Chapter 26.57-65 The Trials of Jesus 馬太福音 26:57-65 給耶穌的審判 The Divine/Human Moment Arrives 神聖/人類的時刻到來 ， ， Plans made in Heaven come to their great climax on earth 天上的計劃在地上達到頂峰 It was the “hour and the power of darkness” in the KTZ 這是國度時間範圍的「黑暗的時刻和力 量」 A cast of minor players now appear in the ‘redemption play’ all somehow drawn into the life of the Son of man 現在 一群次要的演員出現在「救贖劇」 中 他們都以某種方式被捲入了人子的生 活中 In the following events we see foreordination paradoxically working together with the evil plans of Satan and sinful man 在以下事件中，我們看到預定將神的方式與人類的邪惡相互矛盾的協同運作 Acts 2.23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 徒2:23 他既按著 神的定旨先 ，被交與 ，你們就藉著無法之 的 ，把他釘在 字架上殺了。 Acts 2.24 “But God raised Him up again, 十 見 手 徒2:24 神卻將死的痛苦解釋了，叫他復活。 人 人 The Great Kingdom Mystery: the Cross was planned in Heaven 偉大的國度奧祕：十字架是在天上計畫好的 羔羊 從創世以先就被殺了 A great mystery occurred as Jesus travailed in the garden 當耶穌在園中經歷產難時, 一個極大的奧秘發生了 Was Jesus’ humanity wavering in faith before the cup the Father offered him? 在天 賜給耶穌的杯前，耶穌的 是否在信 上動搖了 性 Was He afraid of the physical pain? the death of the cross? the emotional anguish? 祂害怕身體上的疼痛嗎 死亡 情感上的煎熬 字架上的 ？ 大 力 而 人 子 十 ？ ？ ？ 心 父 ？ Was it the loss of perfect communion between Abba and Son weighing upon him? 是不是因為失去了阿爸和聖 之間的完美交流 讓他感到壓 很 In the Garden the depth of Jesus’ true humanity revealed 在園中，耶穌顯示出人性真實的深度 1. Faithful Humanity: Before the Father there was absolute dependence, fervent prayer, in weakness, temptation, grief, trembling, needy of angelic help coming to complete submission after wrestling through it with sweat and blood 忠誠的人性 在天父面前 有完全的依賴、熱切的祈禱 在軟弱、誘惑、 悲傷、顫抖中 需要天使的幫助 經過汗水和鮮血的搏鬥後才完全交托 a. He wept, asked, sweated, and prayed as man and then settled the matter as man in the nobility of man’s free will 祂像 樣的哭泣、詢問、流汗、祈禱，然後以 由意志的 尚品格解決了問題 b. Hebrews tells us a great secret: “Though he were a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered and having been made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” Heb. 5.8-9 高 ， 子 自 人 人 ， ， 大 一 ， ： ； 一 人 希伯來書告訴我們 個偉 的秘密：「他雖然為兒 ，還是因所受的苦難學 了順從 他既得以完全，就為凡順從他的 成了永遠得救的根源。」來5:8-9 In the Garden the humility of Jesus’ true Deity was revealed 在園中，耶穌顯示出真正神性的謙卑 2. Incarnate Deity: Before the world, after being strengthened from Heaven, He was composed with authority, shaming Judas, exposing the cowardice behind the arrest under cover of night, graciously healing the wounded guard, aware and surrendering His Will to “the hour of darkness” 道成肉身的神 在世人面前 被天上加添力量之後 祂帶著權柄鎮定 自若 羞辱猶大 揭露了夜幕掩護下逮捕的懦弱行徑 仁慈地治愈 受傷的士兵 意識到並降伏祂的意志 接受「黑暗的時刻」 a. His royal composure and spiritual authority were born in silence, healing, and truth’s piercing brevity 生 ， ， ， ， ， ： ， ， 祂的王者沉著和屬靈的權柄在寂靜、醫治、和真理刺穿的簡潔中產 In the Garden the humility of Jesus’ true Deity was revealed 在園中，耶穌顯示出真正神性的謙卑 b. In the end Jesus put the will of the Father ahead of His own life enabling us to see the victory already won 最終，耶穌將天 贏得的勝利 的旨意置於 的 命之上，讓我們看 已經 c. His opponents were totally unprepared and frustrated by the serenity of their victim as he went as a lamb to the slaughter 一 見 羊 生 己 自 父 十 手 祂的對 們完全沒有準備，看到他們的受害者像待宰的羔 平靜，他們感到 分沮喪 樣 Matthew 26.57-27.50 The Longest 12 Hours of Passion Week 馬太福音26:57-27:50 受難週最長的12小時 Jesus took the Cup and won the battle yielding to God’s Will in Gethsemane 耶穌在客西馬尼園中順服神的旨意，拿起那杯，贏得了爭戰 ， 十 ， 十 十 a. The ordeal of trials would last from about 9PM until he was nailed to the cross at 9 AM 這場嚴酷的審判從晚上 9 點持續到早上 9 點祂被釘在 字架上 b. Matthew portrays Jesus remaining silent as a lamb to the slaughter whenever it would serve to insure his destined death on the cross 馬太福音描繪了耶穌像一隻待宰的羔羊一樣保持沉默 以確保祂 命定在 字架上的死 c. Matthew also portrays Jesus speaking a few times with great authority and only when it would insure the words would send him to the