Arrest and Trial

Based on Luke 22:39; 23:13-21, Matthew 26:36, 45-67; 27:1-2, 11-14, 24-26

Accompanied by his closest followers, Jesus said, “Sit here while I go on ahead to pray.”

A little later, he returned to his closest followers and said, “Look, the time has come, my betrayer is here!” And Judas, one of his twelve closest followers, arrived with a mob that was armed with swords and clubs. They grabbed Jesus and arrested him. All his closest followers deserted him and fled.

They led Jesus to the home of the head religious leader, where the teachers of religious law and other leaders had gathered. Inside, they were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death.

Then the head religious leader stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges?” But Jesus remained silent. Then the head religious leader said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God that you tell us whether you are the Promised Savior, the Son of God.” Jesus replied, “Yes, it is as you say…” Then the head religious leader tore his clothing to show his horror, shouting, “Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard him dishonor God with his words.” Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists.

Early in the morning, the religious leaders met again to discuss how to persuade the government to sentence Jesus to death. Then they bound him and took him to the governor.

Now Jesus was standing before the governor. “Are you these people’s King?” the governor asked him. Jesus replied, “Yes, it is as you say.” But when the religious leaders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear their many charges against you?” the governor demanded. But Jesus said nothing, much to the governor’s great surprise.

Then the governor called together the religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. So I will have him whipped, but then I will release him.” Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him!” The governor argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. But they shouted, “Kill him! Kill him!” The governor saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this man. The responsibility is yours!” And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death-we and our children!”

So the governor ordered Jesus whipped with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the soldiers to execute him.

Drawing Elements: In Garden with disciples, Jesus deserted, Religious Leaders & Teachers of Law, Governor, Jesus is King, Innocent of Blood, Jesus Whipped

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