Jesus was on trial six times

Three Jewish Trials: this was still the 14th of Nisan.

1st Trial — Annas; John 18:12-14
2nd Trial — Caiaphas; Luke 22:54-65 – Both these trials were illegal because they were before
day light;
3rd Trial — Sanhedrin after day light to make it legal; Luke 22:66-71
Three Gentile Trials:
4th Trial — Pilate for the first time; Luke 23:1-6
5th Trial — Herod Antipas; Luke 23:8-12
6th Trial — Pilate for the second time; Luke 23:13-25

RUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM!

THE SIX TRIALS OF JESUS CHRIST
After His arrest in the Garden of Gesthemane but before He was crucified at Golgotha, Jesus
of Nazareth appeared at 6 separate trials as outlined below.
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THREE RELIGIOUS (JEWISH) TRIALS OF JESUS
Matthew 26:57-68; 27:1-2 / Mark 14:53-65
Luke 22:66-71 / John 18:12-14; 18:19-24
1) BEFORE ANNAS: Hearing before Annas, former Jewish High Priest for 16 years - Jesus
receives initial physical abuse.
2) BEFORE CAIAPHAS: Hearing before the current Jewish High Priest, Caiaphas, and the
Sanhedrin Court - Jesus bloodied by abuse. Imprisonment at Caiaphas' palace.
3) BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN: Hearing before all the Jewish elders, including the High
Priest, Scribes and whole Sanhedrin. They decide to ask the Roman government to kill
Jesus.
THREE CIVIC (ROMAN) TRIALS OF JESUS
Matthew 27:11-26 / Mark 15:1-15
Luke 23:1-25 / John 18:28- 19:16
4) BEFORE PONTIUS PILATE: Hearing before Roman governor Pilate, who declares, "I
find no guilt in this man."
5) BEFORE HEROD: Hearing before Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, who had
jurisdiction over Galilee. Jesus refused to answer any questions so Herod returned Him
quickly to Pilate.
6) BEFORE PONTIUS PILATE: Hearing again before Pilate, who repeatedly tried to
release Jesus, but the Jewish leaders continued to object. Pilate ordered the physical torture
and beating of Jesus, seeking to satisfy the Jewish leaders. However, the Jews demanded
that Jesus be crucified. Pilate resisted, but eventually gave the order to execute Jesus. He
notes on the sign on the cross that His crime was being the King of the Jews. This was
probably done to avoid trouble with Rome (No king but Caesar).
WHO WERE THE HIGH PRIESTS, ANNAS AND CAIAPHAS?
The World into Which Jesus Came – Question 8
Two High Priests are mentioned during Jesus public ministry; Annas and Caiaphas.
Since they figure prominently into the events of His death it is important that we know
something about them. Sanhedrin, pilate, ANNAS AND CAIAPHAS
1. Annas Had Been the High Priest
Annas had been high priest from A.D. 6 to 15. The Romans had removed him from
office yet he still wielded considerable power behind the scenes. Five of his sons
succeeded him as high priest. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas; the high priest who
was in office at the time of Jesus ministry. Luke wrote,

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea,
Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis,
and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God
came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (Luke 3:1, 2 NKJV)

Annas is still called “high priest” even though he was not serving in that capacity at the
time. This indicates that much of the power was still in his hands.

2. Jesus Was Brought to Annas First

His power was obvious. Indeed, when Jesus was arrested He was brought to Annas
first, rather than Caiaphas. John wrote,

First they took him to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas
was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “Better that one should die for all.” (John
18:13, 14 NLT)

Annas was the first to examine Jesus. The fact that Jesus was eventually sent on to
other shows the power this man had.

The examination before Annas was unproductive. The Bible gives the following account
of what occurred when Jesus went before Annas:

Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. ‘I have
spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple,
where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who
heard me. Surely they know what I said.” When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby
struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said
something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did
you strike me?” (John 18:19-23 NIV)

Since the meeting did not achieve its desired result, Annas then sent Jesus away to
Caiaphas, the current high priest.

John also records this. He put it in this manner:

Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. (John 18:24 NRSV)

Caiaphas, the ruling high priest, then conducted the next phase of Jesus’ trial.

3. Caiaphas Was the Ruling High Priest

As we just mentioned, Joseph Ben Caiaphas was the ruling high priest at the time of
Jesus’ ministry as well as beyond (A.D. 18-36). He was the son-in-law of Annas. It was
Caiaphas who predicted the necessity of the death of Jesus. We read about this in the
gospel of John. It says,

And one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said, “How can you be so stupid?
Why should the whole nation be destroyed? Let this one man die for the people.” This prophecy
that Jesus should die for the entire nation came from Caiaphas in his position as high priest. He
didn’t think of it himself; he was inspired to say it. It was a prediction that Jesus’ death would be
not for Israel only, but for the gathering together of all the children of God scattered around the
world. So from that time on the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. (John 11:49-53 NLT)

Caiaphas said it was necessary for Jesus to die for the survival of the nation. These
words of his caused the plot to be on Jesus’ life.

