The Six Unlawful Trials of Jesus
- During the first trial, Jesus was questioned by Annas, the former high priest, on fabricated charges and was slapped by a temple officer.
- During the second trial, Caiaphas, who was the high priest at the time, accused Jesus of blasphemy because He claimed to be the Son of God. The people spat on Him, blindfolded Him, beat Him, and slapped Him, all while demanding that He prophesy.
- During the third trial, Jesus faced the accusation of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin. They accused Him of claiming to be the Son of God. When they questioned Jesus about this, He replied, “You say that I am.”
- During the fourth trial, the Hebrew leader urged Pilate to execute Jesus for violating religious laws. However, Pilate declined. Yielding to the persistent demands of the Hebrew religious leaders, Pilate altered the accusation to treason. Nevertheless, Pilate discovered no wrongdoing in Jesus.
- During the fifth trial, Jesus was brought before Herod Antipas, the current king. King Herod questioned Jesus and asked Him to perform a sign; Jesus remained silent. Herod and his soldiers then began to mock and berate Jesus, placing a kingly robe on Him.
- During the final trial, Jesus is brought back to Pilate under the charge of treason. Pilate, knowing Jesus’ innocence, offers to release Him or Barabbas as a Passover gift. The religious leaders have instigated the crowd against Jesus, and they all begin chanting, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Pilate proceeds to have Jesus stripped and whipped. Subsequently, the soldiers dress Jesus in Herod’s purple robe, place a crown of thorns on His head, and begin slapping Him and hitting Him on the head with a reed. They even go as far as spitting on Him and pulling out His beard. The Roman soldiers start kneeling and bowing before Jesus, proclaiming, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Pilate brings Jesus out to the people once again and declares, “I find no guilt in Him.” However, the crowd responds with cries of “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate finds himself uncertain about what to do with this man who claims to be the Son of God. Nevertheless, Jesus assures him that God is in control. Although Pilate wishes to release Jesus, he succumbs to political pressure and ultimately condemns Him to be crucified. Pilate hands Jesus over to the Roman soldiers, and the extensive abuse has left Jesus barely recognizable as a human being.
