The Condemnation of the Jewish Court of Judgment

Article #8 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

(Matt. 26:57-75, Mk. 14:53-72, Lk. 22:54-71, Jn. 18:12-27)

Contextual Details for Harmonizing the Gospels:

Except for the brief visit to Annas house (Jn. 18:13), Matthew and Mark give the chronological order of things (Matt. 26:57-75, Mk. 14:53-72): firstly, there was a lengthy trial that took place before the Sanhedrin at the palace of the High Priest in the darkness of night which concluded with a verdict of condemnation, and in the midst of this ordeal Peter denied the Lord (based upon the cock crowing thrice this denial could have happened as early as ≈2 hours before daybreak); secondarily, at daybreak there was a second assembly of the Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders to conspire together on how they are going to persuade the Romans to put Jesus to death (Matt. 27:1-2, Mk. 15:1). Luke overpasses the rounds of questioning and accusation that took place in the darkness of night, and instead focuses on another brief round of questioning that took place in the second assembly at day break, and in this case Jesus gave the same answer as before (Lk. 22:66-71); this likely happened to satisfy any Priests, Scribes, and Elders who were sleeping during the former trial and thus by reason of absence needed to hear a confession before the conspiracy of the day could proceed (Lk. 23:1). On the contrary, John overlooks the second assembly altogether, and rather focuses on the relationships of the people to convey more intimate details on how things happened (John 18:12-27); verse 24 is a parenthetical remark on how they got from Annas house to Caiaphas’s palace, because no explanation was given in verses 15-16.

“For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that He should be slain.” – Acts 13:27-28

“…the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him.” - Luke 24:19-20

Upon arrest, the multitude immediately took Jesus to “Annas” house, the father-in-law to Caiaphas (Jn. 18:13), and then to the palace of the High Priest for judgment.

“Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.” - John 18:12-14

“Alone and singlehanded, our great Champion entered the arena, and won the victory for us.” – C.H. Spurgeon, Our Lord’s Substitution

The diabolical Sanhedrin gathered in the middle of the night to pass judgment upon the Messiah (Matt. 26:57, Mk. 14:53). This was an assembly of the High Priest, Scribes, and Elders attempting to employ the court of Jewish Law to incriminate the Christ. However, despite the circumstances, the Son of God knew that He had already entered into a spiritual arena in which God would judge and condemn the sin of the whole world in the body of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:3). Therefore, this was a picture-perfect scene of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility in perfect harmony.

“Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the Chief Priests and unto the Scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.” – Matt. 20:18-19

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” – Rom. 8:3

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:” - Acts 2:23

God was sovereignly presiding over the whole affair, even though the men who were directly involved were being demonically controlled by the wickedness of their own depraved human hearts (Rom. 8:7, Jer. 17:9). Certainly, the Chief Priests were envious of Jesus of Nazareth; even the Romans could perceive this (Matt. 27:18). However, from a human perspective, the ultimate decision to do this came down to politics and national interest. Human depravity working through patriotism motivated the Jews to murder the Son of God. Can you believe it? Let all modern-day patriots worldwide beware of this strong delusion.

“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 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. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.” - John 11:47-53

The decisive moment of conspiracy to murder was reached by the Sanhedrin when they felt that their entire way of life as a nation was being threatened by the presence of Jesus, because so many Jews were believing on Him as the Christ. The resurrection of Lazarus certainly played a key part in this (John 11:1-12:19). Theoretically, the Sanhedrin supposed that if this continued to happen, it would bring about an all-out war between the Jews and the Romans. Consequentially, in being defeated by the Romans, the Priests, Scribes, and Elders of the Sanhedrin would forfeit their offices of authority and livelihoods. Therefore, everything that they held dear was being jeopardized if the Sanhedrin were to allow this to happen under their watch as rulers of the Jewish people.

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” - John 1:4-5

“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” – Prov. 26:12

Caiaphas, the High Priest, spoke harshly to the noblemen of the Sanhedrin, saying, “Ye know nothing at all…” (Jn. 11:49-50), while trying to help them see the wisdom of eliminating Jesus on behalf of the nation. Caiaphas argued that this was expedient because he feared a national catastrophe if the wrath of Rome was incited through an uprising of the Jews as they attempt to make Jesus their King by force. Carnally speaking, this was a reasonable outcome that arguably should be prevented (Rom. 8:7).