We find the same thing taught in Matthew’s gospel. Caiaphas is the one who plotted to
kill Jesus. Matthew records the following,

Then the chief priests and the leaders of the people gathered in the palace of the chief priest
Caiaphas. They made plans to arrest Jesus in an underhanded way and to kill him. (Matthew
26:3, 4 God’s Word)

It was by trickery that Caiaphas planned to arrest Jesus.

4. Caiaphas Charged Jesus with Blasphemy

We also find that Caiaphas is the one whom charged Jesus with blasphemy. At Jesus’
trial the following exchange took place:

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us
if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from
now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds
of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What
further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?”
They answered, “He deserves death.” (Matthew 26:63-66 ESV)

The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus dead! They did not merely want Him judged
according to Jewish law.

5. Caiaphas Sent Jesus to Pilate

It was Caiaphas who sent Jesus to Pontius Pilate to have the death sentence carried
out. The Gospel of John records the following:

Early in the morning, Jesus was taken from Caiaphas’ house to the governor’s palace. The
Jews wouldn’t go into the palace. They didn’t want to become unclean, since they wanted to eat
the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What accusation are you making against
this man?” The Jews answered Pilate, “If he weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t have handed him
over to you.” Pilate told the Jews, “Take him, and try him by your law.” The Jews answered him,
“We’re not allowed to execute anyone.” In this way what Jesus had predicted about how he
would die came true. (John 18:28-32 God’s Word)

From all reports it is obvious that Caiaphas wanted Jesus dead. Indeed, he was the
man behind the plot to kill Him.

6. The Chief Priests Complained about the Title

Not content with merely having Jesus put to death, these religious leaders watched the
crucifixion. In addition, they complained to Pilate about the title he placed above the
cross. John records the following:

So the chief priests went to Pilate and said, “Why did you write that he is King of the Jews? You
should have written, ‘He claimed to be King of the Jews.’” (John 19:21 CEV)

They objected to the title that was placed over Jesus’ cross; King of the Jews. Pilate did
not listen to their request and kept the title to be read by all.

7. They Persecuted Jesus’ Followers

After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, we find Annas and Caiaphas
interrogating Peter and John about a miracle they performed. We read of this in the
Book of Acts:

The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of
the high priest’s family. They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle
while they questioned them. They asked, “By what power and in whose name have you done
this?” (Acts 4:6, 7 CEV)
We note that these two were still prominent in their attempting to silence the ministry of
Jesus. Try as they might, they could not stop it! Indeed, nobody can.

Jesus made this clear. We read His prediction in the Gospel of Matthew:

I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18 HCSB)

The English Standard Version puts it this way:

I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18 ESV)

In other words, nothing will stop this work of God. Nothing!

8. The Bones of Caiaphas Have Seemingly Been Found

There was an exciting archaeological discovery in November 1990. Workers
constructing a water park south of the Old City of Jerusalem accidentally uncovered a
burial cave. In the cave were a dozen limestone chests that contained bones. These
types of chests, known as ossuaries, were primarily used in the first century A.D.

One of the chests had the word “Joseph, son of Caiaphas” carved on it. The bones
were that of a man that had died at approximately the age of sixty. Because of the
lavish decoration on the burial chest there is a high probability that these were the
bones of Caiaphas the high priest — the one who charged Jesus with blasphemy. This
would be the first physical remains ever discovered of a person mentioned in the Bible.

This is ironic. The man whom Caiaphas unjustly put to death, Jesus, has no burial box
where His bones reside. He has risen from the dead! Yet Caiaphas’ bones have been
discovered. Death visited him. Such is the awesome reminder of what each of us face.

Summary – Question 8
Who Were the High Priest’s Annas and Caiaphas?
The Bible speaks of two high priests that were prominent in the events in the life of
Jesus Christ; Annas and Caiaphas. The Bible records that Caiaphas was high priest
during the ministry of Jesus. He was son-in-law to Annas who had previously been the
high priest.

Each of these men had important roles to play in the death of Jesus.
Annas, though not the ruling high priest, was seemingly the power behind the office.
Indeed, it was to Annas that Jesus was first brought after His arrest in the Garden of
Gethsemane. After interrogating Jesus Annas sent Him to his son-in-law, Caiaphas.

