Jesus Christ, falsely accused of blasphemy towards God and treason towards Rome, humbly endured his trial as a fulfilment of the purposes of God.
The preliminary hearing before Annas
See also John 18:12–14 Annas, though deposed from office by the Romans, was probably still regarded by many as the true high priest; John 18:19–23
The trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin
Jesus Christ is sent to the ruling high priest
Matthew 26:57 parallels Mark 14:53, John 18:24; Luke 22:54
False evidence is sought
Matthew 26:59–60 parallel Mark 14:55–56 The Sanhedrin was the high court of the Jews and consisted of 71 chief priests, elders and teachers of the law, including the high priest who presided.
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
False accusations are made
See also Matthew 26:60–61 parallel Mark 14:57–59 A person could only be convicted on the evidence of two or more witnesses.
Jesus Christ's trial centres upon his Messianic claims
Jesus declares himself to be the Christ
Matthew 26:63–64 parallel Mark 14:61–62 See also Luke 22:66–70
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Jesus Christ is charged with blasphemy
Matthew 26:65–66 parallel Mark 14:63–64; Matthew 27:1 parallel Mark 15:1 The Sanhedrin decided that Jesus Christ deserved death but charged him with treason rather than blasphemy.
Jesus is mocked as the Christ
Matthew 26:67–68 parallels Mark 14:65, Luke 22:63–65
The trial before Pilate
The Sanhedrin hand Jesus Christ over to Pilate
Matthew 27:2 parallel Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1; John 18:28–32
Jesus Christ accepts the title of king
John 18:36–37 See also Matthew 27:11 parallel Mark 15:2; Luke 23:2–3; John 19:9–12; 1 Timothy 6:13
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.” “Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”
Pilate decides Jesus Christ is innocent
Luke 23:4 See also Luke 23:14–15, Luke 23:22; John 18:38, John 19:4–6; Acts 13:28
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
Pilate sends Jesus Christ to Herod
Herod sends Jesus Christ back to Pilate
Pilate seeks to release Jesus Christ
John 19:12 See also Matthew 27:15–18 parallel Mark 15:6–10 Pilate appeals to the crowd on the basis of Jesus Christ's kingship; Matthew 27:19 Pilate is warned by his wife not to get involved; Luke 23:16, Luke 23:20, Luke 23:22; John 18:38–39, John 19:6, John 19:15
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”
The crowd demand the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Matthew 27:20 parallel Mark 15:11 See also Matthew 27:21–23 parallel Mark 15:12–14; Luke 23:18, Luke 23:21, Luke 23:23; John 18:40, John 19:6–7, John 19:12, John 19:15
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.
The crowd's demands prevail
Mark 15:15 parallel Matthew 27:26 See also Matthew 27:24 Pilate denies responsibility; Matthew 27:25; Luke 23:23–25; John 19:16; Acts 3:13–14 The emphasis is on the people's responsibility.
And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
Jesus Christ is mocked as king
John 19:2–3 See also Matthew 27:27–31 parallel Mark 15:16–20; John 19:15
The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe. And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.
Jesus Christ's response to his trial
Isaiah 53:7 See also Matthew 26:62–63 parallel Mark 14:60–61; Matthew 27:12, Matthew 27:14 parallel Mark 15:5; Luke 23:9; John 19:9; Acts 8:32–35; 1 Peter 2:23
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
Jesus Christ's trial confirms he is God's servant
Acts 4:27–28 See also Isaiah 53:10; John 19:8–11; Acts 2:23 The outcome of the trial fulfilled God's declared purpose.
In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.