Trial and Condemnation
Trials before the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, and Herod.
- Denial by Peter.
- Sentencing to crucifixion.
Jesus declared to Pontius Pilate, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice".
- Betrayal and arrest: Judas arrives with a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests. Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested; when Peter draws a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Jesus rebukes the violence and heals the ear. He notes the fulfillment of Scripture and is taken away.
- Initial hearing before Annas: Jesus is first brought to Annas (father-in-law of the high priest Caiaphas). Annas questions Him about His disciples and teaching; Jesus responds that He taught openly in synagogues and the temple. He is struck by an officer for His reply.
- Trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin: Jesus is led to Caiaphas and the council. False witnesses testify against Him. Jesus remains silent until asked if He is the Messiah, Son of God; He affirms it, leading to charges of blasphemy. The council condemns Him as deserving death; He is spat upon, blindfolded, beaten, and mocked.
- Peter’s threefold denial: While Jesus is inside, Peter waits in the courtyard. He denies knowing Jesus three times—first to a servant girl, then others, and finally with an oath—after which the rooster crows. Peter weeps bitterly.
- Full Sanhedrin condemnation at dawn: The council reconvenes in the morning and formally confirms the death sentence.
- First trial before Pontius Pilate: Jesus is taken to the Roman governor Pilate early Friday morning. Pilate questions Him about being King of the Jews; Jesus affirms His kingdom is not of this world. Pilate finds no guilt.
- Trial before Herod Antipas: Learning Jesus is Galilean, Pilate sends Him to Herod (in Jerusalem for Passover). Herod questions Jesus and mocks Him with his soldiers, dressing Him in a gorgeous robe, then returns Him to Pilate. Herod and Pilate become friends that day.
- Final trial before Pilate and condemnation: Pilate presents Jesus and Barabbas to the crowd for release (customary Passover prisoner). The crowd, stirred by the chief priests, demands Barabbas and shouts for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate has Jesus scourged. The soldiers mock Him: they place a crown of thorns on His head, a purple robe, and hail Him as “King of the Jews” while striking and spitting on Him. Pilate presents the scourged Jesus (“Behold the man!”); the crowd insists on crucifixion. Pilate washes his hands, declares himself innocent of Jesus’ blood, and delivers Him to be crucified.