Study 42
Jesus before the Sanhedrin
Jesus after His betrayal was led into the town where the Sanhedrin were assembled. The Sanhedrin were the chief priests and elders of the ruling class in Jerusalem. Their assembly was the highest court of the Jews. Jesus was brought before the court to be condemned as a messianic pretender. It was not to be a fair trial because many had already decided on a guilty verdict (verse 55).
Evidence?
Jesus stands listening to the evidence brought against Him. When the authorities ask for testimonies against Him they cannot find any. Even when witnesses come with false testimonies they cannot get them to agree. They cannot accuse Jesus of wrong doing because he had done nothing wrong. Through it all Jesus is silent.
Eventually Caiaphas the high priest questions Jesus, “ Are you the Christ the Son of the Blessed One?” In so doing he is asking Him to admit to whether He is the Messiah or not.
Jesus uses two Old Testament figures to point to his true identity. He is the Messiah but not the kind of Messiah that the Jews expected. He is also the Son of Man described in the book of Daniel. In claiming this He is claiming to be the king and judge of all the earth.
Verdict
Those who should have recognised Jesus now condemn Him. The high priest decides that Jesus has blasphemed. He tears his robes and calls for a guilty verdict. Jesus is seen to be worthy of death.
Despite their so-called religion these men prove how vile they really are as they taunt and mock Jesus. How could they do this to the Son of God?
Time to think
- Was this a truly just trial?
- How do you treat Jesus?
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