Jesus’ trial was actually a series of hearings, carefully controlled to accomplish his death. The verdict was predetermined, but certain “legal” procedures needed to be followed. A lot of effort went into condemning & crucifying an innocent man. Jesus went thru an unfair trial in OUR PLACE so that we would not have to face a fair trial & receive the well-deserved punishment for our sins. Innocence dying in place of the guilty. Pretty incredible if you think about it.
There were actually 6 trials or more correctly, hearings and here they are with scripture references ...
* There was the first trial before Annas, who while he was no longer the high priest, may have still wielded a lot of power among the others of his kind. [John 18:13-23]
* The 2nd trial was before Caiaphas, who was the ruling High Priest. His responsibility in the matter was to gather evidence for the full high council hearing that was to follow. [Luke 22:54, 63-65]
* The 3rd trial was before the Sanhedrin or the High Council. This was the formal religious trial & condemnation to death. [Luke 22:66-71]
* The 4th trial was before Pilate, the highest Roman authority in their area. All death sentences must be approved by the Roman government. [Luke 23:1-6]
* The 5th trial was before King Herod, the ruler of Galilee. It should be noted that sending Jesus off to stand before Herod was both a courtesy to the King, since Jesus came from Herod’s Galilean district and a guilt-sharing move by Pilate. [Luke 23:7-12]
* The 6th or final trial ended up once again having Jesus stand before Pilate. This would be his last effort to avoid condemning an obviously innocent man. [Luke 23:13-25]
What is good?
No matter how good we may think we are, the filthy rags that are our sins, accumulated throughout our lives finds us already condemned in the eyes of God. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:17, “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” So you see it’s not at all about just being good, because then that begs the question who determines what is good and what is sin? Man? Hardly. Only a righteous, holy God can properly assess what is good and fair and just for everyone with no prejudice or malice.
Up next is the gospel of John. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.
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