Caiaphas figures more prominently in the events which led up to Jesus’ death. To begin
with, He is the one who prophesied that it was necessary for Jesus to die for the nation.
In other words, he was the main instigator behind the plot to kill Jesus.

Before the Jewish council, Caiaphas charged Jesus with blasphemy. He then sent
Jesus away to Pontius Pilate for execution. This man was determined to have Jesus
killed.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection we find that both Annas and Caiaphas persecuted
Jesus’ disciples. While they attempted to stop the movement by killing Jesus and then
threatening His disciples, they attempts ended in failure. As Jesus had predicted He
was going to build His church and not even the gates of hell could stop it!

In an historical irony, the bones of Caiaphas have been found in Jerusalem in

November of 1990. This is the first physical remains ever discovered of a person who is
mentioned in Scripture. The man who sentenced Jesus to death has his bones still
intact. Yet the One whom He sentenced to death does not have any bones rotting away
in some burial box. Jesus Christ is risen indeed!

pontius pilate encounters jesus

“What is truth?” asked Pilate.

It’s a timeless question that has been asked by humankind since the beginning.
Regardless of who is doing the asking, or when, the question is a critical one. When
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor in Judea, asked it of Jesus during His, it was a
climax moment. From a legal standpoint, Pilate alone held the power to send Jesus to
His death (John 18:31) or free Him and put an end to any legitimate effort of the Jewish
leaders to silence Christ and His message. Jesus had already appeared before Annas and
Caiaphas, facing the charge of blasphemy, and had been found guilty by the Sanhedrin
(Matthew 26:65). They lacked the power to kill him, so they sought out Pilate. It is
rather excruciating to read Jesus’ interaction with Pilate, isn’t it? We see an uninvolved
party—the Roman prefect—come to recognize Jesus’ innocence, and yet he doesn’t have
a good enough reason to incur the wrath of a bloodthirsty mob for the life of a single
Jew.

pilate questions jesus

Why did Jesus not answer his Jewish accusers, the chief priests and elders? This amazed
Pilate and was not lost on him (Matthew 27:14). But Jesus knew who He was, and knew
His purpose. He would not be thwarted by offering a spirited defense to win favor with
Pilate, nor would He argue with those to whom He had already testified. He stood
resolute to do the will of His father. Can you imagine being so set on God’s will for your
life?

It is clear from Luke’s account that Pilate attempted to reason with the crowd (Luke
23:13–16; 20–22), but they would not be satisfied with anything other than Jesus’
death. The crowd that once shouted, “Hosanna!” now shouted, “Crucify!” (Luke 23:21).

pilate sentences jesus

Note the four questions of Pilate. 'Art Thou the King of the Jews?'--'What hast Thou done?'--'Art Thou a
King then?'--'What is truth?' The Roman historian Suetonius states that many rumors were then prevalent
that a King was about to rise among the Jews who would have dominion over the whole world. No doubt
Pilate knew of these rumors and therefore asked the Lord about His Kingship.'

Scary! For Pilate that is. He had already been told not to harm Jesus by his wife who had the dream from
God warning her.
Scared of what the people think Pilate went along with the crowd. What a terrible choice! It is the choice
of the masses today who don't have the courage to go against the flow. Mathew's gospel tells us that Pilate
washed his hands of the matter but his guilt isn't removed so easily. What a sad end. The Jews made a
choice between Barabbas and Jesus and chose to go with a known murderer rather than the Messiah, the
Son of God. Pilate is finally forced to make a choice. It is a choice between Caesar and Jesus, between
earthly and heavenly power. It is also a choice between popularity and truth... and he choice the former.
Everyone must make a choice concerning Jesus. As Bob Dylan used to sing 'Either you've got faith or
you've got unbelief. And there 'aint no neutral ground!'

Pilate remained oblivious to Jesus’s identity and purpose, and his line of questioning is
rather revealing. He asked Jesus, “What have you done?” (John 18:35). Perhaps he
expected Jesus to defend Himself against a common charge brought before a Roman
court: insurrection. Jesus understood Pilate’s intent and answered that He was a king,
but not the kind that challenges a political power. His kingdom “is not from here” (v.
36), and His kingship is unlike any other. It is divine and heavenly (“not from this
world,” and “for this reason I was born”) and His kingly purpose in the world was to
“testify to the truth” (vv. 36–37). Then came Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (v. 38).

