Jesus’ testimony

Continuing from the previous passage, we will look into the details of Jesus’ trial. As mentioned earlier, Jesus’ trial took place in two stages. The trial currently underway is the religious trial by the Sanhedrin (Jewish council) to establish the charge of blasphemy and secure the death penalty for Jesus. Overseeing this trial is Caiaphas, the high priest. Once the death penalty is confirmed, the case then will be brought to the Roman court for political trial. Now, up to this point, Jesus has remained completely silent (the right to remain silent was recognized). However, growing impatient with this, Caiaphas orders Jesus to testify in the name of God. Caiaphas asks, “Are you the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Blessed One?” Following are Jesus’ response: (1) Yes, I am. (2) As a proof, the Son of Man will sit at the right hand of God the Father. (3) Moreover, He will come on the clouds of heaven. These are prophecy about Jesus’ ascension and second coming.

Caiaphas’ ruling

After this, there are number of violations of the law: (1) The tearing of the high priest’s clothes is a violation of the law. (2) The high priest, who is overseeing the trial, intervening with his own judgment is a violation of the law. However, he asserts without any witnesses, “You have heard the blasphemy ourselves.” (3) Typically, a sentencing will be three days after the guilty verdict. However, in this case, the council unanimously condemned Jesus as “deserving of death.” This too, is another violation of the law. (4) Normally, unanimous decisions were not accepted. The reason behind this is that unanimity often indicated collusion or prearranged decisions. In case there was unanimity, it resulted in an acquittal. This provision was also ignored in Jesus’ trial. (5) The council members spat on Jesus’ face, struck Him with their fists, and slapped Him. All these actions would normally warrant fines, but there is no record of any fines being imposed. There was neither justice nor order in Jesus’ trial. They were eager to declare the death penalty as quickly as possible. How foolish and fearful it is to judge the King of kings. There are times when we, too, without giving any thought judge Jesus, the King. Let’s pray that our spiritual eyes may be opened, and that we may kneel before Jesus.