The Arrest and Trial of Jesus Christ

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In today’s class, we will be talking about the arrest & trial of Jesus Christ. Enjoy the class!

The Arrest and Trial of Jesus Christ

The Trials of Christ (Matt 26:57-68)

There were two separate trials of Jesus – The Jewish trial and the Roman trial. After Judas had betrayed Jesus Christ, he was arrested and taken to Caiaphas, the high priest where the members of Sanhedrin – The highest Jewish council- gathered. There Jesus was tried and found guilty of blasphemy for claiming to be the son of God. The punishment for this offence by Jewish law is the death penalty, but being a colony of the Roman Empire, they did not have the power to pass the death sentence. They had to take Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman representative he was tried the second time and found guilty, although he was innocent.

Christ before the high priest

Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane where he told his disciples to wait for him while he went up to pray. He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Going further, Jesus prayed, “My father, If it is possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will but as thou will” He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping, he reprimanded them for not watching and praying along with him. For the second time, he prayed, repeating the same words. Again, he came back and still found them sleeping.

While Jesus was still speaking with his disciples, Judas one of his disciples came with a great crowd he kissed Jesus immediately Christ was arrested and taken away. Those who seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. Jesus was accused of blasphemy. He was asked to defend himself, but Jesus did not answer a word. Peter who was sitting outside the courtyard with a maid was challenged to be with Christ he denied not knowing him, shortly after saying that, the third time, the cock crow, Peter was ashamed and went out and wept bitterly.

Evaluation

1. Narrate the trial of Jesus before the High Priest.
2. Discuss the implication of the trial on the disciples.

Christ before the Roman authority Matt. 27:11-31

Instead of the former religious charge of blasphemy for which the highest Jewish court the Sanhedrin had condemned him they now brought three new political charges against him knowing fully that Pilate was more interested in politics than religious charges. The new charge was as follow:

1. That Jesus was a seditious agitator perverting the nation.
2. That Jesus was inciting people not to pay tax.
3. That he claims to be a king, thereby overthrowing Caesar.

Pilate knew that Jesus was accused out of envy, tries to set him free, Pilate’s wife told him not to have anything to do with the death of Christ having told him the dream she had Pilate washed his hands and have Barabbas released to them. Having flogged Jesus, they led him off to be crucified.

Christ before Herod – Luke 23:6-12

The trial of Jesus before Herod was only recorded in the gospel according to Luke when Pilate learnt that the man was a Galilean which was within Herod’s jurisdiction he sent him over to Herod who was himself in Jerusalem. When Herod saw Jesus, he was glad, for he had long desired to see him. He had heard about Jesus and he was anxious to see some signs performed by him.

Herod questioned Jesus at length but Jesus did not reply him, not minding that the chief priest and the Pharisees were accusing him vehemently. However, Herod and his soldiers treated Christ with contempt and mockery. The trial of Christ allowed Herod and Pilate to reconcile for they were enemies before that time.

Evaluation

1. Briefly narrate the account of Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas, Pilate and Herod.
2. What charges were levelled against him at each stage?

Significance of the trial of Christ

1. Despite the series of false allegations levelled against Jesus and the fact that he was not found guilty, he was crucified because it was the will of God that it should be so.
2. The messiahship of Jesus Christ could only be accomplished through his death and by this, the scripture was fulfilled.
3. Although it had been destined that Jesus would die because Judas was living in sin, he was used to accomplish the obnoxious task. Christians should therefore be steadfast.

General evaluation

1. Give an account of the crucifixion of Jesus and the significance of the trial of Christ
2. Outline Pilate’s attempt to save Jesus and why he failed.
3. Describe how Deborah led her people to victory.
4. Mention various ways women are contributing to the development of society today.
5. From Paul’s letter to the Romans explain the term Justification?

Reading assignment

Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 By Martins I. Amaechi Page 161 -168

Weekend assignment

1. Herod was happy to see Jesus because (a) Jesus came from Galilee, Herod’s territory (b) he thought Jesus was John the Baptist reincarnate (c) he hated Jesus greatly (d) He hoped to see Jesus perform signs
2. Who was the first to try Jesus ___ (a) High Priest (b) Sanhedrin (c) High priest (d) Herod
3. The notorious Prisoner released by Pilate instead of Jesus was____. (a)Barabbas (b) Barnabas (c) Barabbas (d)Bar-Jesus
4. Simon who was compelled to carry Jesus cross came from_____. (a)Judea (b)Galilee (c) Cyrene (d)Cyrus
5. Which of the following did Pilate ask Jesus during the trial (a) what is it that these men testify against you? (b)Are you Jesus the prophet from Galilee? (c) Are you the king of kings (d) I adjure you by God, tell me if you are the Christ

Theory

1. Write short notes on the role played by the following in the trial, Crucifixion and the burial of Jesus Christ: (i) The chief Priest (Caiaphas) (ii) Simon of Cyrene (iii) Herod Antipas
2. Justify the reactions of Jesus at his trial with Pilate.

 

In our next class, we will be talking about Cruxification, Death and Burial of Jesus Christ.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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