cross 馬太福音也描繪了耶穌幾次以極大的權柄說話 唯有確保這些話會使 祂被釘 字架 Matthew 26.57- 27.26 Trials of Jesus 馬太26:57-27:26 審判耶穌 Matthew gives a brief account of the unjust trials and physical mistreatment of Jesus 馬太簡要記述了耶穌所受的不公義審判和虐待 1. Matthew and the other gospel writers taken together form quite a detailed account of the various phases of Jesus’ trials 太和其他福 書的作者對耶穌受審的各個階段做了相當詳細的描述組合 2. Matthew only touches on these trials whenever they reveal Jesus standing in moral victoriously with kingly composure and silence throughout the trials 太只提到這些審判，是當整個審判啟 出耶穌如何以君王般的沉著和 沈默，在道德上取得了勝利 大 示 心 音 自 馬 馬 3. And in the center of the trials sequence there are two parentheses detailing Peter’s denials and Judas’ betrayal, remorse and self destruction 在審判序列的中 有兩個括號，詳細描述了彼得的否認和猶 的背叛、悔恨 和 我毀滅 The Two Trials 二個審判 The many stages of the two trials are gathered from all four gospels 兩次審判的各個階段都 收集在四本福音書裡 1. The Jewish Religious Trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin 耶穌在公會前的猶太宗教審判 2. The Civil Trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate 耶穌在彼拉多面前的民事審判 Part one: the Jewish Religious trial 一 第 部分：猶太宗教審判 The Sanhedrin: Origin 公會：起源 The Sanhedrin or Council was the central religious body of judges in Jerusalem 公議會是耶路撒冷的宗教審判機構 1. Originally organized as 71 members based upon the 70 counsellors Moses convened with Holy Spirit wisdom to handle di cult matters of Israel (Num.11.16) 最初由 71 名成員組成 以摩西召集的 70 名 顧問為基礎 以聖靈的智慧來處理以色列的 難題（民數記 11.16） ffi ， ， 2. It took 23 members to serve as a quorum in order to hold court 需要 23 名成員才能組成法定人數才能開庭 The Sanhedrin: Origin 公會：起源 The Sanhedrin or Council was the central religious body of judges in Jerusalem 公議會是耶路撒冷的宗教審判機構 3. These were considered the men of highest character and above bribery chosen from among the chief priests, scribes and elders of the people 這些人被認為是品格最高尚、不受賄賂的 人 是從祭司長、文士和人民的長老中選出 來的 ， ， 4. If a trial verdict demanded death they had to ratify it before the Roman Governor 如果審判判決要求死刑 他們必須在羅馬 總督面前獲得核准 The Sanhedrin: 14 Procedural Violations of their own rules 公會：14項違反其自身規則的程序性行為 Originally their rules favored any defendent and righteous proof of guilt had to be found to convict 最初，他們的規則有利於任何被告，必須找到有罪的正當證據才能定罪 1. The Sanhedrin were judges not prosecutors and could not interrogate the defendant 公議會是法官，不是檢察官，不能審問被告 2. No trials could be held at night 夜間不得進 審判 3. 2 witnesses were necessary whose testimony agreed in detail by the other 需要兩名證 ，他們的證詞與另 證 的證詞完全 致 名 4. A simple majority acquitted; 2/3 needed to convict 行 需 2/3 才能定罪 一 ； 一 人 人 簡單多數票宣告無罪 1st Stage: John reveals there was a pre-trial hearing by Annas the high priest 第一階段： 約翰透露，大祭司亞那曾進行過一次審前聽證會 John 18.13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest that same year. 約翰福 18:13 先帶到亞那 前．因為亞那是本年 作 祭司該亞法的岳 。 - Annas had been High Priest until deposed for corruption by the Roman governor Valerius Gratus in 15AD 亞那曾擔任大祭司 直到公元 15 年被羅馬總督瓦萊裡烏斯·格拉圖斯 (Valerius Gratus) 因腐敗而被廢黜 祭 面 ， 父 十 ， 音 大 - Annas was now in his 90’s and was the ‘godfather’ ruling over all the High Priests 亞那當時已年逾九 是統管所有大 司的「教父」 1st Stage: John reveals there was a pre-trial hearing by Annas the high priest 第一階段： 約翰透露，大祭司亞那曾進行過一次審前聽證會 - Annas was not only the father in law of Caiaphas but also the father over his 5 sons who were all high priests in their turn 亞那不僅是該亞法的岳父 也是他五個兒子的父親 而這五個兒子後來 都擔任大祭司 - All of them lived together in the high priest’s palace 他們全都住在大祭司的宮殿裡 ， ， High Priest’s Courtyard 大祭司的庭院 1st Stage: Pre-trial Hearing by Annas the ‘god father’ of high priests 第一階段：由「教父」大祭司亞那進行的審前聽證 John 18.19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 約翰18:19 祭司就以耶穌的 徒和他的教訓盤問他。 John 18.20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 約翰18:20 耶穌回答說：「我從來是明明的對世 說話 我常在會堂和殿裡，就是猶太 聚集 的地 ，教訓 我在暗地裡、並沒有說甚麼。 