. They have to bring him to Pontius Pilate, the ruling Roman governor of Judea.
The Sanhedrin decided Jesus is guilty of blasphemy for claiming to be God’s Son. However, they do not take this charge to Pilate because the Roman government cares nothing about Jewish laws and traditions. Therefore, the Sanhedrin charge Jesus with subverting the nation, opposing taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a King (Luke 23:1-2).
A Roman Hearing
The Roman government desires peace in the provinces—it doesn’t need insurrectionists. Furthermore, the Roman government wants no opposition to paying taxes, and the Roman government doesn’t want a rival king.
When Pilate privately questions whether Jesus considers himself a king, Jesus satisfies him by saying, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). It is a spiritual kingdom, and so Pilate perceives no threat to the Roman empire.The Jewish leaders press their case against Jesus that he is stirring up the people in Galilee. Hearing this, Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas, who rules over the province of Galilee but happens to be in Jerusalem at this time (Luke 23:6-7).
Herod is eager to receive Jesus because he heard about his miracles and hopes this notable prisoner will perform for him. He is disappointed, however, because Jesus performs no miracles and remains silent throughout all the questions and accusations of the religious leaders. Herod and his soldiers mock and clothe Jesus with a royal robe and send him back to Pilate.
Throughout his trials, Jesus says little (John 18:39–19:16). According to the writings of the prophet Isaiah, Jesus is like a lamb before a slaughter or a sheep before his shearer’s (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, NIV), but first, he must be slain. As painful as it is, Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, in our place, is necessary for our salvation. (more).Responding to Injustice
Christians, how do we respond to injustice in our world? The Apostle Peter gives us some helpful instructions.
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1Peter 2:19-23, NIV).
Peter summarizes his instructions to suffering Christians in the focus verse below.
Endnote: The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the NT, edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, pp.85-87, 182-185, 261-262, and 335-338
Discussion
How did Jesus respond to injustices?
How did the Apostle Peter say we should respond to injustices?
Focus Verse
1 Peter 4:19 (NIV) “So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
Listen to a dramatic poem I wrote about the Passion week called the Cup. Please email me and tell me what you think of it.
Watch a dramatized version of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: After the trials, Jesus is Unjustly Convicted and Sentenced! What should we do if we suffer like that? Join us for our Next Lesson.
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