The Cross Throughout the Scriptures - Part 18
Mat 26:38 Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

27. The Six Trials of the Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest systems of jurisprudence was used to condemn this One, not only innocent but absolutely perfect.

Of the six trials, two were held before Pontius Pilate, where Jesus witnessed or testified an honorable confession, 1Ti 6:13.

The first trial was before Annas who was the father in law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest that same year, Joh 18:12-14.

Annas was engaged in gangster activities connected with every system of corruption in Jerusalem, and bands of robbers in the Negev, who owed their protection to him.

Annas, the most religious, approved this case, and followed the counsel of Caiaphas - “Take Him in and kill Him!” - Joh 18:14.

Joh 11:50 “It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation do not perish.”

The perfect Son of God is to be presented as a master criminal by the criminals themselves.

At least two eyewitnesses of the same act, event, or sin are necessary according to their law, Deu 19:15.

a. It was held at night, contrary to Jewish jurisprudence, Mat 26:31,34.

b. There was no defense attorney, which was illegal.

c. The court also sought false witnesses, obviously illegal.

d. The court was prejudiced, and there was violence in the court.

Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Isa 53:7 And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.

Pontius Pilate - “He is a just man”

A Roman centurion looks up at the Cross - “Truly, this is the Son of God” - Mat 27:54

Here in his court is the eternal High Priest, after the order of Melchisedek!

Heb 5:5-10

He is so loaded down with religion he could not see the Son of God.

Su eipas = “Emphatically yes!”

In Jewish jurisprudence - no one can condemn himself by his own statements, apart from a confession of guilt.

Isa 52:14 His appearance was disfigured more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men.

Isa 50:6 I gave My back to those who strike {Me,} And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;

I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.

Religion makes people vicious, evil, cruel, corrupt, spiteful, malicious, and violent.

Mat 26:53 “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”

His restraint was very significant, for if He had lost His temper, there would be NO SALVATION!

The third trial was held early the next morning by the Jews.

led away = aor-act-ind - apegagon = to lead someone to prison or punishment.

Mat 7:6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

The fourth trial is the first trial before Pontius Pilate, where Jesus witnessed or testified an honorable confession, 1Ti 6:13.

This was the day the memorial supper, the Passover, would be eaten.

The Jews took Jesus to the Roman governor, because the Law stated they were not to try someone in court on a Sabbath or holy day.

Luk 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

Mat 22:21 “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”

They were implying that He was in reality setting Himself up as a King and trying to lead a revolt against Rome.

Here was a rival to Caesar and a dangerous revolutionary!

1Ti 6:13 “Christ Jesus, who has testified the honorable confession before Pontius Pilate,”

Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries 2002