John 18.21 “Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” 約翰18:21 你為甚麼問我呢 可以問那聽 的 我對他們說的是甚麼，我所說的，他們都知道。 John 18.22 When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?” 約翰18:22 耶穌說了這話，旁邊站著的 個差役， 掌打他說：「你這樣回答 祭司麼 」 John 18.23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” 約翰18:23 耶穌說：「我若說的不是，你可以指證那不是 我若說的是，你為甚麼打我呢 」 ？ ？ 人 大 ； ； 手 用 人 ； 人 見 一 門 大 ； ？ 人 方 大 John 18.24 So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 約翰18:24 亞那就把耶穌解到 祭司該亞法那裡，仍是捆著解去的。 1st Stage: Pre-trial Hearing by Annas the ‘god father’ of high priests 第一階段：由「教父」大祭司亞那進行的審前聽證 1. Annas was very shrewd trying to get the names of his disciples for possible arrest and trial 亞那為著可能的逮捕及審判，很奸詐的試著得到祂的 徒的名字 2. Jesus answered by questioning the inquiry when he did openly in the Temple and anyone who was there in the Temple would know 耶穌對質問以發問作為回答，當祂公開的在聖殿教導時，任何在那裡的 都知道 3. When a guard struck Jesus he defiantly questioned his right to do so since he had done nothing wrong 當 個衛兵擊打耶穌時，他的確對祂的權利感到質疑，因為祂沒有做錯事 人 門 見 一 4. Annas saw his inquiry was useless and bound him over to Caiaphas 亞那看 他的質問沒有結果，因此將祂交給該亞法 Stage Two: Jesus standing for 8 hours before Caiaphas and an Illegal Evidentiary Hearing 第二階段：耶穌站在該亞法面前超過8小時， 面對非法證據的聽證 John 11.49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 約翰11:49 內中有 個 ，名叫該亞法，本年作 祭司，對他們說：「你們不知道甚麼。 John 11.50 nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” 約翰11:50 獨不想 個 替百姓死，免得通國滅亡，就是你們的益處。」 John 11.51 Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 約翰11:51 他這話不是出於 ，是因他本年作 祭司，所以預 耶穌將要替這 國死。 John 11.52 and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 約翰11:52 也不但替這 國死，並要將 神四散的 民，都聚集歸 。 一 一 言 子 大 大 己 自 人 人 一 一 一 日 John 11.53 So from that day on they planned together to kill Him. 約翰11:53 從那 起他們就商議要殺耶穌。 Stage Two: Jesus standing for 8 hours before Caiaphas and an Illegal Evidentiary Hearing 第二階段：耶穌站在該亞法面前超過8小時， 面對非法證據的聽證 1 - Caiaphas and the others had been very busy and hadn’t worked up a case against Jesus since Judas’ surprise tip happened just now during Passover 該亞法與其他 都 分忙碌，還沒有做出針對耶穌的案 ， 此時猶 意外 提供的點 正好發 在逾越節之間 2 - Any official trial of the Sanhedrin would have to take place at dawn 公會的任何官 審判都應該在 出之時進 大 而 子 行 日 十 生 人 方 心 子 3 - Caiaphas’ mind had already been made up (J 18:14) but now the lawyers must come up with charges worthy of death in order to make the whole ordeal seem to be legal 該亞法的 中已經做好了決定 (約18:14), 但在當下, 律法師必須想出值得 被判死刑的罪狀, 好讓整件事看起來是合法的 Caiaphas Gathers by Night 該亞法在夜間的聚集 Matt. 26.57 Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 1. Matthew ignores Annas’ initial inquiry beginning his account as Jesus was brought before Caiaphas and some members of the Sanhedrin who were ‘informally and illegally gathered’ 馬太省略了亞那最初的質問 從耶穌被帶到該亞法面前作為他 記載的開始 而公會的一些成員 被非正式及非法的聚集在一起 太 26: 57 拿耶穌的 司該亞法那裡去， 在那裡聚會。 ，把他帶到 祭 和長 ，已經 Matt. 26.58 But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome. 大 ， 老 面 士 人 文 子 ， 子 太 26: 58 彼得遠遠的跟著耶穌，直到 祭司的院 ，進到裡 ，就和差役 同坐，要看這事到底怎樣。 大 大 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 a. The high priest’s house was more like a palace or mansion housing Annas and his larger family 祭司的房 更像是個宮殿或是 給亞那以及他的家族的豪宅 Caiaphas Gathers by Night 該亞法在夜間的聚集 b. Matthew adds that Peter was standing outside in this courtyard to watch the proceedings unfold 太補充說，彼得站在院 外 ， 在觀看整件事的進展 面 白 子 日 The false witnesses 假見證 James Tissot 詹姆斯·蒂索 繪 人 馬 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 c. Those gathered knew it would illegal by law to gather for judgment on a religious feast day and at night 聚集的 知道，在宗教節 天和 晚上聚集接受審判是違法的 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 見 見 ， 人 人 人 人 日 見 Matt. 26.59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 太 26: 59 祭司長和全公會，尋找假 證，控告耶穌，要治死他。 