Trial Of Jesus Part 1 |
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Trial Of Jesus Part 2 |
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Trial Of Jesus Part 3 |
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Trial of Jesus
We’re going to see the two greatness legal systems in the world at the time of Jesus.
One being the Romans laws and the other the Jewish laws.
We’re going to see, how did the two greatness legal systems put a innocent man to death.
Jesus in John chapter 8 stands before the Scribes and Pharisees which were his major enemies, Ps 35 says “that they hated him without cause”and proclaims to be God in the flesh, the one they have been waiting on.
The fulfillment of all the prophets that spoke about this coming is standing before them.
But because they were so tied up with their religion ceremonies they couldn’t see him.
They were so much into their own sacraments, all their outward works that they couldn’t see that God wanted their hearts.
Jesus looks at them and says in verse:
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
He’s challenging all the religious leaders, who can convict me of sin.
Jesus says to them, name one sin that I have done so it can justify your hatred.
No one said a word, it wasn’t because they believed he was sinless, but because they didn’t want to get trap by him like times before.
Luke 20:1-8
1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
He was preaching the gospel.
2 And spoke unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
What they saying is that, you didn’t go to our seminaries or schools, you’re not wearing our robes.
Just like today?
Who gave the right to say these things?
3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Remember in
Luke 7:28-30 it says that the religious leaders rejected his baptism.
28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
John was saying; “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”
6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
These leaders did not accept John has a prophet.
See the wisdom of Jesus here; they were wrong either way they answer.
7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
Jesus was showing their ignorance, as religious leaders.
8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
You don’t deserve an answer he tells them.
Other time the religious leaders tried it was on taxes, was down in verses 22-26
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute (taxes) unto Caesar, or no?
a) Again they’re trying to trap him, if he says yes, then they have him,
b) It would be a popular disfavor to the people
c) But if he says no then they can go to the Roman government and accuse him of disloyalty to Caesar.
d) Now Jesus is given the answer from the Holy Spirit
Luke 12:11-12
11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
Jesus who was just a carpenter, comes back with an answer that blows them away.
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
They though they were smart enough to trap him,
And Jesus says onto them, who are you to try to trap me,
24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
I’m sure they believed they had him now, because he didn’t even know whose image was on the coin.
25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
He gave them a very simple answer,
But give me your heart, and worship
26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
They couldn’t come back with anything, to make him look bad in front of the people, so they gave up.
And the people were amazed at his answer,
After they had failed, then other group of religious leaders came to see if they could trap him
These religions didn’t like each other, because they had different beliefs, but joined together to go against Jesus.
Also in Matt 12:1-14
He allowed his disciples to pluck corn so they could eat.
They told him that he was breaking the Sabbath Day.
He told them what King David did; the one they looked up to has being a righteous man of God.
How he broke the Sabbath by letting his men go into the house of God, and they brake the law by eating the show bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. Matt 12:1-4
Not only did he tell them that, he also told them in verse 8 “That he was Lord of the Sabbath” by that statement they could see that he was proclaiming to be God in the flesh.
Again in Luke 13:10-17
Jesus was preaching on the Sabbath day and he saw a woman who had been crippled from evil spirit.
And he called her and healed her from that evil spirit, and she walked and started praising God.
The religious leaders saw it and told him he was wrong for healing on the Sabbath.
And Jesus told them, you hypocrites, (Jesus tells it like it is) you take your ox and donkey from the barn to go drink water on the Sabbath and that’s work, and you want this woman to wait till Monday to get healed, after she has been this way for 18 years, and by the way she’s a daughter of Abraham.
And in verse 17 he says “And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.”
The Sabbath in the bible means it’s a day of rest, not a day to worship, everyday is a day we should worship.
And the Sabbath is not a particular day of the week.
And these are the reasons that no one convicted him of sin.
Why did they want Jesus killed? It was because of envy and I’ll show that.
Here are these men that everybody looks up to because they have their robes and titles.
And then here comes this little carpenter who is healing many, and many are following him.
He doesn’t even have a PHD, but his preaching is astonishing people.
These religious leaders have a temple that’s called the house of God, and he’s just preaching out there in the streets.
Instead of falling on their knees and recognizing him as Lord and repenting for their sinful envy they showed, they wanted to kill him.
One of the reasons they wanted to kill him is because of what he says about them in Matt Ch 23
Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples and he tells them:
The religious leaders are preaching the laws of Moses, so obey what they preach, but don’t do what they do for they don’t practice what they preach.
They give heavy religious demands, but will nothing to help you.
Everything they do is for show:
They wear long robes
They sit at the head of the tables at banquets
They sit in the seats of honor in the churches
They accept praises when their around people
They love the title of Rabbi which means teacher, and being called father
We have only one spiritual teacher and only one heavenly father which is God.
23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Jesus says we’re all brothers and sisters we are all equal.
We have to watch out for false prophets, preachers and teachers, listen to what it says in:
Deut 13:1-5
1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, (that is anyone who they tell you to pray to and worship) which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, (is testing you) to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God,
Also in:
Matt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
He said that those who have leadership titles should be our servants.
Those who are proud, the ones who try to impress you with their titles, the ones who are arrogant, will be put in their place.
And the ones who are humble, they will be lifted up.
He says it many times in this chapter, woe unto you religious leaders, you hypocrites, when the Lord says these words you don’t want to be the one he’s telling them to.
They preach different ways of getting to heaven, and they won’t be going in themselves.
They go out has missionaries to other countries to get people to follow their belief, and end up getting them further away from the Lord.
He also calls them “blind guides” in the verses.
You tithe to the penny, but you have ignored the most important part of what you suppose to do, and that’s to give right judgment, mercy, and to teach faith.
He says to them that they look righteous on the outside, with all their religious traditions, but on the inside you they are wicked and filthy, they have dead man bones, meaning their dead.
He tells them to clean the inside of their heart, and then they will be clean on the outside.
He calls them snakes and vipers; to they think they’re going to escape the judgment of hell.
He says that he sent prophets and wise men to teach and they end up killing them.
He says that they will be accountable for their murdering of godly men
He says unto them; I will tell you the truth that judgment will fall on you.
In verse 38 he tells them “Behold your house is left unto you desolate”
In Matt 21:13 And Jesus said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
These vendors had to get permission to go in there and sale, and who did they have to go to?
Religious leaders and you don’t allow someone to use your place unless you’re going to get a cut.
When someone is hitting your pocket book, well that’s just another reason they wanted Jesus out.
But here Jesus calls it “their house” because he has left it.
He tells them since you have rejected me, you will not see me again until you recognize me as the Christ, the Messiah, and they will in the tribulation.
Now that you have a pretty good picture of why that wanted to get rid of Jesus, let’s go to the story of what happen.
John 18:12-14
12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Let’s see that it was the officers of the Jews who arrested him, not the Romans.
Also in all 4 accounts Matt, Mk, Lk, and here in John they never told Jesus why he was being arrested.
If you had S.W.A.T. with all their weapons and stuff, come to your place to arrest you, wouldn’t you want to know why? And if they wouldn’t tell you wouldn’t that make you mad?
We also need to see the patients and meekness of our Lord Jesus, and we’re to be like him.
This was the beginning of his illegal arrest, and trial which we will see.
Caiaphas was the high priest at that time, but they took Jesus to Annas who was the high priest.
Remember he’s one of the ones that Jesus affected the pocket book.
Drop down to verses
19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Tell me about your disciples, and of your teaching.
20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Jesus was showing he had nothing to hid, because what he did was all from the Father.
Let me say this real quick, that have organizations and religions that you have to take an oath that you will tell no one not even your wife, on what they believe, this is not Christianity. You can find out more on these kind of religions in a book called “The godmakers”
21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
Jesus is saying why are you asking me; ask my accusers, the scriptures teach how you are to trial someone:
Deut 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Deut 19:15 "You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
This was illegal:
Acts 23:1-3
1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
Let me read this out of the Living Bible verse 3
But Paul said to him, "God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?"
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Jesus is saying; if I have said anything, than show me, were are the witness, if not, why are you hitting me.
Jesus is accusing the judges of giving him an illegal trial.
It is God’s law that every man will have justice when he goes to court.
Deut 25:1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
Acts 4:3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
This trial has already four strikes against it.
They arrested him without charge.
This trial has no witnesses.
They did all this at night.
They hit him, which was illegal.
24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
They still have bound, they still haven’t told him why he was arrested, and they still have under trial, but now their sending him to other place to continue, and it’s still night time.
We’re going to continue the trial in
Mark 14:53,55
53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
We obviously can see that their not following Deut 25 were it said a man will have a fair trial.
The whole high council was there trying to find evidence against him, so they could put him to death, but they couldn’t find any.
Let’s continue in
Matt 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
Again their going against the scriptures the laws of God, and adding another illegal act to what they been doing.
Ex 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Deut 19:18-19
18 if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
19 Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.
Back to Mark
Mark 14:56-59
56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
We have witnesses saying he threaten to destroy the temple.
Which is true, but Jesus said that he would build it back, there’s a difference.
If he says that he’s going to build it back then it’s not a true threat.
Now in:
Matt 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
They have two witnesses who said that “he was able to destroy the temple”.
Now you know there’s a difference in saying “I will” and “I’m able”.
It says in verse 56 of Mark 14 “but their witness agreed not together” which is true, because in:
Mark 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
Which one of these is true, neither?
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
What Jesus said; was “you destroy this temple and I will raise it up in 3 days”
So they thought they had a charge against him, but didn’t.
So these witnesses should be dismiss, for lying.
If you were a judge and you heard the accuser says “destroy this temple (which it took 46 years to build) and in 3 days I will raise it up”
As a judge you would think this man is crazy, but that’s not a reason for putting someone to death.
Back to;
Mark 14:60-61
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
Back in John 18:23 Jesus said “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil”
And since they couldn’t do this, accept by bringing false witnesses, Jesus is pretty much showing that since all this is illegal, I have nothing to say.
It was also prophesies in;
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Now let’s go to;
Matt 26:63-64
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
The high priest is getting angry, because things are not going right.
So he starts trying to get Jesus to condemn himself.
Jesus breaks his silent here, hoping that they would see who he is and give them a change to repent before this goes any further.
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
In Mark he makes even clearer.
Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Remember back in;
John 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Why do you think they fell on the ground, it was because they knew what he was saying when he said that he was Son of man.
Ex 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Also in
Matt 25:31-33
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Jesus is saying; Not only am I the Messiah and the Son of God, but one day you will see Me glorified with my Father in heaven and returning to earth as your Judge
Remember the scriptures say if you have two or more witness you can judge a man right or wrong.
Right here Jesus is saying yes I am the Son of God, in
Matt 27:3-4
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Then at the end of the verse they say; your witness of him being Son of God means nothing to us.
Back to
Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
The high priest sinned by doing what he did, they are to never tear their clothes, in:
Lev 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
Now back to:
Matt 26:65-66
65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Again they’re being illegal, cause if you remember what is said in:
Deut 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Jesus can’t witness against himself, because it’s only one witness.
Let me show you how ridiculously this is:
I go to court and the judge ask if I am Jesse, and I say I’m, that’s it put him to death.
Even dough it’s illegal they got what they feel is a charge against him, and its blasphemy.
Blasphemy here means he was going against and disrespecting Christ, The Messiah by proclaiming to be him.
These religious leaders had already decided and rejected his claim of being the Son of God.
This is what they had been waiting for, and now that he was here, they wouldn’t even investigate here at his judgment if he was telling the truth, even dough they had seen his countless miracles done by him.
66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Does this sound like their in court; these are supposed to be highly respected religious leaders.
Look at how their acting.
In Luke 22:64 says that they blindfolded him.
Now we’re going to continue in the morning and we’ll go to Matt 27 to see what happen.
Matt 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
They couldn’t put him to death, because the Romans who they were in bondage to, took their power away of putting anyone to death, even dough not long after Jesus was put to death, that the religious leaders did stone Stephen to death.
So that is why they have to take him to the Roman authorities.
And in
John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
They didn’t go into courtyard, because it was Passover weekend and they had to be clean to prepare for the meal.
They didn’t want to take a chance of becoming defiled by entering a place that was contaminated; of course the Romans to the Jews were unclean people.
What hypocrites we have here, they’ll have a totally illegal trial against the Son of God, and even want to murder him, like that’s not sinning, but God forbid if they work on the Sabbath day, and they won’t go into a lost persons place.
These religious leaders were suck on themselves and didn’t even preach to the people, all they wanted to do is argue with each other on the their belief.
They wouldn’t even go into the lost people homes.
Just like Jesus has been saying and showing in Matt 23 that they have clean the outside, but are dead inside.
How many of us are just as hypocrital when we’re around the preacher or Christian people we act one way, but then when we’re with the lost, the dead man bones shows up, we act another way?
29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor (evil doer), we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
Now let’s go to:
Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting (to overthrow) the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
Now there are lying, to the Roman judge, because in
Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
Remember in their own trial, he was accused of blasphemy, but now they have changed it to these 3 accusations.
The reason they had to change it, was because blasphemy is not a law breaking charge that is worthy of death.
They knew that if they could show he was proclaiming to be a King, which would be a charge that could put him to the death penalty.
They could win.
Now back to:
John 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
Pretty much what Pilate is saying is that he doesn’t believe them.
Remember I told you that the Romans took the death penalty away from them.
Just 4 months before this, they themselves were ready to break a Roman law.
John 10:24-33,39
24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
Why were they ready to stone him back then, knowing it was against the law of the Romans, but now they won’t?
It’s because of it says in:
Matt 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
John 18:33-36
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Pilate knew that Jesus wasn’t trying to overtake Rome.
He also knew that he wasn’t trying to get the people not to paid their taxes.
But he did have to investigate if he was proclaiming to be a King, because that would be going against Caesar.
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
I believe what Jesus is asking, is do you want to know for yourself, or as a judge?
If it’s personal, then Jesus is going to witness to him.
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
Pilate says; I’m not interested in you or your religion, for I’m not a Jew.
So what he is saying is that he is a judge and he’s doing his job.
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Jesus says; my kingdom is not an earthly kingdom, if it was my soldiers would go into battle, instead of letting the religious leaders take me and kill me.
Matt 26:52-53
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Let me say something here, the high Priest saw his men fall on the ground when Jesus said his name was “I’m” he also saw Jesus heal one of his soldier ear that had been cut off, but he is so hardhearted, he does not want to accept Jesus as Lord.
Now Peter did strike and cut the soldier ear off but he was not walking in the spirit, he reacted in the flesh.
Jesus also says “but now is my kingdom not from hence” meaning right now my kingdom is not here.
But there will be a time coming that I will come with my army (the saints) and we will make this our kingdom.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate was confuse, Jesus is saying; yes, but not of this world.
So Pilate asks him again “are you a king”?
Jesus answered and said, “You are correct”
1 Tim 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
Jesus said, this is why I was born, Jesus mission was not a political one, but it was spiritual.
He was to testify of the truth by proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom.
What people do with the message of truth (the word of God) is up to them, they decide where they want to spend eternity.
He says; “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice”
Luke 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Is going out and doing your own thing, following him?
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
Pilate continues to be confused, because without the truth of God in you, there is no truth in the flesh.
Pilate couldn’t see that truth was standing right in front of him.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Pilate says in this verse that Jesus is innocent; I find no fault at all.
This was no tread to Caesar that Jesus had a kingdom somewhere, but not here on earth.
Legally the trial should have ended right then and there.
But we’ll see that the chief priests continue with their accusations.
Now to:
Mark 15:3-5
3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
Pilate has a man standing in front of him, being accused of many things, and Jesus wouldn’t even try to defend himself.
He has said everything that he going to say.
Now to:
Luke 23:5-11
5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
The Jewish leaders started a new accusation that he was stirring up the people.
We’re going to see later who is stirring up the people.
6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
This was legal to do, but Pilate really wanted to get rid of Jesus, because the high priest was giving him a hard time.
This made the religious leaders happy because Herod was the one who had John the Baptist head cut off, that’s in Matt 14:6-10
8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
Herod had a more experience with Jewish politics and religion.
For a long time he had desired to learn more about Jesus.
This was probably the reason Herod was in town, because of the Passover like it says in verse 7
9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Remember back in
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
I believe what Jesus is asking is, do you want to know for yourself, or as a judge?
If it’s personal, then Jesus is going to witness to him.
Here Jesus is not speaking because Herod has already heard the word of salvation by John the Baptist, and Herod has already rejected it.
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently (shouting violently) accused him.
Before I go any further remember this is a judge who is suppose to protect the innocent, up hold the law, and he’s going to take part on what’s about to happen.
11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
The word “nought” which means he’s a zero.
“mocked him” they treated him with scorn, made him feel worthless.
The reason Herod sent him back to Pilate was because he couldn’t find were Jesus did anything wrong.
Here’s his second trial with the Romans and they couldn’t find any accusations to hold against him.
Luke 23:13-16
13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
To please the people he did verse 16
16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
Again the trial should have ended right there, but it didn’t.
They had Jesus innocent but still whipped him, these whipping most men die from them.
But because of the people shouting kill him he did what it says in Mark.
Now let’s go to
Mark 15:6-7
6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Barabbas was like terrorist, to the Romans, he wanted to bring them down, and while doing so, he killed some of them.
This was illegal to do also, because the law says that they could release a convicted man, Jesus wasn’t convicted.
Pilate was willing to break a Roman custom and offer Jesus with Barabbas has two convicted prisoners, so he could get the pressure off of him.
Matt 27:17-22, 24-25
17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
This judge even dough he did many illegal things, he was smart enough to know that they had delivered Jesus out of envy.
19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Another word for judgment seat is Bema judgment, which Jesus will be judging from.
Judgment seat was a raised platform to give sentence.
Jesus has a judgment seat the bible speaks about it’s for the Christians.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
These men who are judging now alone with all the lost will be judged by Jesus and will appear before the Lord on what’s called the Great White Judgment.
John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Rev 20:11-15 TLB
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Pilate’s wife is also a witness of who Jesus is, because of what she says here “just man”
We have Judas, Herod, Pilate, and his wife saying he’s innocent.
The dream she had or vision was from God to help warn these men from what they’re about to do.
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
It was the chief priests and elders that were getting the crowd sired up, not Jesus.
21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
They wanted Barabbas who was a robber John 18:40, and a murder Luke 23:19 and did much more.
22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
What Pilate says here has been the question that has been with us from the beginning?
“What shall I do with Jesus the Christ” many have rejected him now, just like they did here at his trial.
They didn’t want Jesus to be stone to death; they wanted a death that was painful and slow were he would suffer tremulously.
That is how much hate they had for him.
Like I said before one of the reasons that hated him was his teaching went against their traditions, and it also hit their pocket book.
The word of God showed the people who they really were, hypocrites, vipers, snakes, and blind guides.
The scriptures say in John right after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead:
John 11:45-53
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
They admitted that he did miracles, especially when he raised Lazarus a man from the dead.
They didn’t want to lose their power over the people, or lose their political power.
49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
This high priest wasn’t there to flatter his religious brothers, who were confused of what to do.
He says either Jesus dies, or the nation perishes, his was proposal was death.
When he said, I’m not speaking this on my own; he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation.
(right here we can see that God can use a wicked man to prophesies his words) wolf.
It doesn’t matter what kind of signs and wonders he does, (the devil has those too) the key to recognizing a wolf is what he says about Jesus Christ.
How are we going to know about Jesus, the scriptures tell us in:
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
When he said not only for the Jews, but in a wider sense, he was referring to the salvation of the Gentiles.
We see that the religious leaders knew who he was before all this even took place; this is why they plotted to have him put to death.
Now let’s continue from Matt 27:22 to verse 24-25
24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Pilate saw that he couldn’t change their minds and that a riot was about to start.
Pilate did what it says in Deut 21:1-7 since he was dealing with the Jews
In Deut it says that if someone is murdered and you can’t find who it was, you go to the nearest town, get the elders of that town and go get a cow and break its neck, and has their standing next to the slain man, they wash their hands over the cow, and they shall say “our hands have not shed this blood”
Now Pilate didn’t go get a cow, but they knew what he was doing.
Again Pilate is calling him innocent.
Then he says: “The responsibility is yours!"
25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Should the Jews be accountable for his death?
Let’s see did the Jews kill Jesus.
First of all, we should have already seen this thought what we have study.
You arrest a man and give accusations about him in court, who’s putting him to death?
Let’s see what the scriptures say:
Acts 2:22-23
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
The scriptures have already shown you that the religious leaders saw the wonders and miracles Jesus did.
Vs 22 “men of Israel” he speaking about the Jews.
These men and the people of today, they know what they are doing.
God already knew that they were going to do this.
Jesus also knew that they were going to it, because of what it says in John when he came into Jerusalem.
John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Jesus knew because of the parable he gave them in Luke which in these two verses he’s speaking of himself.
Luke 20:13-14 The parable is about the world and his prophets and son, lord is God, vineyard is the world.
13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
14 But when the husbandmen (leaders that are lost) saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
Another verse we can see who killed Jesus; this is about 50 days after they killed him.
Peter and John have been arrested, by the same bunch they had Jesus killed.
Acts 4:5-10
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
So we see that the Jews killed Jesus, right?
Wait a minute there’s one more verse we need to look at.
Acts 4:25-28
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
It says that King David prophesied that the kings of the earth, and the rulers, got together against the holy child Jesus, who God anointed.
Then it tells us who the kings and the rulers are in verse 27.
Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles, and the Jews got together to kill Jesus.
Now let’s continue with the trial
Mark 15:16-19
16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
The O.T. gives a better description in
Isa 52:14 speaks about the Lords suffering. TLB
His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.
In the bible anytime you bow your knees it is an act of worship.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
The same event was even put in the N.T.
Rom 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
We have people who kiss a person of religion, and even kiss things they feel is spiritual.
Will you come and knee or kiss my hand?
Why not? I’m call to be a bible teacher and preacher.
Are you a respecter of persons, God isn’t?
You see what I’m trying to show?
Now let’s go to John
John 19:6-15
6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
Pilate who has said many times this man is innocent, tells the religious leaders to kill him yourselves.
If a judge proclaims a man innocent, and then allows someone else to kill him, that’s called murder.
7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
Remember first they brought 3 accusations against him, and the only one they investigated was him proclaiming to be a king.
But now they’re saying, he’s is saying he is the son of God.
8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
Pilate had ideal that Jesus was different, but now he knows.
Non believers, they know that there must be a God, but they don’t want to submit to one.
Pilate knew, but if he would have accepted this, he would lose his position has a Roman leader.
This is the very reason many people today will not accept the Lord, because of what they’ll have to give up.
9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.
The reason Jesus didn’t answer him is because back in
John 18:36 about him not being king of this world yet, but that he would be, and that’s why he came into this world.
He had already answered him.
10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
Jesus couldn’t be silent on this one.
11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
This shows that everyone who is put in authority was allowed that authority because of the Lord.
The world is wicked and it is wicked men who are in authority.
Gen 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
This world that is full of darkness and it will not have a man who is full of light, living for the Lord, leading them, it doesn’t go together.
The leader of this world is the devil:
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Jesus says; “he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin”
It wasn’t Judas; Judas delivered Jesus to the Jewish leaders.
It was the religious leaders who delivered Jesus to Pilate.
Here greater sin just means a worst sin, because sin is sin without levels.
The reason the sin was greater on them was because they knew God and the scriptures, they were supposedly Christians.
12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
This is the second time he wanted to release Jesus.
They threaten Pilate’s job.
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Caesar.
The Jews up until that moment pronounce God as their King, now their saying Caesar is our King.
They have already rejected the Son of God now they’re rejecting God.
John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
We see through the scriptures that the religious leaders just acted like they loved the Lord God.
The same with Jehovah witness, how can they say they love God and follow him, when they don’t except the Son?
Last verse let’s go to
Matt 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
As they came out of were?
In Mark 15:16 says that the soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters called the Praetorium.
The movies we watch and what some preachers teach, is that Jesus carried the cross all the way, but he didn’t, because God was showing that Jesus was a innocent man, the others had to, but he didn’t.
This is who our Jesus is?
People who hated him, they hit, spit, mocked, they wanted him to suffer has much as he could, and then they killed him.
This is the people Jesus came to die for.
We’re going to see the two greatness legal systems in the world at the time of Jesus.
One being the Romans laws and the other the Jewish laws.
We’re going to see, how did the two greatness legal systems put a innocent man to death.
Jesus in John chapter 8 stands before the Scribes and Pharisees which were his major enemies, Ps 35 says “that they hated him without cause”and proclaims to be God in the flesh, the one they have been waiting on.
The fulfillment of all the prophets that spoke about this coming is standing before them.
But because they were so tied up with their religion ceremonies they couldn’t see him.
They were so much into their own sacraments, all their outward works that they couldn’t see that God wanted their hearts.
Jesus looks at them and says in verse:
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
He’s challenging all the religious leaders, who can convict me of sin.
Jesus says to them, name one sin that I have done so it can justify your hatred.
No one said a word, it wasn’t because they believed he was sinless, but because they didn’t want to get trap by him like times before.
Luke 20:1-8
1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
He was preaching the gospel.
2 And spoke unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
What they saying is that, you didn’t go to our seminaries or schools, you’re not wearing our robes.
Just like today?
Who gave the right to say these things?
3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Remember in
Luke 7:28-30 it says that the religious leaders rejected his baptism.
28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
John was saying; “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”
6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
These leaders did not accept John has a prophet.
See the wisdom of Jesus here; they were wrong either way they answer.
7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
Jesus was showing their ignorance, as religious leaders.
8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
You don’t deserve an answer he tells them.
Other time the religious leaders tried it was on taxes, was down in verses 22-26
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute (taxes) unto Caesar, or no?
a) Again they’re trying to trap him, if he says yes, then they have him,
b) It would be a popular disfavor to the people
c) But if he says no then they can go to the Roman government and accuse him of disloyalty to Caesar.
d) Now Jesus is given the answer from the Holy Spirit
Luke 12:11-12
11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
Jesus who was just a carpenter, comes back with an answer that blows them away.
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
They though they were smart enough to trap him,
And Jesus says onto them, who are you to try to trap me,
24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
I’m sure they believed they had him now, because he didn’t even know whose image was on the coin.
25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
He gave them a very simple answer,
But give me your heart, and worship
26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
They couldn’t come back with anything, to make him look bad in front of the people, so they gave up.
And the people were amazed at his answer,
After they had failed, then other group of religious leaders came to see if they could trap him
These religions didn’t like each other, because they had different beliefs, but joined together to go against Jesus.
Also in Matt 12:1-14
He allowed his disciples to pluck corn so they could eat.
They told him that he was breaking the Sabbath Day.
He told them what King David did; the one they looked up to has being a righteous man of God.
How he broke the Sabbath by letting his men go into the house of God, and they brake the law by eating the show bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. Matt 12:1-4
Not only did he tell them that, he also told them in verse 8 “That he was Lord of the Sabbath” by that statement they could see that he was proclaiming to be God in the flesh.
Again in Luke 13:10-17
Jesus was preaching on the Sabbath day and he saw a woman who had been crippled from evil spirit.
And he called her and healed her from that evil spirit, and she walked and started praising God.
The religious leaders saw it and told him he was wrong for healing on the Sabbath.
And Jesus told them, you hypocrites, (Jesus tells it like it is) you take your ox and donkey from the barn to go drink water on the Sabbath and that’s work, and you want this woman to wait till Monday to get healed, after she has been this way for 18 years, and by the way she’s a daughter of Abraham.
And in verse 17 he says “And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.”
The Sabbath in the bible means it’s a day of rest, not a day to worship, everyday is a day we should worship.
And the Sabbath is not a particular day of the week.
And these are the reasons that no one convicted him of sin.
Why did they want Jesus killed? It was because of envy and I’ll show that.
Here are these men that everybody looks up to because they have their robes and titles.
And then here comes this little carpenter who is healing many, and many are following him.
He doesn’t even have a PHD, but his preaching is astonishing people.
These religious leaders have a temple that’s called the house of God, and he’s just preaching out there in the streets.
Instead of falling on their knees and recognizing him as Lord and repenting for their sinful envy they showed, they wanted to kill him.
One of the reasons they wanted to kill him is because of what he says about them in Matt Ch 23
Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples and he tells them:
The religious leaders are preaching the laws of Moses, so obey what they preach, but don’t do what they do for they don’t practice what they preach.
They give heavy religious demands, but will nothing to help you.
Everything they do is for show:
They wear long robes
They sit at the head of the tables at banquets
They sit in the seats of honor in the churches
They accept praises when their around people
They love the title of Rabbi which means teacher, and being called father
We have only one spiritual teacher and only one heavenly father which is God.
23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Jesus says we’re all brothers and sisters we are all equal.
We have to watch out for false prophets, preachers and teachers, listen to what it says in:
Deut 13:1-5
1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, (that is anyone who they tell you to pray to and worship) which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, (is testing you) to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God,
Also in:
Matt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
He said that those who have leadership titles should be our servants.
Those who are proud, the ones who try to impress you with their titles, the ones who are arrogant, will be put in their place.
And the ones who are humble, they will be lifted up.
He says it many times in this chapter, woe unto you religious leaders, you hypocrites, when the Lord says these words you don’t want to be the one he’s telling them to.
They preach different ways of getting to heaven, and they won’t be going in themselves.
They go out has missionaries to other countries to get people to follow their belief, and end up getting them further away from the Lord.
He also calls them “blind guides” in the verses.
You tithe to the penny, but you have ignored the most important part of what you suppose to do, and that’s to give right judgment, mercy, and to teach faith.
He says to them that they look righteous on the outside, with all their religious traditions, but on the inside you they are wicked and filthy, they have dead man bones, meaning their dead.
He tells them to clean the inside of their heart, and then they will be clean on the outside.
He calls them snakes and vipers; to they think they’re going to escape the judgment of hell.
He says that he sent prophets and wise men to teach and they end up killing them.
He says that they will be accountable for their murdering of godly men
He says unto them; I will tell you the truth that judgment will fall on you.
In verse 38 he tells them “Behold your house is left unto you desolate”
In Matt 21:13 And Jesus said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
These vendors had to get permission to go in there and sale, and who did they have to go to?
Religious leaders and you don’t allow someone to use your place unless you’re going to get a cut.
When someone is hitting your pocket book, well that’s just another reason they wanted Jesus out.
But here Jesus calls it “their house” because he has left it.
He tells them since you have rejected me, you will not see me again until you recognize me as the Christ, the Messiah, and they will in the tribulation.
Now that you have a pretty good picture of why that wanted to get rid of Jesus, let’s go to the story of what happen.
John 18:12-14
12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Let’s see that it was the officers of the Jews who arrested him, not the Romans.
Also in all 4 accounts Matt, Mk, Lk, and here in John they never told Jesus why he was being arrested.
If you had S.W.A.T. with all their weapons and stuff, come to your place to arrest you, wouldn’t you want to know why? And if they wouldn’t tell you wouldn’t that make you mad?
We also need to see the patients and meekness of our Lord Jesus, and we’re to be like him.
This was the beginning of his illegal arrest, and trial which we will see.
Caiaphas was the high priest at that time, but they took Jesus to Annas who was the high priest.
Remember he’s one of the ones that Jesus affected the pocket book.
Drop down to verses
19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Tell me about your disciples, and of your teaching.
20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Jesus was showing he had nothing to hid, because what he did was all from the Father.
Let me say this real quick, that have organizations and religions that you have to take an oath that you will tell no one not even your wife, on what they believe, this is not Christianity. You can find out more on these kind of religions in a book called “The godmakers”
21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
Jesus is saying why are you asking me; ask my accusers, the scriptures teach how you are to trial someone:
Deut 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Deut 19:15 "You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
This was illegal:
Acts 23:1-3
1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
Let me read this out of the Living Bible verse 3
But Paul said to him, "God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?"
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Jesus is saying; if I have said anything, than show me, were are the witness, if not, why are you hitting me.
Jesus is accusing the judges of giving him an illegal trial.
It is God’s law that every man will have justice when he goes to court.
Deut 25:1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
Acts 4:3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
This trial has already four strikes against it.
They arrested him without charge.
This trial has no witnesses.
They did all this at night.
They hit him, which was illegal.
24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
They still have bound, they still haven’t told him why he was arrested, and they still have under trial, but now their sending him to other place to continue, and it’s still night time.
We’re going to continue the trial in
Mark 14:53,55
53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
We obviously can see that their not following Deut 25 were it said a man will have a fair trial.
The whole high council was there trying to find evidence against him, so they could put him to death, but they couldn’t find any.
Let’s continue in
Matt 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
Again their going against the scriptures the laws of God, and adding another illegal act to what they been doing.
Ex 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Deut 19:18-19
18 if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
19 Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.
Back to Mark
Mark 14:56-59
56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
We have witnesses saying he threaten to destroy the temple.
Which is true, but Jesus said that he would build it back, there’s a difference.
If he says that he’s going to build it back then it’s not a true threat.
Now in:
Matt 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
They have two witnesses who said that “he was able to destroy the temple”.
Now you know there’s a difference in saying “I will” and “I’m able”.
It says in verse 56 of Mark 14 “but their witness agreed not together” which is true, because in:
Mark 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
Which one of these is true, neither?
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
What Jesus said; was “you destroy this temple and I will raise it up in 3 days”
So they thought they had a charge against him, but didn’t.
So these witnesses should be dismiss, for lying.
If you were a judge and you heard the accuser says “destroy this temple (which it took 46 years to build) and in 3 days I will raise it up”
As a judge you would think this man is crazy, but that’s not a reason for putting someone to death.
Back to;
Mark 14:60-61
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
Back in John 18:23 Jesus said “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil”
And since they couldn’t do this, accept by bringing false witnesses, Jesus is pretty much showing that since all this is illegal, I have nothing to say.
It was also prophesies in;
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Now let’s go to;
Matt 26:63-64
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
The high priest is getting angry, because things are not going right.
So he starts trying to get Jesus to condemn himself.
Jesus breaks his silent here, hoping that they would see who he is and give them a change to repent before this goes any further.
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
In Mark he makes even clearer.
Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Remember back in;
John 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Why do you think they fell on the ground, it was because they knew what he was saying when he said that he was Son of man.
Ex 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Also in
Matt 25:31-33
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Jesus is saying; Not only am I the Messiah and the Son of God, but one day you will see Me glorified with my Father in heaven and returning to earth as your Judge
Remember the scriptures say if you have two or more witness you can judge a man right or wrong.
Right here Jesus is saying yes I am the Son of God, in
Matt 27:3-4
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Then at the end of the verse they say; your witness of him being Son of God means nothing to us.
Back to
Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
The high priest sinned by doing what he did, they are to never tear their clothes, in:
Lev 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
Now back to:
Matt 26:65-66
65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Again they’re being illegal, cause if you remember what is said in:
Deut 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Jesus can’t witness against himself, because it’s only one witness.
Let me show you how ridiculously this is:
I go to court and the judge ask if I am Jesse, and I say I’m, that’s it put him to death.
Even dough it’s illegal they got what they feel is a charge against him, and its blasphemy.
Blasphemy here means he was going against and disrespecting Christ, The Messiah by proclaiming to be him.
These religious leaders had already decided and rejected his claim of being the Son of God.
This is what they had been waiting for, and now that he was here, they wouldn’t even investigate here at his judgment if he was telling the truth, even dough they had seen his countless miracles done by him.
66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Does this sound like their in court; these are supposed to be highly respected religious leaders.
Look at how their acting.
In Luke 22:64 says that they blindfolded him.
Now we’re going to continue in the morning and we’ll go to Matt 27 to see what happen.
Matt 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
They couldn’t put him to death, because the Romans who they were in bondage to, took their power away of putting anyone to death, even dough not long after Jesus was put to death, that the religious leaders did stone Stephen to death.
So that is why they have to take him to the Roman authorities.
And in
John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
They didn’t go into courtyard, because it was Passover weekend and they had to be clean to prepare for the meal.
They didn’t want to take a chance of becoming defiled by entering a place that was contaminated; of course the Romans to the Jews were unclean people.
What hypocrites we have here, they’ll have a totally illegal trial against the Son of God, and even want to murder him, like that’s not sinning, but God forbid if they work on the Sabbath day, and they won’t go into a lost persons place.
These religious leaders were suck on themselves and didn’t even preach to the people, all they wanted to do is argue with each other on the their belief.
They wouldn’t even go into the lost people homes.
Just like Jesus has been saying and showing in Matt 23 that they have clean the outside, but are dead inside.
How many of us are just as hypocrital when we’re around the preacher or Christian people we act one way, but then when we’re with the lost, the dead man bones shows up, we act another way?
29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor (evil doer), we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
Now let’s go to:
Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting (to overthrow) the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
Now there are lying, to the Roman judge, because in
Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
Remember in their own trial, he was accused of blasphemy, but now they have changed it to these 3 accusations.
The reason they had to change it, was because blasphemy is not a law breaking charge that is worthy of death.
They knew that if they could show he was proclaiming to be a King, which would be a charge that could put him to the death penalty.
They could win.
Now back to:
John 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
Pretty much what Pilate is saying is that he doesn’t believe them.
Remember I told you that the Romans took the death penalty away from them.
Just 4 months before this, they themselves were ready to break a Roman law.
John 10:24-33,39
24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
Why were they ready to stone him back then, knowing it was against the law of the Romans, but now they won’t?
It’s because of it says in:
Matt 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
John 18:33-36
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Pilate knew that Jesus wasn’t trying to overtake Rome.
He also knew that he wasn’t trying to get the people not to paid their taxes.
But he did have to investigate if he was proclaiming to be a King, because that would be going against Caesar.
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
I believe what Jesus is asking, is do you want to know for yourself, or as a judge?
If it’s personal, then Jesus is going to witness to him.
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
Pilate says; I’m not interested in you or your religion, for I’m not a Jew.
So what he is saying is that he is a judge and he’s doing his job.
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Jesus says; my kingdom is not an earthly kingdom, if it was my soldiers would go into battle, instead of letting the religious leaders take me and kill me.
Matt 26:52-53
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Let me say something here, the high Priest saw his men fall on the ground when Jesus said his name was “I’m” he also saw Jesus heal one of his soldier ear that had been cut off, but he is so hardhearted, he does not want to accept Jesus as Lord.
Now Peter did strike and cut the soldier ear off but he was not walking in the spirit, he reacted in the flesh.
Jesus also says “but now is my kingdom not from hence” meaning right now my kingdom is not here.
But there will be a time coming that I will come with my army (the saints) and we will make this our kingdom.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate was confuse, Jesus is saying; yes, but not of this world.
So Pilate asks him again “are you a king”?
Jesus answered and said, “You are correct”
1 Tim 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
Jesus said, this is why I was born, Jesus mission was not a political one, but it was spiritual.
He was to testify of the truth by proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom.
What people do with the message of truth (the word of God) is up to them, they decide where they want to spend eternity.
He says; “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice”
Luke 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Is going out and doing your own thing, following him?
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
Pilate continues to be confused, because without the truth of God in you, there is no truth in the flesh.
Pilate couldn’t see that truth was standing right in front of him.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Pilate says in this verse that Jesus is innocent; I find no fault at all.
This was no tread to Caesar that Jesus had a kingdom somewhere, but not here on earth.
Legally the trial should have ended right then and there.
But we’ll see that the chief priests continue with their accusations.
Now to:
Mark 15:3-5
3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
Pilate has a man standing in front of him, being accused of many things, and Jesus wouldn’t even try to defend himself.
He has said everything that he going to say.
Now to:
Luke 23:5-11
5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
The Jewish leaders started a new accusation that he was stirring up the people.
We’re going to see later who is stirring up the people.
6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
This was legal to do, but Pilate really wanted to get rid of Jesus, because the high priest was giving him a hard time.
This made the religious leaders happy because Herod was the one who had John the Baptist head cut off, that’s in Matt 14:6-10
8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
Herod had a more experience with Jewish politics and religion.
For a long time he had desired to learn more about Jesus.
This was probably the reason Herod was in town, because of the Passover like it says in verse 7
9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Remember back in
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
I believe what Jesus is asking is, do you want to know for yourself, or as a judge?
If it’s personal, then Jesus is going to witness to him.
Here Jesus is not speaking because Herod has already heard the word of salvation by John the Baptist, and Herod has already rejected it.
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently (shouting violently) accused him.
Before I go any further remember this is a judge who is suppose to protect the innocent, up hold the law, and he’s going to take part on what’s about to happen.
11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
The word “nought” which means he’s a zero.
“mocked him” they treated him with scorn, made him feel worthless.
The reason Herod sent him back to Pilate was because he couldn’t find were Jesus did anything wrong.
Here’s his second trial with the Romans and they couldn’t find any accusations to hold against him.
Luke 23:13-16
13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
To please the people he did verse 16
16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
Again the trial should have ended right there, but it didn’t.
They had Jesus innocent but still whipped him, these whipping most men die from them.
But because of the people shouting kill him he did what it says in Mark.
Now let’s go to
Mark 15:6-7
6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Barabbas was like terrorist, to the Romans, he wanted to bring them down, and while doing so, he killed some of them.
This was illegal to do also, because the law says that they could release a convicted man, Jesus wasn’t convicted.
Pilate was willing to break a Roman custom and offer Jesus with Barabbas has two convicted prisoners, so he could get the pressure off of him.
Matt 27:17-22, 24-25
17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
This judge even dough he did many illegal things, he was smart enough to know that they had delivered Jesus out of envy.
19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Another word for judgment seat is Bema judgment, which Jesus will be judging from.
Judgment seat was a raised platform to give sentence.
Jesus has a judgment seat the bible speaks about it’s for the Christians.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
These men who are judging now alone with all the lost will be judged by Jesus and will appear before the Lord on what’s called the Great White Judgment.
John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Rev 20:11-15 TLB
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Pilate’s wife is also a witness of who Jesus is, because of what she says here “just man”
We have Judas, Herod, Pilate, and his wife saying he’s innocent.
The dream she had or vision was from God to help warn these men from what they’re about to do.
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
It was the chief priests and elders that were getting the crowd sired up, not Jesus.
