The Trial of Christ
Easter 2024 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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I. Annas- The Apathetic
I. Annas- The Apathetic
Annas was the High Priest from A.D. 6-15 and was appointed by the Roman Quirinius the governor of Syria.
Annas was born into an affluent and influential family. His name means “the Lord is gracious.” As leader of the Sanhedrin, Annas sat at the height of Jewish aristocracy. He was wealthy, well-educated, and in league with the ruling Roman authorities.
We find that Annas was focused on preserving his possessions. Therefore, he could not be bothered with anything that might cause a loss of power or possessions.
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.
21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”
22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”
23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”
24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
We find in scripture that Annas was not willing to seek the heart of the matter.
He asked Jesus two questions and then when Jesus answered Annas sent Him away.
Annas would have made a great modern day politician. He sold his soul to the highest bidder.
We said a minute ago that his name meant God is gracious. It seems that the problem was that Annas didn’t recognize the graciousness of God in revealing His son. Rather, he associated God’s grace with material possessions and influence.
It seems as if Annas was to busy or non interested in this matter.
Yet, the accusations were severe and Christ was a major focus. However, Annas displayed a heart of apathy.
Jesus Response- Transparency.
Jesus Response- Transparency.
Those who have nothing to hide do not mind transparency or accountability.
If someone is trying to hide then they have something worth hiding.
II. Caiaphas- The Condemner
II. Caiaphas- The Condemner
Caiaphas had determined that Jesus should die, even before Christ trial.
49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”
Caiaphas, like Annas was part of the Sanhedrin and a Sadducee. The Sadducee’s denied the resurrection, afterlife, and the spiritual world. They only held to the Torah (First five books of the bible.)
57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death,
60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward
61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”
62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?”
63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”
64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!
66 What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”
67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands,
68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”
Caiaphas condemned Jesus and allowed false accusations to stand.
Jesus Response- Truth
Jesus Response- Truth
III. Pilate- The Spineless
III. Pilate- The Spineless
29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”
30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,”
32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”
5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid,
9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
Pilate knew the truth of Christs innocence. However, HIs fear of the Jews and Caesar caused him to sacrifice an innocent man for his self-preservation.
Even Pilates wife urged him to release Jesus.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”
Jesus Response- An Appeal to Reason
Jesus Response- An Appeal to Reason
Our Response
Our Response
Maybe you’re like Annas and unwilling to sacrifice your own desires for Him.
Maybe you’re like Caiaphas and you’ve already determined that He does not fit into your beliefs.
Or maybe you’re like Pilate and you have said, “I find no fault in Him.” Yet, you’re unwilling to accept the truth .
How will you respond to Jesus?
Will you too condemn Him to death in your life?