Trials of Jesus

Chapter 52

The chief priests and elders of the people sent wicked men with swords and sticks to the Garden of Gethsemane. Matt. 26:47

The Apostle Judas Iscariot was with them. The men had paid Judas to point out the Savior. Matt. 26:14–16, 47

Judas had told the men that he would kiss Jesus. When he did, they arrested Him. The men mocked and hit Jesus, then took Him to the high priest, Caiaphas. Matt. 26:48–49, 57; Luke 22:63–65

The Jewish leaders held a trial. They said that Jesus had broken the law by claiming to be the Christ, the Son of God. Because Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ, He did not deny it. They found Him guilty. Luke 22:66–71

The Jewish leaders did not have the power to sentence Jesus to death. They took Him to Pontius Pilate, who did have this power. They told Pilate that Jesus had told people not to pay taxes to Caesar. Luke 23:1–3

Pilate did not think Jesus had done anything wrong. It was a feast day in Jerusalem. It was a custom to release a prisoner during the feast. Pilate wanted to release Jesus. The crowd wanted Barabbas, a murderer, released instead. They shouted for Jesus to be crucified. Luke 23:14–21

Pilate still could find no reason to kill Jesus. He still wanted to release Jesus. But the priests and the people cried loudly that they wanted Him crucified. Luke 23:22–23

Pilate washed his hands, saying that he was not responsible for Jesus’ death. But he gave the crowd permission to crucify Jesus. Matt. 27:24–26

Illustrated by Paul Mann