Trial Of Jesus

Trial Of Jesus

Introduction (Matthew 26:57–68):
Through a sleepless night Jesus endured unjust hearings before Annas and Caiaphas. In the face of lies and violence He testified truthfully to His identity. These trials reveal prophecy fulfilled, human corruption unmasked, and the steadfast courage of the Son of God.

The Night Arrest and First Hearing: Annas
Jesus was seized after midnight and brought first to Annas, the former high priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas (John 18:12–14, 19–24). When an officer struck Him, Jesus answered with calm truth: “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” (John 18:23). He modeled righteous, truthful self-defense without retaliation, teaching that words anchored in truth honor God even when power is abused.

Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin
Led from Annas to Caiaphas, Jesus stood before an assembled council at night—an irregular, unlawful setting for capital proceedings (Matthew 26:57–59). The leaders sought false testimony to put Him to death. Many witnesses contradicted each other until two misused His words about the temple (Matthew 26:60–61; cf. John 2:19–22). Jesus kept silent until put under oath, displaying wisdom in when to speak and when to be silent (Matthew 26:62–63a; Isaiah 53:7).

The Good Confession: “I Am”
Pressed by the high priest, “Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God,” Jesus answered, “I am,” and declared that they would see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven (Mark 14:61–62; Matthew 26:63–64). He anchored His confession in Scripture: Daniel 7:13–14 (the Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion) and Psalm 110:1–2 (the Lord seated at God’s right hand). Hebrews 1 affirms this exaltation. Jesus’ words were not blasphemy; they were fulfillment.

Lawlessness of the Court
The high priest tore his robes—prohibited for the high priest (Leviticus 21:10)—and the council pronounced death (Matthew 26:65–66). They spat upon, struck, and mocked Him (Matthew 26:67–68). These actions exposed hearts hardened by envy and power (Mark 15:10), while simultaneously advancing the very prophecies they refused to believe.

Religious and Civil Tracks Toward the Cross
The Jewish hearings (Annas, Caiaphas/Sanhedrin) sought a religious charge; under Rome they lacked authority to execute, so the case moved to the civil authorities (Pilate, then Herod, then back to Pilate) by early morning, leading to crucifixion about the third hour (≈9 a.m.) on Friday (Luke 23; John 18–19). Through every phase, no true guilt was found; only the spotless Lamb of God standing firm in truth.

What We Learn at the Bar of Human Justice

1. Truth may be opposed, but it cannot be overturned. 2) Silence can be wise; speech must be faithful. 3) Scripture governs the Messiah’s mission; He fulfills every line. 4) Disciples are called to courageous, truthful witness under pressure.

Trial Of Jesus Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Matthew 26:57–68)

  • Sleepless night, cascading hearings, steadfast truth.

• I. Annas: The First Examination (John 18:12–24)

  • A. Arrest after midnight; no rest for the Lord.

  • B. Struck by an officer; Jesus’ righteous verbal defense (John 18:23).

  • C. No evidence of evil; transfer to Caiaphas.

• II. Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin: Seeking a Charge (Matthew 26:57–61)

  • A. Night assembly; irregular for capital cases.

  • B. False witnesses sought; testimonies conflict.

  • C. Misuse of the temple saying (John 2:19–22): body = true temple; resurrection promised.

• III. The Good Confession (Matthew 26:62–64; Mark 14:61–62)

  • A. Under oath: “Are You the Christ, the Son of God?”

  • B. Jesus: “I am.” Son of Man language fulfills Daniel 7:13–14.

  • C. “Right hand of Power” fulfills Psalm 110:1–2; affirmed in Hebrews 1.

  • D. Christ’s identity testified before enemies and history.

• IV. The Court’s Lawlessness (Matthew 26:65–68; Leviticus 21:10)

  • A. High priest tears robes—prohibited act.

  • B. Verdict of death; abuse and mockery.

  • C. Prophetic pattern: the Righteous Servant despised (Isaiah 50:6; 53:7).

• V. From Religious to Civil Jurisdiction (Luke 23; John 18–19)

  • A. Jews lack execution authority; case moves to Pilate/Herod/Pilate.

  • B. Timeline: midnight arrest to early-morning sentences; crucifixion about 9 a.m.

  • C. The spotless Lamb declared innocent yet delivered to be crucified.

• VI. Discipleship Lessons from the Trials

  • A. Speak truth with courage; be silent with wisdom.

  • B. Stand on Scripture when questioned (1 Peter 3:15).

  • C. Expect opposition; keep a clear conscience (1 Peter 2:21–23).

Call to Action
Commit to Jesus’ way of witness. Refuse deceit. Answer with Scripture. Keep a tender conscience under pressure. Confess Christ openly, live with integrity, and entrust your soul to the righteous Judge who sees all and vindicates the faithful.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus modeled righteous verbal defense without retaliation (John 18:23; 1 Peter 2:21–23).

• The Sanhedrin sought false witnesses; truth stood firm (Matthew 26:59–61).

• Jesus’ “I am” fulfills Daniel 7:13–14 and Psalm 110:1–2 (Mark 14:61–62).

• The high priest’s robe-tearing violated law (Leviticus 21:10; Matthew 26:65–66).

• The temple saying referred to His body and resurrection (John 2:19–22).

• Trials moved from religious to civil, yet no true guilt was found (Luke 23; John 18–19).

• Disciples are called to courageous, Scripture-saturated testimony (1 Peter 3:15).

Scripture Reference List

• John 18:12–24 — Annas’ examination; Jesus’ truthful defense.

• Matthew 26:57–68 — Night council; false witnesses; verdict; abuse.

• Mark 14:61–62 — “I am,” Son of Man, right hand of Power.

• John 2:19–22 — “Destroy this temple… three days” explained.

• Daniel 7:13–14 — Son of Man receives everlasting dominion.

• Psalm 110:1–2 — The Lord at God’s right hand.

• Hebrews 1 — The enthroned Son above angels.

• Leviticus 21:10 — High priest not to tear garments.

• Luke 23; John 18–19 — Civil hearings and the path to crucifixion.

• Isaiah 50:6; 53:7 — The Suffering Servant’s submission.

• 1 Peter 2:21–23; 3:15 — Christ’s example; our prepared defense.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO