There was nothing fair about this trial. Caiaphas, the scribes, and the elders were all gathered together waiting for this moment. You can almost sense their anticipation as Jesus is brought in. Peter was following to see what would happen to the man whom he had confessed was the Messiah. As Jesus was standing there in the middle of the council, they were looking around for people to give testimonies that would warrant the death penalty. They had no regard for the truth but they had their intentions already set on killing Jesus. Unfortunately for them, there was not enough evidence to put Jesus to death. Many people came forward with unsubstantiated and false claims but they still couldn’t put him on the cross. They could only come up with lies because Jesus was completely innocent! He was perfectly clean, he hadn’t broken the law, and he wasn’t teaching blasphemy but was preaching words of eternal life!

Eventually two witnesses came forward which was something that could have been used in a court but what they accused Jesus of doing was a half truth. When asked to respond, Jesus stood silent. This is completely in line with the prophesy from Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.” Jesus is the fulfilment of the suffering servant. He was asked directly by the high priest whether he was the Christ, the promised Messiah and Jesus gives the clearest answer, ‘you have said so’ and adds a line identifying himself with the Son of Man who was to come with power as told by Daniel. The Caiaphas was furious, the council was indignant, but Jesus was still silent as they mocked him, spat on him, and hit him. However, they were plotting in vain. By the same means that they were to put Jesus to death, Jesus was going to secure life which is on offer for all who repent and confess that he is Lord. MC

Questions

What was the main goal of the council in this trial? In the face of false accusations and lies, Jesus stood silent. Why did he do this? Why is it significant?

Prayer

Merciful God, words cannot express how thankful we are for Jesus. Thank you for his love for us so much that he would endure a sham trial and eventually death for us, taking away our sin and shame. In his name, Amen.