Crucifixion: Three Jewish Trials•
A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. TRIAL #1: BEFORE ANNAS
A. POWER BEHIND THE THRONE
1. AUTHORITY
Jn 18:12-13 So the Roman cohort and their commander first led Him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest in that year.
2. ADVICE
Jn 18:14 (It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be profitable for one man to perish for the people.) (also John 11:49-52
B. PRELIMINARY HEARING
1. ANSWER
Jn 18:19-21 The [former] high priest then questioned Jesus concerning His disciples and His teaching. Jesus responded, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews gather. I’ve said nothing in secret. Why question Me? Ask those who’ve heard what I said to them; they know what I said.”
2. ASSAULT
Jn 18:22 At this comment, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his palm, saying, “Is that how You answer the high priest?”
Jn 18:23 Jesus responded, “If what I said is wrong, note the wrong; but if what I said is correct, why do you strike Me?”
(also Acts 23:2-5; I Peter 2:23)
Jn 18:24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the [present] high priest.
II. TRIAL #2: BEFORE CAIAPHAS
A. PLOT
1. ASSEMBLY
Mt 26:57 Then those who had seized Jesus led Him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.
2. ANGLE
Mt 26:59-60a Now the chief priests, elders and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put Him to death, but they found none (though many false witnesses came forward).
3. ACCUSAL
Mt 26:60b-61 At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.'”
(also Jn 2:19; Mark 14:59)
B. PROSECUTION
1. ASSURED
Mt 26:62-63a And the high priest stood up and said, “Don’t you have any answer? What about these who testify against You?” But Jesus remained silent.
(also Isaiah 53:7)
2. APPEAL
Mt 26:63b-64 And the high priest said to Him, “Under oath by the living God, tell us: Are You the Messiah, the Son of God?” 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 was simple “I am”
3. ACTION
Mt 26:65-66 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed. Why do we need more witnesses? You’ve now heard His blasphemy; what is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.”
(also John 10:37-38; Mark 14:64)
4. ASSAIL
Mt 26:67-68 Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Some even slapped Him, saying, “Prophesy to us, You Messiah! Who is it that struck you?”
(also Rom 5:10; Col 1:21)
III. TRIAL #3: BEFORE FULL SANHEDRIN
A. PLAN
1. AFFIRMATION
Lk 22:66-67a As daylight came, the elders of the people (both chief priests and scribes) assembled together. And they led Him away to the Sanhedrin, and said, “If you are Messiah, tell us.”
Lk 22:67-69 But He replied, “If I tell you, you wouldn’t believe, and if I ask, you wouldn’t respond to Me or free Me. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
(also Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 16:31)
2. ADMISSION
Lk 22:70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “You are right in saying I am.”
(also Is 7:14; Lk 1:31; Lk 3:22; Lk 9:35)
B. PRESUMED GUILTY
1. ASSUMPTION
Lk 22:71 Then they said, “What further witnesses are needed? We’ve heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”
2. ARROGANCE