CENTRAL THOUGHT
Our Lord Jesus came to redeem mankind.
HYMN: WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
Text: Matthew 26:14-25; John 18:12-24
INTRODUCTION:
It is a very painful thing to experience betrayal. It is more painful when that betrayer is from a very close confidant, who in all decent conscience was supposed to act in the best interest of the betrayed. This was the beginning of the climax of the passions of Jesus. One of His disciples, betrayed Him, came with an armed band and pointed him out even with a kiss. Thereafter He was tried in what would be described as a mockery of justice. The Jews had a predetermined objective of getting rid of Jesus. What was left was how to recruit witnesses; get a cooperating judge or use threat or public pressure to intimidate one judge to execute their motive. That was the summary of events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus.
However, on the other side of the divide, God Almighty with the entire host of heaven were watching, knowing that the destiny of mankind was about to receive an eternal revival!
The tragedy of the world today is that men do prefer noisy falsehood, absolute darkness and barbaric evil to truth, light, and righteousness. This study will focus on all that happened during the betrayal and trials of Jesus and on the possible lessons we can draw from them.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- To present the highlights of the betrayal of Jesus
- To list and briefly explain the stages in the trial of Jesus
- To compare the justice system Jesus experienced with the present-day system
- To discuss the significance of the death of Jesus
Bible truth:
Q1. ENUMERATE THE HIGH POINT OF THE BETRAYAL OF JESUS.
Jesus had twelve persons he specifically ordained as “Apostles”. They were his ministerial assistants and trainees being prepared for higher responsibility; Jesus Iscariot was one of the twelve. Though he was in charge of the finance of the group, he was a thief (Mark 3:13-19, John 12:4-6).
The religious order of that time never liked Jesus because He spoke the truth and often reproved their hypocrisy. They decided to get rid of Him. They gave the job of betraying Jesus to Judas Iscariot for a fee- thirty pieces of silver. Judas accepted and started feeding them with information on the itinerary and action of Jesus. When they came to arrest Him, Judas was the one who identified Jesus to them with a kiss (John 18:1-3, Luke 22:47-48). Jesus was led away. Judas could not stand his own conscience later. He returned the “fee” he was paid, in confusion and not out of genuine repentance. He took his own life. The Religious leaders refused to accept the refund from Judas, calling it blood money rather they bought a land with it and designed it for the burial of strangers Matthew 27:3-7. These were the high points of the drama of the traitor called Judas Iscariot.
Q2. LIST AND BRIEFLY EXPLAIN THE STAGES AND EVENTS IN THE TRIAL OF JESUS.
Jesus was tried before different tribunals all in effort to secure a death sentence through a verified fault. But this was not to be, hence they resorted to piling pressure on Pilate. The stages of the trial were as follows.
A) Trial before Annas. John 18: 12-24
Annas was a retired influential priest, and father-in-law to the high priest Caiaphas. It appears the plot to finally clamp down on Jesus was perfected in his house. The band of soldiers therefore first took their captive to Annas. This man accused Jesus concerning His teaching and His followership. Jesus referred to His open lifestyle as His witness. He received a slap for being bold in the presence of Annas.
B) Trial before Caiaphas. John 18:24, Matthew 26:57-75
The tribunal consisted of the High Priest, chief priest i.e. other influential priests, scribes, and the council or Sanhedrim. They presented several false witnesses, but they couldn’t agree amongst themselves. Jesus kept quiet until He was asked in the name of the living God if He was the Christ. His response was taken for blasphemy which attracts capital punishment (death). They assaulted Him in several ways. This rowdy assembly had not power to kill! Here, Peter denied knowing Jesus.
C) Trials before the High Council. Luke 22:66-71
The High Council is the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, made up of seventy-one Judges. They staged an early morning retrial to get more convincing allegation, but to no avail, only blasphemy; so they agreed to stand as witness in subsequent trials.
D) Pilate is the Roman governor of the province. He alone has the power to pronounce a death sentence. From his court, appeals can only be made to Caesar in Rome. In Pilate’s court, the Jews accused Jesus of preaching rebellion against Rome, and presenting himself as a parallel authority. Pilate did not see any militancy in Jesus. He did not believe them. However, he became diplomatic, citing jurisdiction, and sent them to Herod.
E) Trial before Herod. Luke 23: 8-11
Herod received Jesus eagerly, hoping to witness some miracles in his court. Jesus was vehemently and variously accused by His detractors. He did not say a word in the court of Herod. He was brutally assaulted by Herod and his guards.