Matt. 26.60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 太 26: 60 雖有好些 來作假 證，總 得不著實據。末後有兩個 前來說： Matt. 26.61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” 太 26: 61 這個 曾說：「『我能拆毀 神的殿，三 內又建造起來』」。 Illegal ‘grand jury’ 非法的「大陪審團」 1. Jewish legal proceedings made it illegal for the judges (Sanhedrin) to gather evidence for a trial 猶太人的法律程序規定 法官 （公議會）不得收集審判證據 a. Some witnesses were paid to give false testimonies about Jesus but they could not find two that fully agreed together regarding any charge 有些證 被賄賂，做關於耶穌 的假 證，但他們找不到兩個 完全相吻合的指控 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 見 見 人 人 人 日 一 人 Matt. 26.59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 太 26: 59 祭司長和全公會，尋找假 證，控告耶穌，要治死他。 Matt. 26.60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 太 26: 60 雖有好些 來作假 證，總 得不著實據。末後有兩個 前來說： Matt. 26.61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” 太 26: 61 這個 曾說：「『我能拆毀 神的殿，三 內又建造起來』」。 Illegal ‘grand jury’ 非法的「大陪審團」 b. Two came forward claiming Jesus said He would destroy the Temple and rebuild in three days (J2.19) but even then their testimonies did not agree (Mk14.59) 有兩個 站出來聲稱耶穌說過， 祂將摧毀聖殿，並在三天內重建起 來（約2:19），即便如此，他們的 證詞也不 致（可14:59） 人 手 ？ 人 ？ 言 ， 面 大 言 Matt. 26.62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” 太 26: 62 祭司就站起來，對耶穌 說：「你甚麼都不回答麼 這些 作 證告你的是甚麼呢 」 大 見 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 Illegal ‘grand jury’ 非法的「大陪審團」 2. Caiaphas finally intervened and demanded Jesus answer these accusations but Jesus remained silent 該亞法最終介入並要求耶穌回答 這些指控 但耶穌保持沉默 a. The high priest had no case and was at his wit’s end 祭司毫無理由，束 無策 b. Jesus remained uncomfortably silent before their liesas the scripture predicted (Isa. 53:7) 正如聖經所預 的，耶穌在他們 的謊 前保持了令 不安的 沉默（以賽亞書 53:7） Illegal ‘grand jury’ 非法的「大陪審團」 Matt. 26.63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 太 26: 63 耶穌卻不 語。 祭司對他 說：「我指著永 神，叫你起誓告訴 我們，你是 神的兒 基督不是 」 3. But when Caiaphas said, “I adjure you” he was charging Jesus to swear an oath by the Living God if he was the Christ, the Son of God 但當該亞法說「我叫你」時 他命令 耶穌 如果他是基督 是神的兒子 就必須向永生神起誓。 Matt. 26.64 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.” 太 26: 64 耶穌對他說：「你說的是．然 我告訴你們，後來你們要看 人 ， 自 文 ？ 而 見 ， ， 大 門 ， 子 言 生 言 用 ， 子 坐在那權能者的右邊 上的雲降臨。」 ， 而 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 駕著天 a. Jesus answered ‘amen’ under this oath thus claiming to be messiah 耶穌以誓 回答「阿 」，從 稱 是彌賽亞 b. Then quoting 2 well known messianic scriptures (Ps.100.1 and Dan.7.13) he declared His glorious coming in his kingdom upon the clouds of Heaven 然後他引 了兩段著名的彌賽亞經 （詩篇 100：1 和但以理書 7：13）， 宣告他將駕著天上的雲，在他的國度裡 榮耀降臨。 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 Illegal ‘grand jury’ 非法的「大陪審團」 Matt. 26.65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; 太 26: 65 祭司就撕開衣服說：「他 說了僭妄的話！我們何必再 證 呢 這僭妄的話，現在你們都聽 了。 4. The high priest tore his robes as a sign of his rage against this blasphemy against God 大祭司撕裂了自己的長袍 以 表達他對褻瀆神的憤怒 人 見 見 ， 用 ？ 見 一 大 示 ？ Matt. 26.66 what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” 太 26: 65 你們的意 如何 」他們回 答說：「他是該死的。」 a. No further evidence was needed than what they had just heard 除了他們剛剛聽到的之外， 不需要進 步的證據 b. When asked for a verdict the council said, “He deserves death” 當被要求做出判決時，議會 表 ，「祂該死」 Jewish Religious Trial 猶太的宗教審判 Illegal ‘grand jury’ 非法的「大陪審團」 Matt. 26.67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 太 26: 65 他們就吐唾沫在他臉上， 拳頭打他，也有 掌打他的，說： a. They spat upon his face (Job30.10) 他們吐唾沫在他臉上（伯30:10） Matt. 26.68 and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?” 太 26: 68 「基督阿，你是先知，告訴 我們打你的是誰 」 用 耳 手 用 ？ 力 ， 言 人 用 5. At this point an almost satanic rage came upon these elders and religious men 這時 這些長老和宗教人士心中 燃起了近乎惡魔般的憤怒 b. Beat him with their fists and slapped him 拳頭打他，打他 光 c. They mocked the messiah’s ability to prophesy by blindfolding him and asking him who hit him 他們蒙住彌賽亞的眼睛，問他是 誰打了他，以此嘲諷彌賽亞的 預 能 d. Jesus remained composed as the suffering servant Is. 53.7. 