He failed to see that truth was not a set of facts that would clear the troubled waters.
Perhaps he had grown tired of Jesus’s enigmatic responses. Perhaps his question was an
honest reflection of the inner confusion within his own conscience, yet he turned away
without receiving an answer and gave the emboldened crowd what they sought, unaware
that the answer to his final question had been standing before him the whole time.

what pilate missed in jesus

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). What Pilate failed to
understand is for us to cherish. We have in Christ the answer for the most important
question of all: “Who is God, and how can we know Him?” Jesus lived among mankind
as God incarnate, a living witness to the very nature, character, and will of the Father.
He was both the King of heaven and the Son of Man. We know what Pilate failed to
comprehend, even after such an encounter: that Jesus was the Truth. The question
before us, now, is this: What will we do with Him?
Introduction:
A. The Six Trials of Jesus:
1. Jesus had six trials: Three religious (Jewish), and three civil (Romans). Here are
the results:
2. All these six trials were carried out on Good Friday, from 2 AM to 10 AM, in 8
very stormy hours.
B. Three Jewish religious trials where he was proclaimed a sinner:
1. First Religious Trial (Jewish): Annas, Jn.18:12-14… Decision: Go signal given to
execute Jesus.
2. Second Religious Trial: Caiaphas, Mt.26:57-68… Decision: Death Sentence,
charge of blasphemy, because Jesus proclaimed himself the Messiah, God the
Son.
3. Third Religious Trial, Sanhedrin, Mt.27:1-2, Lk.22:63-71… Decision: Death.
C. Three Roman Civic trials where Jesus was proclaimed innocent.
1. First Civil Trial (Roman): Pilate, Jn.18:28-38… Decision: Not guilty.
 2. Second Civil Trial: Herod, Lk.23:6-12… Decision: Not guilty.
3. Third Civil Trial: Pilate again, Jn.18:39-19:6. Decision: Not guilty, but turned to
the Jews to be crucified (Mt.27:26).

The 6 Trials of Jesus

Judge Texts Decision Time Place Notes
AM
3 Annas Mt 26:57-58; Guilty 2-2:30 House of Jesus answers
Religious Mk 14:53-54; High Priest freely
trials by Luke 22:54-55;
Jews Jn 18:12-23
Caiaphas Mt 26:59-75; Guilty 2:30-5 House of Peter’s three
Mk 14:55-65; High Priest denials. One
Lk 22:56-65; Jn hour between
18:24 second and
third denial:
Lk 22:59
Jesus would
not answer
Sanhedrin Mt 27:1, Mk Guilty 6 Court of In the early
15:1; Lk 22:66- Sanhedrin morning
71
3 Civil Pilate Matt 27:2-14; Innocent 6:30 Praetorium Death of
trials by Mk 15:2-5; Lk Judas
Romans 23:1-6; Jn
18:28-38
Herod Lk 23:7-12 Innocent 7 Herod
visiting
Jerusalem
Pilate Matt 27:15-26; Innocent 7:30-8 Praetorium
Mk 15:6-15; Lk
23:13-25; Jn
18:39-19:16
Bible texts for the 6 trials of Jesus
Mt Mk Lk Jn
1. Annas Mt 26:57-58 Mk 14:53-54 Lk22:54-55 Jn 18:12-23
2. Caiaphas Mt 26:59-75 Mk 14:55-65 Lk 22:56-65 Jn 18:24
3. Sanhedrin Mt 27:1 Mk 15:1 Lk22:66-71 -
4. Pilate Matt 27:2-14 Mk 15:2-5 Lk 23:1-6 Jn 18:28-38
5. Herod - - Lk 23:7-12 -
Jn 18:39-
6. Pilate Matt 27:15-26 Mk 15:6-15 Lk 23:13-25
19:16

