In Part II of Jesus and His Six Trials, sales order each trial will be discussed with a corresponding application. Hopefully, buy treat this will give you some wisdom and resolve when Satan comes knocking at your door. But before we jump into the trials, let’s discuss one last truth, or reality, about Satan, which has to do with omnipotence, the ability to be everywhere at once.
Omnipotence?
Unlike God, Satan is not omnipotent; he cannot be everywhere at once. Therefore, it is highly unlikely he is the one directly hurting your life should you experience an attack. There were very few instances in Scripture where Satan was allowed to go one-on-one with anyone. Job, Peter, Judas, and Jesus are examples of those few (Job 1:9, 12; Luke 22:31; Luke 22:3; Matthew 4:3). So, when under attack, realize that it is probably not him causing the misery and damage but those under his influence and power. This can include his fallen angels, demons, the Christless, even other Christians who have put their faith aside and returned to living according to their old fleshly ways. However, it is okay to say when you are afflicted that it is Satan who is doing it. Many of the New Testament writers did, so you have a precedent to exclaim likewise (Acts 5:3; I Corinthians 7:5).
Overview of the six trials
The religious leaders who initiated, organized and ran Jesus’ six trials were considered the spiritual leaders of the community, much like pastors are today in our churches. Yet, these men broke Jewish law – law that was supposed to be the cornerstone of their faith. During the six trials, which proved to be real tests of their character, they produced false witnesses, physically abused Jesus, illegally prosecuted Him, lied, showed prejudice, and were deceitful to the Romans. Is it any wonder why the world was not beating a path to their door to find out who God was and what He was all about?
1ST TRIAL – BEFORE ANNAS
(John 18:12-14; 19-24)
This was a preliminary hearing before the very powerful religious leader, Annas. Jesus was asked about His teaching. He answered, “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. Why do you question Me?” He was then struck by a soldier standing near and promptly sent off to the next court hearing.
Application
What can you learn and apply from this trial? When attacked by Satan, don’t be surprised if you are treated unfairly. Night trials were illegal in the Jewish judicial system; this meeting was entirely unfair. And like Jesus, it is okay to tell the truth when asked, just keep your answers short and to the point. You don’t have to win the argument to do God’s bidding when attacked. Also, just as slapping Jesus was totally out of line in a trial situation, don’t be shocked if you are treated in an abusive way (physical or verbal) when under attack; just take it and don’t respond in kind.
2ND TRIAL – BEFORE CAIAPHAS, SCRIBES, AND ELDERS
(Matthew 26:57, 59-68)
The second trial was more official than the first. It actually had a spokesman-like judge, jury, charge, testimony, witnesses, and verdict; but it was still illegal as it was held at night, and Jesus had no official representation. They had good reason for holding it at night and in secret, because it eliminated the crowds who had just proclaimed Him as the Son of David (Messiah) and King during the previous weekend.
For most of this trial, Jesus kept silent. Because of this, the witnesses they called could not get their stories straight. So, the religious leaders, who drastically failed to live up to the law during this trial, also fell short in being able to come up with two witnesses to collaborate on the same story. They finally did and this prompted Jesus to finally speak. The high priest asked Him if He was “the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus replied 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.” What He said was absolutely true, but it convicted Him in their eyes. Along with more slapping, mocking, spitting in His face, and tearing of their own clothes in disgust, they gave Jesus the verdict of death. Not quite what you would expect from educated leaders or spiritual men, but this is what you can become when under Satan’s power and influence…which they were.
Application
There are some significant applications to note from this 2nd trial. The first being that even religious or spiritual leaders can fall under the control of Satan. This should cause you to discipline yourself when under attack to rely on Scripture and those who are noticeably living out its principals. In Jesus’ experience, it seems none of the religious leaders conducting His trial were living out the principals of Scripture. Pray that none of your trials have such men with which to deal; but if you do, keep to the truth as Jesus did. Don’t be defensive or argumentative, and don’t worry if what you say does not convince. In good time the truth will be known, as it was when Jesus rose from the grave.
3RD TRIAL – JESUS BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
(Luke 22:66-71)
In this trial, the sun had finally risen, making this the first court room proceeding that had the appearance of being legal at least from the time point of view of time of day. Daytime trials were legal, nighttime ones were not. In this proceeding, they asked Jesus again, “Are you the Son of God?” Jesus said, “Yes I am.” They had their evidence and began to seek how to put Him to death within their Passover Laws. This is really amazing, because why would they care? They had already broken the law during the first two trials and would continue to do so through the rest.
Application
Realize when you are going through a trial where Satan is the prime mover, hypocrisy, cover up and an unchangeable agenda will characterize those following his lead. However, like Jesus, stick with the truth, give simple answers, and hold on, knowing that one day all will be made right.