耶穌依然保持鎮定，如同受苦的 僕 （賽 53：7） KPOV: Observe the High Priest swearing an oath before the High Priest Forever according to the order of Melchizedek 國度的視角: 觀看大祭司在基於麥基洗德等次的 永遠大祭司面前的宣誓 Jesus will perfectly intercede by His death to save the very Jewish priests who condemned Him ， ， 耶穌藉著祂的死 將會永遠完全的 代求 好拯救那些置祂於死地的 猶太祭司 Stage: With the dawn of good Friday came the ‘of cial judgment’ of the Sanhedrin Matt. 27.1 ¶ Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; Matt. 27.2 and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the He, who in nature and glory transcended the limits governor. of our understanding and powers of speech, - according to Mark endured 15.1 the “whole patiently those of cers when they not only Council” (quorum of at least 23) was mocked but hit him. convened at daybreak foralso a summary reviewGod is not mocked.” and an expedient judgment Cyril of Jerusalem fi ffi 3 fi fi - according to Lu. 22.67-71 Jesus was asked again and he repeated his messianic claim and was o cially condemned to death for blasphemy which would now have to be rati ed by the Roman governor Stage: With the dawn of good Friday came the ‘of cial judgment’ of the Sanhedrin Matt. 27.1 ¶ Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; Matt. 27.2 and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the He, who in nature and glory transcended the limits governor. of our understanding and powers of speech, - according to Mark endured 15.1 the “whole patiently those of cers when they not only Council” (quorum of at least 23) was mocked but hit him. convened at daybreak foralso a summary reviewGod is not mocked.” and an expedient judgment Cyril of Jerusalem fi ffi 3 fi fi - according to Lu. 22.67-71 Jesus was asked again and he repeated his messianic claim and was o cially condemned to death for blasphemy which would now have to be rati ed by the Roman governor KPOV: Observe the Judges of Mosaic Law falsely condemning the One who is the Judge of the Coming Kingdom Man’s sin has corrupted the very Law of God under Moses Matthew 26.69-75 (Interlude) Peter’s Denial - it almost seems as if the story of the trial is framed by Peter’s story - Notice that Peter went as far as he could to stay near to the master he loved - Peter was larger than life in his serving, his faith, his love, his bungling and and his fall - His collapse is self-reported with candor and humiliation - His denial would ultimately be a testimony to the Lord’s intercession Peter on Trial Matt. 26.69 ¶ Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 1. Peter’s visage was recognized in the relight by a servant girl and he tried to ‘bluff’ his way out of the curious question Matt. 26.70 But he denied it before 2. his denial drove him from the courtyard into the shadows of the gateway and away from the enemies that surrounded him them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” Matt. 26.71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another servantgirl saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Matt. 26.72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” fi Peter’s Trial - a rooster crowed in the distance - but again he was spotted by a servant girl forcing Peter to deny more vehemently in order to stay near Peter on Trial Matt. 26.73 A little later the fi fi bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Matt. 26.74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. Matt. 26.75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Peter’s Trial - nally a servant of thre high priest