The 7 Trials of Jesus

Time Type Authority Scripture Accusations Legality Results
1 2:00 Jewish Annas, ex- John 18:13- Pre–trial trumped–up Illegal because it was Purpose was to gain
AM Preliminary high priest 23 charges. General unauthorized inquiry held evidence for the trial.
ex- of Jews questioning, nothing at night at residence of “Guilty” of irreverence.
amination specific Annas. Prejudice. No Taken to Caiaphas.
specific charges. Violent.
2 3:30 Jewish Caiaphas, Matt. Blasphemy; claimed to Illegal because held at Guilty of blasphemy by
AM current high 26:56-68; be the Messiah, Son of night at residence of common consent. Sent
priest, and Mk. 14:53- God Caiaphas. Perjured to the Sanhedrin
members of 65; Jn. witnesses could not agree.
Sanhedrin 18:24 Violence.
3 6:00 Jewish Sanhedrin ; Lk. 22:66- Charged Formal trial to confirm Declared guilty of
AM (Jewish 71 with blasphemy; capital sentence of the blasphemy by
ruling claimed to be Son of illegal night trial. Put Jesus Sanhedrin. Sent to
authorities) God. Rome not under oath. Caiaphas Roman Governor,
interested in made each member of Pilate, for legal
blasphemy. Sanhedrin accredited sentence of death.
witnesses.
4 6:30 Roman Civil Pilate, Matt. 27:1- Accused Him Illegal, yet held even Innocent, Jn. 18:38.
AM Trial Governor of 2, 11-14; of treason which was though found innocent by Should have ended trial,
Judaea, at Mk. 15:2-5; worthy of capital Pilate. No defense but sent to Herod
official Lk. 23:1-7; punishment in Rome. attorney. Violent. Antipas. Mob overruled
residence Jn. 18:28-38 Pilate.
(first time)
5 7:00 Roman Civil Herod Lk. 23:8-12 No accusation. Mock Illegal because no Mistreated and
AM Trial Antipas, trial. Mob violence. grounds. Mockery in mocked, returned to
Governor of courtroom. Violence. No Pilate without decision
Galilee defense attorney. by Herod
6 7:30 Roman Civil Pilate Matt. Treason. Bargain with Illegal because Pilate had Found innocent, but
AM Trial (second 27:15-26; mob, put on trial with no proof of guilt, allowed Pilate bowed to political
time) Mk. 15:6- Barabbas innocent man be pressure of Jews.
15; Lk. condemned
23:13-25;
Jn. 18:39-
19:16
7 Today Universal You are the The whole Jesus Christ is Lord and This decision is legal and What did you do with
judge. Bible Savior eternally binding Jesus?
Conclusion:
1. The six trials of Jesus were a total miscarriage of justice that involved Jewish
envy, political pandering, evil and pure cowardice.
2. Contrary to the popular view held by today's Jewish community, it was the
pagan Romans who found Jesus innocent and the chosen race of Jews who
crucified him out of envy and hard-hearted evil.
3. Pilate said as he washed his hands, "I am innocent of this man's blood" the
Jews actually responded, "His blood be upon us and our children". So be it!
And such is the gospel. We are all guilty of crucifying Jesus if we have
committed even one sin which Jesus needed to shed his blood for to bring
about forgiveness and the hope of eternal live in heaven!
4. The seventh and final trial of Jesus takes place in your heart right here, right
now! Do you think he was innocent or guilty of sin?

The 6 Trials of Jesus: 8 stormy hours

The Jews found Jesus guilty 3 times.
The Romans found Jesus Innocent 3 times.

The Six Trials of Jesus:

Three religious (Jewish) trials where
he was found guilty and three civil
(Roman) trials where he was found
innocent.

Introduction:
A. The Six Trials of Jesus:
 1. Jesus had six trials: Three religious (Jewish), and three civil (Romans). Here are
the results:
2. All these six trials were carried out on Good Friday, from 2 AM to 10 AM, in 8
very stormy hours.
B. Three Jewish religious trials where he was proclaimed a sinner:
1. First Religious Trial (Jewish): Annas, Jn.18:12-14… Decision: Go signal given to
execute Jesus.
2. Second Religious Trial: Caiaphas, Mt.26:57-68… Decision: Death Sentence,
charge of blasphemy, because Jesus proclaimed himself the Messiah, God the
Son.
3. Third Religious Trial, Sanhedrin, Mt.27:1-2, Lk.22:63-71… Decision: Death.
C. Three Roman Civic trials where Jesus was proclaimed innocent.
1. First Civil Trial (Roman): Pilate, Jn.18:28-38… Decision: Not guilty.
2. Second Civil Trial: Herod, Lk.23:6-12… Decision: Not guilty.
3. Third Civil Trial: Pilate again, Jn.18:39-19:6. Decision: Not guilty, but turned to
the Jews to be crucified (Mt.27:26).

The Jews found him

guilty but the
Romans found
Jesus Innocent.
Pilate said as he washed his
hands, "I am innocent of this
man's blood" the Jews actually
responded, "His blood be
upon us and our children".

I. Who was High Priest: Annas or Caiaphas since both are called high priest.
Annas was the father in law of Caiaphas.
1. “the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas” Lk 3:2
2. Caiaphas was the High Priest through whom God prophesied that a man
should die for the people. Jn 11:49-52; 18:14
 3. “The high priest (Annas) then questioned Jesus” Jn 18:19
4. “Is that the way You answer the high priest (Annas) ?” Jn 18:22
5. “So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.” John 18:24
6. “Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and
all who were of high-priestly descent.” Acts 4:6
7. Our conclusion is that Annas was the Jewish appointed High Priest, while
Caiaphas was the Roman appointed High Priest but we cannot know for sure.
Although the Law said that the High Priest was appointed for life, Exodus 29:9;
Numbers 3:10, Annas had been deposed by Rome. Annas was appointed high
Priest in 6 AD by Quirinius (Lk 2:2) and was deposed by Valerius Gratus in 15
AD.