“And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?” - Luke 12:54-57

From a worldly perspective the prediction of the High Priest was honest, accurate, probable, historical, and reliable. Historically speaking, the fervor of the Jewish people almost reached this point several times during the past three years of the Messiah’s public ministry. However, Jesus Christ perceived it and consciously avoided it by literally removing Himself from the people, and hereby preventing the beginning of a formal political rebellion through a public proclamation that Jesus is the King of the Jews (Jn. 2:23-25, 6:14-15).

“Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a King, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone.” - John 6:14-15

The Sanhedrin feared the fame of Jesus because they dreaded a potential clash with Rome, supposing that it would end in Rome annihilating the Jews in a devastating loss. This thought process made perfect sense. Nevertheless, it was a strong delusion (2 Thess. 2:11)! Hereby, the Sanhedrin was being moved to commit the greatest sin ever done under heaven, all in the name of politics and national interest.

The Jews were already odious and bothersome to the Romans because they were notoriously stubborn and restless. The uprisings, tumults, riots, and insurrections were common because the people desired to free themselves from subservience to Rome. Each uprising was squelched and stamped-out by the Romans with greater and greater severity in hopes to deter any future reoccurrences (Acts 5:34-37). Therefore, the unbelieving Jewish authorities anxiously watched as Jesus grew more and more influential throughout the years until finally things became unbearable at the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

“Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” - John 12:9-11

“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” - John 12:19

The fame of Jesus was causing a great commotion in Jerusalem, especially as a result of the public and undeniable resurrection of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-12:19). Therefore, the Sanhedrin became much more determined to murder the Prince of Life. This corrupt plot was boldly declared by Caiaphas, the High Priest, and even though he purposed to murder the Man to prevent what he erroneously perceived to be a coming political and national catastrophe, he was unknowingly prophesying about the expediency of the atonement – not knowing that shedding the blood of the Lamb of God would incur the wrath of God and bring upon them the very thing that they were trying to avoid (Lk. 13:34-35, 19:41-44).

“He was taken from prison and from judgment” – Isa. 53:8 (“humiliation” – Acts 8:33)

“…and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” – Isa. 53:12

“Those men held Jesus in order that neither death nor Hell might ever be able to hold us. He was held in our place, so He says concerning us, as He said concerning His disciples in the garden, “If, therefore, you seek Me, let these go their way.” The great Substitute is held as a prisoner so that all for whom He stood as Surety might be set at liberty forever!” – C.H. Spurgeon, Majesty in Misery

Upon arriving at the assembly of judgment, it was foretold that Christ would be accused by false witnesses and unjustly condemned by the Jews (Ps. 35:11, Matt. 26:59-60). The arguments and testimonies of the false accusers were bold and fiercely confident, howbeit contradictory, as the judges of the court were hellbent on killing the Messiah. The corrupt officials were openly accepting whatever promoted their conspiracy to murder while actively oppressing the Man of Truth (John 14:6, 18:37).

“…the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand” – John 18:22

“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” – Prov. 17:4

“And why was Jesus blasphemed by the “many other things” which they falsely laid to His charge? He was blasphemed that we might be justified! He was unrighteously accused and slandered in order that we might be able to boldly say, ‘Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died.’” – C.H. Spurgeon, Majesty in Misery

The Jewish officials were not interested in the truth: through an unjust arrest they suppressed it, and through secretly assembling for judgment in the darkness of night they concealed it, while through violence they attempted to coerce and rule over the Messiah by oppression. Nevertheless, a personal defense by the Son of God would have made the difference. In reality, the Lord humbly allowed them to succeed in their plot. For, if only the Son of God would have opened His mouth to make a public defense before the court of the Jews, the whole ordeal would have been unraveled with ease. The Advocate of Heaven could have easily argued Himself out of any courtroom on earth (1 Jn. 2:1).