21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
They wanted Barabbas who was a robber John 18:40, and a murder Luke 23:19 and did much more.
22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
What Pilate says here has been the question that has been with us from the beginning?
“What shall I do with Jesus the Christ” many have rejected him now, just like they did here at his trial.
They didn’t want Jesus to be stone to death; they wanted a death that was painful and slow were he would suffer tremulously.
That is how much hate they had for him.
Like I said before one of the reasons that hated him was his teaching went against their traditions, and it also hit their pocket book.
The word of God showed the people who they really were, hypocrites, vipers, snakes, and blind guides.
The scriptures say in John right after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead:
John 11:45-53
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
They admitted that he did miracles, especially when he raised Lazarus a man from the dead.
They didn’t want to lose their power over the people, or lose their political power.
49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
This high priest wasn’t there to flatter his religious brothers, who were confused of what to do.
He says either Jesus dies, or the nation perishes, his was proposal was death.
When he said, I’m not speaking this on my own; he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation.
(right here we can see that God can use a wicked man to prophesies his words) wolf.
It doesn’t matter what kind of signs and wonders he does, (the devil has those too) the key to recognizing a wolf is what he says about Jesus Christ.
How are we going to know about Jesus, the scriptures tell us in:
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
When he said not only for the Jews, but in a wider sense, he was referring to the salvation of the Gentiles.
We see that the religious leaders knew who he was before all this even took place; this is why they plotted to have him put to death.
Now let’s continue from Matt 27:22 to verse 24-25
24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Pilate saw that he couldn’t change their minds and that a riot was about to start.
Pilate did what it says in Deut 21:1-7 since he was dealing with the Jews
In Deut it says that if someone is murdered and you can’t find who it was, you go to the nearest town, get the elders of that town and go get a cow and break its neck, and has their standing next to the slain man, they wash their hands over the cow, and they shall say “our hands have not shed this blood”
Now Pilate didn’t go get a cow, but they knew what he was doing.
Again Pilate is calling him innocent.
Then he says: “The responsibility is yours!"
25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Should the Jews be accountable for his death?
Let’s see did the Jews kill Jesus.
First of all, we should have already seen this thought what we have study.
You arrest a man and give accusations about him in court, who’s putting him to death?
Let’s see what the scriptures say:
Acts 2:22-23
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
The scriptures have already shown you that the religious leaders saw the wonders and miracles Jesus did.
Vs 22 “men of Israel” he speaking about the Jews.
These men and the people of today, they know what they are doing.
God already knew that they were going to do this.
Jesus also knew that they were going to it, because of what it says in John when he came into Jerusalem.
John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Jesus knew because of the parable he gave them in Luke which in these two verses he’s speaking of himself.
Luke 20:13-14 The parable is about the world and his prophets and son, lord is God, vineyard is the world.
13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
14 But when the husbandmen (leaders that are lost) saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
Another verse we can see who killed Jesus; this is about 50 days after they killed him.
Peter and John have been arrested, by the same bunch they had Jesus killed.
Acts 4:5-10
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
So we see that the Jews killed Jesus, right?
Wait a minute there’s one more verse we need to look at.
Acts 4:25-28
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
It says that King David prophesied that the kings of the earth, and the rulers, got together against the holy child Jesus, who God anointed.
Then it tells us who the kings and the rulers are in verse 27.
Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles, and the Jews got together to kill Jesus.
Now let’s continue with the trial
Mark 15:16-19
16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
The O.T. gives a better description in
Isa 52:14 speaks about the Lords suffering. TLB
His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.
In the bible anytime you bow your knees it is an act of worship.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
The same event was even put in the N.T.
Rom 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
We have people who kiss a person of religion, and even kiss things they feel is spiritual.
Will you come and knee or kiss my hand?
Why not? I’m call to be a bible teacher and preacher.
Are you a respecter of persons, God isn’t?
You see what I’m trying to show?
Now let’s go to John
John 19:6-15
6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
Pilate who has said many times this man is innocent, tells the religious leaders to kill him yourselves.
If a judge proclaims a man innocent, and then allows someone else to kill him, that’s called murder.
7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
Remember first they brought 3 accusations against him, and the only one they investigated was him proclaiming to be a king.
But now they’re saying, he’s is saying he is the son of God.
8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
Pilate had ideal that Jesus was different, but now he knows.
Non believers, they know that there must be a God, but they don’t want to submit to one.
Pilate knew, but if he would have accepted this, he would lose his position has a Roman leader.
This is the very reason many people today will not accept the Lord, because of what they’ll have to give up.
9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.
The reason Jesus didn’t answer him is because back in
John 18:36 about him not being king of this world yet, but that he would be, and that’s why he came into this world.
He had already answered him.
10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
Jesus couldn’t be silent on this one.
11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
This shows that everyone who is put in authority was allowed that authority because of the Lord.
The world is wicked and it is wicked men who are in authority.
Gen 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
This world that is full of darkness and it will not have a man who is full of light, living for the Lord, leading them, it doesn’t go together.
The leader of this world is the devil:
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Jesus says; “he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin”
It wasn’t Judas; Judas delivered Jesus to the Jewish leaders.
It was the religious leaders who delivered Jesus to Pilate.
Here greater sin just means a worst sin, because sin is sin without levels.
The reason the sin was greater on them was because they knew God and the scriptures, they were supposedly Christians.
12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
This is the second time he wanted to release Jesus.
They threaten Pilate’s job.
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Caesar.
The Jews up until that moment pronounce God as their King, now their saying Caesar is our King.
They have already rejected the Son of God now they’re rejecting God.
John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
We see through the scriptures that the religious leaders just acted like they loved the Lord God.
The same with Jehovah witness, how can they say they love God and follow him, when they don’t except the Son?
Last verse let’s go to
Matt 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
As they came out of were?
In Mark 15:16 says that the soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters called the Praetorium.
The movies we watch and what some preachers teach, is that Jesus carried the cross all the way, but he didn’t, because God was showing that Jesus was a innocent man, the others had to, but he didn’t.
This is who our Jesus is?
People who hated him, they hit, spit, mocked, they wanted him to suffer has much as he could, and then they killed him.
This is the people Jesus came to die for.