II. The charges against Jesus:

A. Caiaphas’ accusations:
1. “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three
days I will build another made without hands.’ Mk
2. I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days Mt
3. tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You
have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of
Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.
He has blasphemed Mt
4. “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” And Jesus said, “I am; and
you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming
with the clouds of heaven.” Tearing his clothes, the high priest said, “What
further need do we have of witnesses? “You have heard the blasphemy Mk
B. Council of elder’s accusations:
1. When it was day, the of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes,
and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, “If You are the Christ,
tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a
question, you will not answer. “But from now on the Son of Man will be
seated at the right hand of the power of God.” And they all said, “Are You the
Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” Then they said, “What
further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from
His own mouth.”Luke 22:66-71

III. The Denials of Peter

Peter But Peter was Peter had Having arrested Simon Peter was
follows following Him at a followed Him at a Him, they led following Jesus,
distance as far as distance, right Him away and and so was another
 disciple. Now that
disciple was known to
the high priest, and
entered with Jesus
into the court of the
high priest, but Peter
was standing at the
the courtyard of door outside. So the
the high priest, and brought Him to other disciple, who
entered in, and sat the house of the was known to the
down with the high priest; but high priest, went out
officers to see the Peter was and spoke to the
outcome. Matthew into the courtyard following at a doorkeeper, and
26:58 of the high priest; distance. brought Peter in.
and he was
sitting with the
officers and
warming himself
at the fire. Mark
14:54 After they had Then the slave-girl
As Peter was kindled a fire in who kept the door
below in the the middle of the said to Peter, “You
courtyard, one of courtyard and had are not also one of
the servant-girls sat down this man’s disciples,
of the high priest together, Peter are you?” He said, “I
Now Peter was came, and seeing was sitting among am not.” Now the
sitting outside in Peter warming them. And a slaves and the officers
the courtyard, and himself, she servant-girl, were
a servant-girl came looked at him and seeing him as he standing there, having
to him and said, said, “You also sat in the firelight made a charcoal fire,
Time for “You too were with were with Jesus and looking for it was cold and
Fire to Jesus the Galilean.” the Nazarene.” intently at him, they were warming
be But he But he said, “This man themselves; and
Kindled, denied it before denied it, saying, was with Him Peter was also with
then them all, saying, “I “I neither know too.” But he them, standing and
first do not know what nor understand denied it, saying, warming
denial you are talking what you are “Woman, I do not himself. John 18:15-
1 about.” talking about.” know Him.” 18
Second When he had gone And he went out A little later, Now Simon Peter was
denial out to the gateway, onto the porch, another saw him standing and
2 another servant-girl and a rooster and said, “You warming himself. So
saw him and said to crowed. The are one of them they said to him, “You
those who were servant-girl saw too!” But Peter are not also one of
 there, “This man
was with Jesus of him, and began
Nazareth.” And once more to say
again he to the bystanders,
denied it with an “This is one of His disciples, are
oath, “I do not them!” But again said, “Man, I am you?” He denied it,
know the man.” he denied it. not!” and said, “I am not.”
And after a little After about an
while the hour had passed,
A little later the bystanders were another
bystanders came again saying to man began to
up and said to Peter, “Surely you insist, saying,
Peter, “Surely you are one of them, “Certainly this One of the slaves of
too are one of for you are a man also was with the high priest, being
them; for even the Galilean too.” But Him, for he is a a relative of the one
way you talk gives he began to curse Galilean too.” But whose ear Peter cut
Peter’s you away.” Then he and swear, “I do Peter said, “Man, I off, said, “Did I not
third began to curse and not know this do not know what see you in the garden
denial swear, “I do not man you are you are talking with Him?” Peter
3 know the man!” talking about!” about.” then denied it again,
Immediately,
while he was still
Immediately a speaking, a
rooster crowed a rooster crowed.
second time. And The Lord turned
And immediately a Peter and looked at
rooster crowed. remembered how Peter. And Peter
And Peter Jesus had made remembered the
remembered the the remark to word of the Lord,
word which Jesus him, “Before a how He had told
had said, “Before a rooster crows him, “Before a
rooster crows, you twice, you will rooster crows
will deny Me three deny Me three today, you will
times.” And he times.” And he deny Me three
went out and wept began to times.” And he and immediately a
bitterly.Matthew weep.Mark went out and rooster crowed.John
Rooster 26:69-75 14:66-72 wept bitterly. Luke 18:25-27
Crows 22:54-62

