On Trial:

Context:

• Jesus was led to Caiaphas, the high priest.

Matthew 26:59-60 “...Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward...”

Mark 14:55-57 “...Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree...”

What were the chief priests and whole council trying to accomplish?

• The chief priests and the whole council wanted to put Him to death?

Why?

How far were they willing to go to accomplish their agenda?

• They didn’t even care if the testimony they used was false.
• They weren’t seeking truth.
• They were seeking to validate the position they had adopted, regardless of whether it was right or wrong.

How far are people in our culture willing to go to remove Jesus from their presence?

• They have no trouble discarding truth to accomplish their preferences.

What happens to truth when people are intent upon validating their preferred position?

• Isaiah 59:14-15 “...Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice...”

• Truth stumbles in public places.
• The LORD, who sees all, is displeased.

Jesus remained silent while a witness testified that He intended to destroy the temple of God. Finally Jesus is asked, whether he is the Christ, the Son of God.

Matthew 26:64 “...Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven...”

Mark 14:62 “...And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven...”

What information was Jesus relaying to the council?

• Talk is easy. People can say Jesus is or isn’t the Son of God.
• Reality is reality. Being the Son of God and Son of Man, Jesus will be seen for who He is.

Matthew 26:65-68 “...Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?...”

Mark 14:63-65 “...And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows...”

How well did the high priest receive the Real Truth?

• Religious people are prone to judging, and Jesus was quickly judged.

Then, beyond the inaccurate accusation of blasphemy, they proceeded to abuse the Son of God, spitting in His face and slapping Him.

Does anyone spit in the face of Jesus now?

Did Jesus get a fair trial at the hands of man?

Will you get a fair trial at the hands of man?

Will you get a fair trial at the hands of God?