related to Malchus identi ed Peter (J18.26) and other bystanders heard his Galilean accent and became insistent he was a follower of Jesus - Peter’s instinct for self-preservation took over as he emphatically ‘swore with an oath’ (Mk14.71) that he did not know who Jesus was - the rooster crowed again - He looked and saw Jesus tenderly look at him (Lu. 22:61-62) and went out and wept “bitterly” - in spite of all of his love, faith, devotion and manly strength, he fell completely in denying his master and failed in “his hour” of testing Matthew 27.1-10 (Interlude) Judas’ Destruction Judas again is treated as one in the background Even as a former disciple Matthew a ords little space or mention of his notoriety People today try to make Judas out to be a good soul trying to force Jesus to take his messiahship But the Bible clearly shows that his betrayal was more than just for money ff 7 2 3 1 Judas was under the power of Satan and Jesus knew it according to John John. After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus *said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” Judas on Trial Judas’ Remorse Matt. 27.3 ¶ Then when Judas, 1. the Bible words make a careful distinction between remorse which is sel sh regret and repentance which turns and repudiates an act fl fi who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Matt. 27.4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” Matt. 27.5 And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. 2. Judas was under the in uence of Satan but was struck at heart by Jesus’ condemnation 3. He went back to the chief priest with the money not wanting the “curse” of blood money upon him 4. Receiving no sympathy or resolution he threw down the money into the Temple and was driven to suicide by hanging himself Judas on Trial Judas’ Act Foreknown Matt. 27.6 The chief priests took the fi fi pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood.” Matt. 27.7 And they conferred together and with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers. Matt. 27.8 For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Matt. 27.9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “AND THEY TOOK THE THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER, THE PRICE OF THE ONE WHOSE PRICE HAD BEEN SET by the sons of Israel; Matt. 27.10 AND THEY GAVE THEM FOR THE POTTER’S FIELD, AS THE LORD DIRECTED ME.” 5. Matthew shares the irony of these leaders who falsely condemned Jesus to death while maintaining strict legal scruples about what donations could be received in their treasury 6. They bought the potter’s eld for burying the poor but the eld ended up being called the “Field of Blood” 7. Of course these matters were all foretold in prophecy as Matthew quotes Zech.11.12-13 Part two: the Civil Trial before Pilate Who was Pontius Pilate? 1 - governor of Judaea and Samaria there to keep the “pax Romana” 2 - head of the Roman legion posted to Caesarea and Jerusalem 3 - he appointed the high priests 4- lived and worked at the “Praetorium” (Mk. 15.16) upon which steps a ‘judgment seat’ was placed for dealing with o cial matters ffi 5 - Pilate was known in Rome for his cynicism, cruelty and corruption The Twelve Stages of the Roman Trial 1. Matthew gives us a single brief account of Jesus before Pilate 2. we know from the other gospels that the trial actually involved 12 stages and differing charges First Stage of Jesus’ trial before Pilate: Request Denied John 18.28 ¶ Then they *led Jesus from fi Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. John 18.29 Therefore Pilate went out to them and *said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” John 18.30 