F) Final trial before Pilate. Luke 23:12-24
Herod reciprocated the gesture of recognition initiated by Pilate. He referred Jesus to Pilate for determination. Two power mongers bowed to each other for the first time because of the case of Jesus. Back to more serious business, Pilate told the accusers that neither himself nor Herod thinks Jesus was worthy of death. However, he offered to chastise Him (beat Him with thirty-nine strokes of military cane) as warning, and then release Him. They objected. Then he came with another plan. He was due to release in clemency one criminal during the approaching feast of Passover. He presented two persons for them to select one: Barabbas, a notorious terrorist that has brought pain to so many mothers and families in Israel, and Jesus. Furthermore, they piled up pressure on Pilate through rowdy behavior, violence, and threat (to report him to Caesar). Pilate yielded and accented to their evil demand. He signed to approve! He washed his hands with water, but we are not sure the extent this water could go in erasing his accent and seal, or his guilt as an accomplice in the travesty of Justice. However, he was warned by the wife.
Q3. IDENTIFY THE POSITIVE WITNESSES IN THE TRIAL OF JESUS.
There were several persons who volunteered information to either convict or acquaint Jesus. Some others were able to express their opinion of Jesus based on personal experience. The traducers of Jesus tried so much to cook up evidence, but their witnesses fell apart. Another class of people were able to build up their opinion by personal perception and not under pressure and they were captured by the scriptures. Among them we have the following.
Pilate himself (John 18:38, 19:4, Luke 23:4)
This Roman Governor in the honesty of conscience publicly proclaimed that Jesus was innocent, yet he proceeded to pronounce the death penalty.
Herod, a Roman appointed king also could not confirm that Jesus violated any Jewish Law (Luke 23: 14-15).
Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-4).
When it dawned on him the evil he had done, he openly admitted that he betrayed an innocent man.
Pilate’s wife (Matthew 27:19) called Jesus that “Just man” and warned Pilate to be careful, due to what she experienced in her dream. One of the thieves on the cross (Luke 23:40-41). Having witnessed the trial, sentence and crucifixion, testified to his fellow thief that Jesus has done nothing amiss.
The Centurion on guard at the Golgotha (Luke 23:47). He saw it all and when Jesus died, he glorified God and declared that Jesus was certainly, a righteous man.
All these in their honest conscience, testified of the innocence of Jesus. His execution was allowed by God as a substitution and sacrificial justice. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus was God’s way of demonstrating divine love for a world that strayed, providing Him as the eternal lamb of atonement for all ages.
Q4. HOW DOES THE JUSTICE SYSTEM COMPARE BETWEEN THE ERA OF JESUS ON EARTH AND CONTEMPORARY TIMES?
The justice system has not changed between the times of Jesus on earth, and now, and will not change because the same master is on the seat- the Devil. Betrayal by trusted associates, direct and indirect requests for gratification, assault by Law enforcers or agents, false witnesses, suppression of truth, pressure, threat to life and intimidation of magistrates to subvert justice are common denominators of both eras. However, children of God who are connected to the application of law should dispense justice with the fear of God, who knows and sees all things.
Q5. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PASSIONS OF CHRIST?
Galatians 2:20-21
By passion we mean the betrayal, agonizing, prayer, arrest, trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. These events occurred to fulfill scriptures or prophecy made since the foundation of the world. It was also to accomplish His mission to redeem mankind. It served as the final penalty for sin and payment for atonement.
We are to reciprocate by believing in Him, living to please Him and telling others about this love.
Daily Living Application The only begotten Son of God had to experience betrayal, mockery and miscarriage of justice so that we can be free from guilt and condemnation. By His blood we are redeemed and grafted into the family of God. Different persons played different roles and said different things during the passion of Christ. Today people are still playing roles- good or bad as it affects Christ. If you existed during this time and you were opportune, what would have been the record about you?
Memory Verse:
Luke 23:4
‘Then said Pilate to the Chief Priests and to the people. “I find no fault in this man”.
Daily Devotional Guide:
Monday: Jesus our burden bearer
Matthew 11:28-30
Tuesday: Jesus the sacrificed Lamb
John 1:29, 36
Wednesday: Benefit of His death
1 Corinthians 2:2, Galatians 2:20
Thursday: Weep for yourselves
Luke 23:28
Friday: Strengthen thy Brethren
Luke 22:32
Saturday: Saved by Grace
Ephesians 2:8-10