4TH TRIAL – JESUS BEFORE PILATE
(John 18:28-38; Luke 23:5-7)
In the 4th trial, Jesus is taken to Pilate, the Roman Governor, because Jews under Roman rule lost their authority to execute anyone. As they approached him, their deceitful ways had not lessened. In their continuing effort to kill Jesus, they told Pilate he was an evildoer as well as one who stirred up the people. Now, calling Jesus an evildoer had no impact on Pilate, but identifying Jesus as a sort of rebel-rouser amongst the people did. Romans did not like rebellion of any kind, and their resolve was to crush any and all uprisings before they got started. So, Pilate took Jesus into a separate chamber and began to question Him. Unlike the previous three trials, Jesus opened up with Pilate, answering his questions at will and explaining that His kingdom was not of this world. Evidently, this impacted Pilate greatly as he pronounced Jesus as innocent. There are some stories circulated that years after this meeting took place Pilate became a believer; if so, it probably began with this first encounter with Jesus (but this is speculation and not a part of Scripture). In response to Pilate’s determination, the entire Sanhedrin who had accompanied Jesus to this Roman court were quite upset at his findings and pressured him all the more to execute Jesus. Instead of “sticking to his guns” so to speak, Pilate tried to escape the matter by sending him to Herod, another Roman sanctioned authority in the area. Jesus was a Galilean, Herod was in charge of the Galileans, so away went Jesus to the next trial.
Application
During this trial, Jesus spoke more than during all of the other five. Perhaps, He did so because someone was actually interested in listening to Him, or maybe Jesus saw something in Pilate worth pursuing for the Kingdom. In respect to this possibility, keep an eye out for those who might be candidates for God’s grace as you battle through a difficult trial orchestrated by Satan. How you conduct yourself may influence or even convince them to turn their lives over to Christ. Isn’t this worth the pain you may have to go through, for the sake of seeing another come closer to God or even unto salvation?
5TH TRIAL – BEFORE HEROD
(Luke 23:8-12)
The proceeding for the 5th trial took place in Herod’s court. The Jewish leaders and people hated Herod but were willing to openly accept him for the moment if he would put Jesus to death. In this court appearance, Jesus received the same treatment – being questioned, mocked, beaten, and humiliated – but, unlike His time with Pilate, Jesus said nothing. The cross was near, and Jesus knew it; there was no use putting it off. After very little satisfaction, Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.
Application
Trials tend to be long and repetitive, especially when Satan is controlling events and people. During this time, continue praying for strength to sustain, and realize that often when a trial is at its worst, it is almost over. Psalm 3:5 states it well, “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
6TH TRIAL – AGAIN BEFORE PILATE
(John 18:39-40; John19:1-16; Matthew 27:24-26)
Pilate tries to get out of executing Jesus again by giving the people a choice between Barrabus and Him. It did not work as the religious leaders had their people in place shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate became very troubled by all of this and talked with Jesus again. He really did not want to put Jesus to death, but finally relented when seeing a possible riot.
Application
In this final trial, Pilate was in great conflict about what to do with Jesus. He knew Jesus was innocent, and I believe, he was very drawn to Him. However, in the end, for the sake his own leadership, Pilate relented and crucified Him. In your trials, you may find those who have great sympathy for you, some who could relieve you of your situation, but be aware that they may not – especially if it puts them at risk. Your only 100% hope is in God who will always take the risk for you.
Final Thought
There are many trials we will go through in our lives, some generated by God, others by Satan. The six trials help us know how to deal with the ones that Satan generates. Those trials God creates for us are different in that His purpose is to make us better. When Satan brings them on, his purpose is to make us worse and more sinful than before. In the midst of trials brought by God, you will find that He is always reminding you of the new person you are in Him. During attacks by Satan, he constantly reminds you of the sinful past, and that you may as well give up, because you are nothing more than a series of past and present failures. With God, your resume reads…faith here…faith there…Godliness here…Godliness there. And in regard to failures…it reads failure forgiven…failure erased….failure forgotten.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthian 5:17
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12
God’s Word
Job 1:9, 12 9Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 12Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.”
Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.”
Luke 22:3 And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve.
Matthew 4:3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?”
I Corinthians 7:5 Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Trial 1
John 18:12-14; 19-24 12So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, 13and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. 19The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20Jesus 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. 21“Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” 22When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” 24So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Trial 2
Matthew 26:57, 59-68 57Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 59Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.'” 62The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” 63But Jesus kept silent
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. 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.” 64Jesus 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.” 65Then 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; 66what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” 67Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”
Trial 3
Luke 22:66-71 66When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, 67“If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68and if I ask a question, you will not answer. 69But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” 71Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”
Trial 4
John 18:28-38 28Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetoriam, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetoriam so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 29Therefore Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” 30They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.” 31So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death,” 32to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die. 33Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetoriam, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” 36Jesus 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.” 37Therefore 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.” 38Pilate 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.”
Luke 23:5-7 5But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place. 6When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.
Trial 5
Luke 23:8-12 8Now 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. 9And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. 10And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently. 11And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. 12Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other.
Trial 6
John 18:39-40 39“But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.
John 19:1-16 1Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. 2And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; 3and they began to come up to Him and say, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and to give Him slaps in the face. 4Pilate 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.” 5Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold, the Man!” 6So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” 7The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.” 8Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” 11Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” 12As a result of this 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.” 13Therefore 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. 14Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” 15So they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.
Matthew 27:24-26 24When 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.” 25And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 26Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.