IV. The 6 Trials of Jesus

 Time
Judge Texts Decision AM Place Notes
Mt 26:57-58;
Mk 14:53-54;
Luke 22:54-55; House of Jesus answers
Annas Jn 18:12-23 Guilty 2-2:30 High Priest freely
Peter’s three
denials. One
hour between
second and
Mt 26:59-75; third denial:
Mk 14:55-65; Lk 22:59
Lk 22:56-65; Jn House of Jesus would
3 Caiaphas 18:24 Guilty 2:30-5 High Priest not answer
Religious Mt 27:1, Mk
trials by 15:1; Lk 22:66- Court of In the early
Jews Sanhedrin 71 Guilty 6 Sanhedrin morning
Matt 27:2-14;
Mk 15:2-5; Lk
23:1-6; Jn Death of
Pilate 18:28-38 Innocent 6:30 Praetorium Judas
Herod
visiting
Herod Lk 23:7-12 Innocent 7 Jerusalem
Matt 27:15-26;
3 Civil Mk 15:6-15; Lk
trials by 23:13-25; Jn
Romans Pilate 18:39-19:16 Innocent 7:30-8 Praetorium

V. Bible texts for the 6 trials of Jesus

Mt Mk Lk Jn
1. Annas Mt 26:57-58 Mk 14:53-54 Lk22:54-55 Jn 18:12-23
2. Caiaphas Mt 26:59-75 Mk 14:55-65 Lk 22:56-65 Jn 18:24
3. Sanhedri
n Mt 27:1 Mk 15:1 Lk22:66-71 -
4. Pilate Matt 27:2-14 Mk 15:2-5 Lk 23:1-6 Jn 18:28-38
5. Herod - - Lk 23:7-12 -
Jn 18:39-
6. Pilate Matt 27:15-26 Mk 15:6-15 Lk 23:13-25 19:16
VI. The 7 Trials of Jesus
Time Type Authority Scripture Accusations Legality Results
Illegal because it was
Jewish Pre–trial trumped–up unauthorized inquiry held Purpose was to gain
Preliminary Annas, ex- charges. General at night at residence of evidence for the trial.
2:00 ex- high priest John 18:13- questioning, nothing Annas. Prejudice. No “Guilty” of irreverence.
1 AM amination of Jews 23 specific specific charges. Violent. Taken to Caiaphas.
Caiaphas, Matt. Illegal because held at
current high 26:56-68; night at residence of
priest, and Mk. 14:53- Blasphemy; claimed to Caiaphas. Perjured Guilty of blasphemy by
3:30 members of 65; Jn. be the Messiah, Son of witnesses could not agree. common consent. Sent
2 AM Jewish Sanhedrin 18:24 God Violence. to the Sanhedrin
Formal trial to confirm
Charged capital sentence of the Declared guilty of
with blasphemy; illegal night trial. Put Jesus blasphemy by
Sanhedrin claimed to be Son of under oath. Caiaphas Sanhedrin. Sent to
(Jewish God. Rome not made each member of Roman Governor,
6:00 ruling ; Lk. 22:66- interested in Sanhedrin accredited Pilate, for legal
3 AM Jewish authorities) 71 blasphemy. witnesses. sentence of death.
Pilate,
Governor of Matt. 27:1- Innocent, Jn. 18:38.
Judaea, at 2, 11-14; Accused Him Illegal, yet held even Should have ended trial,
official Mk. 15:2-5; of treason which was though found innocent by but sent to Herod
6:30 Roman Civil residence Lk. 23:1-7; worthy of capital Pilate. No defense Antipas. Mob overruled
4 AM Trial (first time) Jn. 18:28-38 punishment in Rome. attorney. Violent. Pilate.
Herod Illegal because no Mistreated and
Antipas, grounds. Mockery in mocked, returned to
7:00 Roman Civil Governor of No accusation. Mock courtroom. Violence. No Pilate without decision
5 AM Trial Galilee Lk. 23:8-12 trial. Mob violence. defense attorney. by Herod
Matt.
27:15-26;
Mk. 15:6-
15; Lk. Illegal because Pilate had
Pilate 23:13-25; Treason. Bargain with no proof of guilt, allowed Found innocent, but
7:30 Roman Civil (second Jn. 18:39- mob, put on trial with innocent man be Pilate bowed to political
6 AM Trial time) 19:16 Barabbas condemned pressure of Jews.
You are the The whole Jesus Christ is Lord and This decision is legal and What did you do with
7 Today Universal judge. Bible Savior eternally binding Jesus?

