The King on Trial
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are the God of truth and nothing will ultimately stand against You.
Read LUKE 22:63-23:25
[63] The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. [64] They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” [65] And they said many other insulting things to him. [66] At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. [67] “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, [68] and if I asked you, you would not answer. [69] But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” [70] They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” [71] Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” [1] Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. [2] And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” [3] So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. [4] Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” [5] But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” [6] On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. [7] When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. [8] When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. [9] He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. [10] The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. [11] Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. [12] That day Herod and Pilate became friends-before this they had been enemies. [13] Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, [14] and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. [15] Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. [16] Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17] [18] But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” [19] (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) [20] Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. [21] But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” [22] For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” [23] But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. [24] So Pilate decided to grant their demand. [25] He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Why do you believe Jesus speaks so few words?Jesus undergoes four trials in this passage: before the Jewish Council, then Pilate, Herod, and finally the people. All four trials dishonor Jesus, in different ways. The religious leaders have Jesus beaten and reject his messianic claim. Pilate is amused that Jesus is “King of the Jews,” while Herod overtly mocks him for this title. The people shout their preference for a violent criminal over Jesus’ peaceful kingship.During these trials, Jesus grows more and more silent. Before the Jewish Council, he asserts his messianic status and is condemned for speaking the truth. In front of Pilate, he rather ambiguously affirms his kingship, while he falls completely silent in front of Herod and the people. Before these trials, Jesus always won the battle of words. But here, he lays down this weapon and silently submits to false accusations and injustice. He endures the blows of lies and injustice in order, ultimately, to defeat them. Jesus’ kingdom is not won through force. His power is displayed through peace and truth. To follow in the way of this King, we too must seek peace, speak truth, and even occasionally remain silent, depending on the circumstances.
Apply
As you go through the day, be alert for opportunities to be an ambassador of peace and to speak truth to those you meet.
Closing prayer
God, help me to know when I should be silent and when I should speak and to take courage to do so.
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