Imagine the cries from all sides today if a person is arrested at midnight for so-called crimes, not clearly spelled out. He was in a garden with friends, praying. He was turned in to authorities by a turncoat, pseudo-friend, to get money. He didn't have a record, except for doing good. All of this and much, much more..... and he is arrested at midnight; tried without an attorney; and executed by nine o'clock in the morning. All of this happened to JESUS..... THE SON OF GOD ALMIGHTY!
I called them trials. They were not. Let me share the six stages of this conspiracy. This all happened, not to give justice or mercy, but to kill a hated enemy as they offer so-called justification through these kangaroo courts.
ANNAS - The Sanhedrin needed time to assemble. As they waited, Jesus was sent before Annas, an ex high priest. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest. He asked Jesus some vague question. The answer wasn't appreciated so the defendant was slapped by a soldier's hand. That gives a hint the kind of "trial" this will be.
CAIAPHAS AND THE SANHEDRIN - You have to read it. It is a total miscarriage of any symbol of justice. This is happening about three in the morning. Jesus' friends have run. He is enduring this farce ALONE.
SANHEDRIN - They had to wait for dawn to make the trial "legal". More of the same.
PILATE - They have a verdict. It is guilty. It is death. Now it needs a Roman stamp of approval. Pilate needs to give that. He was governor of Judea. Pilate was not happy with what he saw. He sent Jesus back to the Jews....NOT GUILTY! He told them to take Jesus to HEROD who was in the city at his palace. This is the Herod who beheaded John The Baptist.
HEROD - Herod wanted entertainment. A miracle on the spot. Jesus would have none of that so Herod dismissed the mob of accusers and sent Jesus BACK to Pilate.
PILATE - He saw a really angry mob and knew he had to do something. He wanted to release Jesus but the mob reminded him that Herod would be angry and he might lose his position. He surrendered Jesus to them, knowing His innocence, and then went to wash his hands of the whole sordid mess. He thought.
How is that for a trial and for justice? Well, that's the way it went. All the while Jesus could have said a single word and the Hosts of Heaven would have swept down and destroyed them all. Why didn't He? Because the perfect and complete sacrifice for mankind's sin had not been once and for all offered on the cross. It was a dreaded and awful, but willing death. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Not really. No one could ever have done what Jesus did that day, because of who He was. But remember..... Easter is coming!