“And the High Priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace.” – Matt. 26:62-63a

For the past three years, leading up to this very moment in court, every time Jesus Christ spoke in public the people were staggered with amazement (Matt. 7:28-29). This occasion would have been no different, if only the Lord of Glory would have simply opened His mouth. No physical force from the Son of God was necessary. Mere words from the Messiah could have broken the spell of Satan and turned everything around; even as every other occasion before this night all across the country →

The multitude attending the court procession would have stood and listened in silent admiration (Matt. 7:28-29, 9:8, 26, 31, 33), the common people present would have believed on Jesus (Mk. 12:37, Matt. 12:23), the Pharisees, Lawyers, and Scribes would have been unable to give an answer in return to Jesus Christ (Matt. 22:46, Mk. 12:34, Lk. 20:40), and the soldiers who were standing guard in the courtroom would have removed the shackles from the Lord, saying, “Never a man spake like this Man” (John 7:46).

This would have been a catastrophic interruption of so great a salvation! Literally, this would have thwarted the plan of salvation by preventing our Redeemer from making it to the Cross. Therefore, it was necessary that Jesus Christ refrained from making a verbal defense in the court of the Jews. What a scene it must have been from the standpoint of the Lord of Glory (2 Kings 6:17)! The Man of omnipotence patiently waited until all the fallen angels and depraved mortals brought their plans to pass, while all of them were unknowingly acting under the sway of a sovereign God for a redemptive purpose.

“Then entered Satan into Judas…” – Luke 22:3

“And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.” – Jn. 13:27

Not only did the Messiah consciously perceive the demonic forces of darkness at work, knowing the exact location and intention of Satan at all times (Lk. 22:3; Jn. 13:27), the Son of God divinely permitted them to accomplish their desires through the High Priest, the Scribes, and the Elders (Lk. 22:53). Literally, at any time the Lord could have brought the legions of devils at work to their knees in fear and trembling (Lk. 8:26-39, James 2:19)! Even so, the most ferocious scenes of the amassed power of hell were weak and pathetic in comparison to the unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ.

“…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. 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. 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. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?” – Matt. 26:63-68

“Yet it is amazing that He should ever have permitted this indignity to be put upon Him. The spouse in the Canticles truly sings, “His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set” – exceeding the very stars of Heaven for brightness – yet they covered them over! His eyes flamed with love and in them there did gleam bright diamonds of pity for all the sorrows of mankind – yet those cruel men did hide those precious eyes of His, blindfolding the Christ of God!” – C.H. Spurgeon, Majesty in Misery

This is a defining moment of immorality for sinners. People dream about achieving prosperity, power, and happiness all without God. Unbeknownst to them, these fantasies are filled with animosity against God insomuch that this event in the life of Jesus is a fitting illustration. Sinners hope to bind omnipotence and hold God captive while they build their own Kingdoms that are free and happy with the inalienable right to sin without consequences. Sinners hope to blindfold omniscience so that the guilty conscience might be eased with the thought that God isn’t watching anyone.

Ordinarily, according to the Law, the Kings of the Jewish People would never retreat, surrender, or silently relinquish themselves to any cause of injustice. By Law they were required to take-up-sword and make war against all evil (Ps. 18:32-50, 1 Chron. 20:1, 1 Kings 10:9, Jer. 23:5, Psalm 72). Nevertheless, there were greater battles to fight in realms unseen by mere mortals. Therefore, the demeanor of our Lord was comparable to a Lamb silently being led to the slaughter.

“He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, a smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory. And in His Name shall the Gentiles trust.”- Matt. 12:19-21 (Isa. 42:2-4)

This unique characteristic of the Christ was foretold by Isaiah and confirmed in the Gospel of Matthew. Isaiah said that the Messiah would not be a Man of War in physical action for the execution of justice in Israel during the 1st Advent. However, everyone was expecting the exact opposite! Therefore, when Jerusalem arose that morning and discovered that Jesus Christ had been arrested, tried, and condemned by the Jews, and was being taken to the Romans for the imposing of a death sentence, nobody was expecting the Messiah to cooperate with the process of public condemnation. Not even Judas expected a verdict of condemnation from the Jewish court! Otherwise, he wouldn’t have killed himself in worldly sorrow because he had betrayed innocent blood (Matt. 27:3-10).