Introduction
The Jewish leadership finally has what they want. They have Jesus in custody. It is late at night, the city is sleeping and before long everything is going to be public. These moments contrast the depth of human depravity with the unwavering courage, integrity, and purpose of Jesus. Imagine being there in that ancient courtyard, and not just as observers but as disciples – seeking to understand what it means to stand for truth and faith amidst adversity.
After His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was led late at night to the house of Annas the father-in-law of the high priest, He had been high priest until the Romans appointed Caiaphas. But for many Jews, Annas was still the legitimate high priest. He questions Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. We get an indication here that he is looking to accuse him of rebellion. Jesus responds as he had before, saying that he has always taught openly. Jesus is struck by one of the guards which is illegal under the Law. (Jn 18:19-23)
Still bound, Jesus is taken to Caiaphas the official high priest. By this time, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council, had gathered. They too are looking for evidence to put him to death.
Hastily summoned, this was no ordinary meeting. Filled with tension and secrecy, it was hidden from the crowds who only recently welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as the ‘son of David’. The leaders were eager to find grounds to accuse Jesus and to justify handing Him over to the Roman authorities. (Mrk 14:55-64)
False Testimonies and the Search for Guilt Mrk 14:55-64
The Gospels recount how many false witnesses came forward, yet their testimonies did not agree. The council was frustrated. Despite their efforts, they could not establish consistent evidence. Jesus remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7)
These passages reveal important truths about human nature; People will lie to achieve their purposes. They will lie to justify bad behaviour and they will lie to manipulate others
The law of Moses condemned false testimony, applying the same punishment to perjurers as the accused would receive were he was found guilty. Duet 18:18-19
The silence of Jesus was a sign of strength and not weakness. He refused to answer false accusations, for the burden of proof was upon the accuser. He demonstrated integrity and self-control, in the face of systemic injustice. He did not defend Himself or become angry. He trusted His identity and His Father’s will.
Jesus knew that what was happening was deeply wrong, and so do we. I don’t know about you, but I identify with Peter a lot in this moment. It feels like someone should do something. Jesus has already pointed out that he could have called twelve legions of angels. But His primary motive was compassion for us, and for that reason he allowed this to happen, so that we don’t have to face the consequences for our sin.
Jesus was silent before his accusers, but now sends us to speak on his behalf and for their rescue.
The Declaration of Identity
Finally, the high priest pressed Jesus, asking: “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus replied, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)
As we have been saying, I want to see those angels, I want to see the high priest get us comeuppance. That doesn’t happen on Friday but it will soon be Sunday.
Jesus does not shrink back from saying the very think that will get him killed. He is quoting from Daniel 7:13 the son of man received dominion. The Jews understood exactly what he was saying and it is a clear claim to divinity.
The high priest understands this immediately and condemns Jesus to death for Blasphemy. All of the court’s pent up frustration is then taken out on our Lord as he is beaten and mocked. Lk 22:63-65. They blindfold him and ask him to prophesy – to tell them who it was that hit him…adding insult to injury.
We mentioned earlier that people will lie to get their way. When lies fail, ridicule comes to the rescue. Nothing has changed. It is still the stock and trade of the wicked to mock and ridicule Christianity.
Some modern day mockers are just now waking up to their error. Richard Dawkins, famous atheist and author of “the God Delusion” had only negative things to say about Christian faith. Now as England is losing it’s Christian heritage to Islam he recently and grudgingly admitted, that he appreciated and had benifitted from Christian culture.
Before we leave this point I want to remind all of us that while Jesus was speaking of his ‘second coming’, he had also predicted the coming destruction of Jerusalem. The course set by the Sanhedrin would hasten the first and put them on the wrong side of the judgment seat of God. And while Jerusalem has fallen, God still offers grace. But He will not extend grace or forgiveness to those who persist in sin or who ridicule His Son.
Betrayal, Denial, Regret (Jn 18:17; Mat 26:69-72; Mat 26:73-74; Lk 22:60-62)
At the ‘trial’ of Jesus, three things took place under oath. False witnesses lied, Peter denied and Jesus testified. Behind closed doors, the court condemned. And in the couryard outside…one of Jesus’ closest disciples denied Him three times. It was ‘lawfare’, before the word was coined. A rogue legal system waging war in the name of justice. Jesus’ courage and conviction stand in stark contrast to Peter’s fear and failure.
It forces us to ask, what would we do, had we been there? This question is not hypothetical, for we are there and have that choice every time injustice is done. When lies are promoted, and when someone mocks truth and righteousness, it is our turn to speak up.
After the resurrection, Jesus forgave Peter and restored him. But Peter knew that he was wrong, right after it happened. And while he wept bitterly, he trusted in the promise that Jesus had made…that he would repent and one day ‘strengthen his brethren’ (Luke 22:32). By contrast, when Judas failed, he gave up all hope.
The trial before the Sanhedrin ultimately points us to God’s capacity to redeem even our deepest failures.
Having turned back to the Lord, Peter went on to declare salvation in Jesus. Knowing that he himself had been forgiven, he offered forgiveness in Christ to those who had crucified the Lord’s Messiah Acts 2:36.
This powerful and inspiring story of redemption assures us, that while also fail and sometimes in very serious ways, God is willing to forgive. He has forgiven Peter for denying Jesus at the very moment when He suffered the greatest injustice in history. God used Peter to do great things, advancing the borders of His Kingdom. Therefore, God can restore and use us as well.
Conclusion
All told, the trial of Jesus reminds us that the wicked will be wicked, for that is the nature of evil. The question that remains is… what will the good do? What will those who have been united with Christ and who partake of his goodness, do with that goodness? Will they be faithful or break faith with the Lord?
May we always stand for Truth.
In a world of shifting values and false accusations, let us hold fast to our convictions as Christ did. May our integrity be evident, even when misunderstood.
May we trust in God’s Purpose:
Jesus’ trial was no accident. It was a necessary step in God’s redemptive plan. When we face injustice or suffering, let us trust that God will work through it for greater good.
May we embrace compassion and forgiveness
Like Peter, we may stumble under pressure. Yet, Christ’s response is not condemnation, but restoration. Let us accept His forgiveness and extend it to others.
The night of Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin was dark, but it gave way to the dawn of resurrection. Let us, as followers of Jesus in our time and place, draw courage from His example, speaking truth with love, and resting in the assurance that God’s justice and mercy will have the final word.
May the example of Jesus empower us to live faithfully, with hope and courage, as we journey through trials of our own.