Conclusion:
1. The six trials of Jesus were a total miscarriage of justice that involved Jewish
envy, political pandering, evil and pure cowardice.
2. Contrary to the popular view held by today's Jewish community, it was the
pagan Romans who found Jesus innocent and the chosen race of Jews who
crucified him out of envy and hard-hearted evil.
3. Pilate said as he washed his hands, "I am innocent of this man's blood" the
Jews actually responded, "His blood be upon us and our children". So be it!
And such is the gospel. We are all guilty of crucifying Jesus if we have
committed even one sin which Jesus needed to shed his blood for to bring
about forgiveness and the hope of eternal live in heaven!
4. The seventh and final trial of Jesus takes place in your heart right here, right
now! Do you think he was innocent or guilty of sin?
1. Power over quality. At a wedding in Cana, when the wine ran out, Jesus told the servants to fill six
stone pots with water and take a cupful to the headwaiter. Putting the cup to his lips, the waiter tasted
that Jesus had not only turned the water into wine, but the best wine (John 2:1–12).

2. Power over distance. Later, a royal official came to Cana to ask Jesus to heal his dying son in
Capernaum, about twenty miles away. Without moving, Jesus told him, “‘Go back home. Your son will
live!’” (4:50). He healed the boy from a distance.

3. Power over time. By the pool of Bethesda, Jesus saw a man who had been disabled for 38 years. The
Lord commanded him, “‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!’” (5:8). It didn’t matter that the man had
been lame for almost four decades; when Jesus said “walk,” he walked!

4. Power over quantity. Next, Jesus fed a crowd of over 5,000 people with five small loaves and two
sardine-sized fish (6:1–15). How could so little feed so many? The math didn’t add up for the disciples,
but lack of enough never limited Jesus’ ability.

5. Power over nature. When a strong wind stirred up the sea and the terrified disciples strained at the
oars to make it to shore, Jesus walked on the water and calmed the storm (6:16–21).

6. Power over misfortune. In Jerusalem, Jesus noticed a man blind since birth. Without hype or hoopla,
the Light of the World brought light to the man’s eyes (9:1–7).

7. Power over death. When Lazarus died, his sisters’ hopes died with him. However, Jesus transformed
their impossibility into the perfect opportunity to glorify God by bringing Lazarus back to life (11:1–44).

6 Outcasts Touching the Untouchables

1. The Leper – Luke 5: 12-16
2. The Paralytic – Luke 5:17-26
3. Levi the Tax Collector – Luke 5:27-
32
1. Women
4. The Sinful Woman – Luke 7:36-50 2. The poor
5. “Legion” the Demoniac – Luke 8:26-
39
3. The unclean
6. The Lost Son – Luke 15:11-32 4. Oppressors
5. Racial enemies

nine cases, Jesus initiated the conversations

a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-42)

a crippled beggar (John 5:1-15)
In 25 instances, it was the other party who started the discussion. Jesus responded to other people’s inquiries.

a rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16-30)

a demoniac (Mark 5:1-20)
Jairus, a synagogue ruler (Mark 5:21-43)
a hemorrhaging woman (Mark 5:24-34)

Other conversations were triggered by third parties. Examples:

tax collectors and other “sinners,” invited to a party by Matthew (Matt. 9:9-13)
Herod, introduced by Pilate (Luke 23:6-16)
Nathaniel, invited by Philip (John 1:45-51)
an adulterous woman brought by the scribes (John 8:1-11)

The majority of Jesus’ interactions occurred in the workplace.

with James and John (Matt. 4:21-22)

with a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-42)
with a lame man (John 5:1-15)

Many took place in homes

at Peter’s house with his mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31)

with a Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark u:24-30)
at Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:1-10)

Jesus asked questions in more than half of the conversations

an adulterous woman (John 8:1-11)

the scribes (Luke 5:17-26)

His mother and brothers (Matt. 12:46-50)

the Pharisees (Luke 6:6-11)

Jesus knew how to take initiative.

 Jesus responded to the initiatives of others.
Jesus left room in his schedule for interruptions by friends
and others enlisting his help.
Jesus usually met people on their own turf.
Jesus was interested in establishing common ground with
others.

What is impossible for people is possible with God’” (Luke 18:27)

Have you had an encounter with Jesus?

Men Women

John the Baptist The Virgin Mother

The Leper The Samaritan Woman

Matthew Simon and the Woman

The Paralysed Man The Woman who Touched

The Man with a withered hand The Syrophoenician Woman

The Centurion The Condemned Woman

Three would-be Followers Martha

The Demoniac Mary

Jairus The Widow at the Treasury

Andrew Mary of Magdala

The Father and Son Lydia

The Lawyer

The Man born Blind

The Covetous Man and Brother

The Young Ruler

Zacchaeus

John the Apostle

Annas

Pilate

Herod

The Dying Thief

Cleopas and Another

Thomas

The Ethiopian Eunuch

Saul of Tarsus

Simon Peter

Cornelius

The Philippian Jailer

Felix

Agrippa

Demas

Onesimus

Philip

Nathanael

Nicodemus

Caiaphas