They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.” John 18.31 So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” 1. The jews could not enter without being de led 2. Pilate had been awakened early and was in no mood for judging cases 3. When the Sanhedrin leaders made no immediate case Pilate tried to throw them out refusing to hear their case Second Stage of Jesus’ trial before Pilate: Capital Charges John 18.31-32 The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death,” to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die. Luke 23.2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” 1. The jews needed Rome’s approval to crucify Jesus 2. the charge of blasphemy would mean nothing to Pilate 3. the Leaders changed their charge to insurrection and treason 4. Now Pilate was forced to interview the accused a. fomenting rebellion re: taxes to Rome b. claiming to be king instead of Caesar Stage Three: Jesus is Silent Matt. 27.11 ¶ Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” Matt. 27.12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. Matt. 27.13 Then Pilate *said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” Matt. 27.14 And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed. Pilate’s First Interview 1. Matthew marks the contrast of Jesus’ silence before chief priests and his answering Pilate by agreeing to their charges 2. But when asked to defend the charges he became totally silent amazing Pilate Stage Four: Jesus is sent by Pilate to Herod Luke 23.5 But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.” Luke 23.6 ¶ When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. Luke 23.7 And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time. 1. - As the Jews were accusing Jesus, Galilee was inadvertently mentioned 2. Pilate saw an opportunity to rid himself and Rome of this matter Stage Five: Jesus before King Herod Luke 23.8-9 ¶ Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. Pompous, Superstitious, Depraved Herod: Luke 23.11 And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. 3. Then made sport of Jesus by having the soldiers dress him up as a king Luke 23.12 Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other. 1. Sought amusement from Jesus 2. Then tried being ‘judicious’ and ask some questions but Jesus was silent 4. Became conspiratorial friends with Pilate from that day forward But even this wicked man ultimately found no capital charge (Lu. 23:15) KPOV: Observe the King standing before the King of Kings Jesus will one day rule over all the kingdoms of this world Stage Six: Jesus acquitted of all charges Luke 23.13-14 ¶ Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him. fi Luke 23.15-16 “No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 1. Pilate has had enough of this mock trial but the people are not satis ed 2. Though innocent by Roman Law pilate compromises to appease the people agreeing to beat and then release Jesus Stage Seven: Jesus makes the “good confession” before Pilate John 18.33 ¶ Therefore Pilate entered again into the fi Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” John 18.34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” John 18.36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18.37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “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.” John 18.38 Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?” ¶ And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. Pilate interviews Jesus for answers to his hatred by the Jews and receives testimony of a transcendent life: 1. His kingdom was not of this world 2. His servants do not ght for this world 3. His divine purpose for coming to this world was to reveal the Truth 4. Pilate was convicted in heart as Jesus shared the beauty and nobility of his Royal Life and calling Stage Eight: Roman Trial Matt. 27.15 ¶ Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. Matt. 27.16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. Matt. 27.17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” Matt. 27.18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over. Pilate Tries to Release Jesus 1. Pilate’s custom was to grant immunity to some convict at the feast time as the ‘act of a merciful ruler’ He discerned that the problem lay with the Jewish rulers who feared Jesus’ popularity Roman Trial Recess Background Actions While considering his actions two matters were stirring things up: Matt. 27.19 ¶ While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” Matt. 27.20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. a. Pilate’s wife came and told him of her terrible dream about judging this righteous man b. Meanwhile the chief priests had been ginning up the crowds to ask for Barrabas Stage Nine: Roman Trial Pilate Tries to Release Jesus Matt. 27.21 But the governor 1. The pardon back red even though he made their alternative releasing an infamous terrorist and dangerous insurrectionist fi said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Matt. 27.22 Pilate *said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all *said, “Crucify Him!” Matt. 27.23 And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!” 2. This makes the 5th time Pilate tries to acquit Jesus in the trial Stage Ten: Pilate Scourges and Presents Jesus John 19.1 ¶ Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. John 19.2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; John 19.3 and they began to come up to Him and say, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and to give Him slaps in the face John 19.4 Pilate came out again and *said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” John 19.5 Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate *said to them, “Behold, the Man!” 1. Pilate hoped humiliating and beating Jesus would produce sympathy with the crowds to let him go 2. Pilate prophetically called him “the man” which both implies his weakness as a human and his perfection in philosophy Stage Eleven: Pilate made to Fear for his Position by the Jews John 19.12 As a result of this fi fi fi Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.” John 19.13 ¶ Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Two nal accusations changed Pilate’s mind and led to Jesus’ cruci xion: 1. to be “a friend of Caesar” was a speci c indication that a Roman could lose favored status with Caesar 2. they threatened to report that Jesus was opposing Caesar and stirring up a rebellion against Rome and Pilate was doing nothing about it Stage Twelve: Roman Trial Matt. 27.24 ¶ When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” Matt. 27.25 And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” Matt. 27.26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. Pilate Washes his Hands 1. Pilate washed his hands protesting his innocence of Jesus’ blood 2. the Jews cried out prophetically, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 3. So we see that great Roman judicial system corrupted by sinful men a. indeed fallen mankind cannot survive without rule of law b. but the highest ideals of justice fall before the whims of its judges c. it was actually the Roman empire that was being judged at the Son of man’s trial KPOV: Observe Roman Jurisprudence Corrupted before the Righteous One Jesus exposed Roman Law compromised by politics, fear and expedience Next Week: Matthew 27 Crucifixion