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| Dljc Registered user Username: Dljc Post Number: 432 Registered: 7-2010 |
Jesus had already exposed the Scribes and Pharisees for the hypocrites they were. (see Matthew 23) I have often wondered how many laws were broken when Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death on the cross. We know in hindsight, that Jesus' death had to happen for us to have an offering of Salvation. But it's interesting to see how many laws were broken to accomplish this, and the very fact that Jesus was innocent of all of the charges brought before Him. I found the following commentary on the topic. While in Gethesemane, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Jews. His disciples all desert Him, even at the expense of running away naked (Mark 14:51-52). He is bound (John 18:12) then brought back to the city to the court of the High Priest, which is located near the Upper room. ILLEGAL ASPECTS OF THE TRIAL OF JESUS Following are some of the illegal aspects of the trial of Jesus: 1. Trials could occur only in the regular meeting places of the Sanhedrin (not in the palace of the High Priest) 2. Trials could not occur on the eve of the Sabbath or Feast Days or at night 3. A sentence of 'guilty' might only be pronounced on the day following the trial THE ISSUE OF WITNESSES Deut 19:15: "One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." Deut 17:6: "On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness." Mark 14:56: "Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree." While in the court of the High Priest, He was questioned by Annas (John 18:13) and struck by a soldier (John 18: 22). He was then brought to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. who sought to put Jesus to death by the false testimony of many witnesses. The witnesses brought against Him did not agree. By the law, no one could be put to death without the agreement of two or three witnesses. Although the witnesses did not agree, He was found guilty of blasphemy when He told them of His identity as the Son of God. He was sentenced to death. Jesus suffered ridicule from the palace guards, who spat on Him, beat Him and slapped Him on the face.(Mark 14:65.) During the trial, Peter denies Him three times. The proceedings of Jesus' trial violated many of the laws of His society. Among some of the other broken laws were: (Bucklin) 1. Any arrest could not be made at night. 2. The time and date of the trial were illegal because it took place at night and on the eve of the Sabbath. This time precluded any chance for the required adjournment to the next day in the event of a conviction. 3. The Sanhedrin was without authority to instigate charges. It was only supposed to investigate charges brought before it. In Jesus' trial, the court itself formulated the charges. 4. The charges against Jesus were changed during the trial. He was initially charged with blasphemy based upon His statement that He would be able to destroy and rebuild the Temple of God within three days, as well as His claim to be the Son of God. When He was brought before Pilate, the charge was that Jesus was a King and did not advocate paying taxes to the Romans. 5. As stated above, the requirement of two witnesses in agreement to merit the death penalty was not met. 6. The court did not meet in the regular meeting place of the Sanhedrin, as required by Jewish law. 7. Christ was not permitted a defense. Under Jewish law, an exhaustive search into the facts presented by the witnesses should have occurred. 8. The Sanhedrin pronounced the death sentence. Under law, the Sanhedrin were not allowed to convict and put the death sentence into effect. (John 18:31) http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=3&contentID=3129&commInfo=8&topic=Crucifixion What is interesting is, that by the time it got to Pilate, the charges had changed from blasphemy because Jesus claimed to be Son of God, to a King that advocated not paying taxes to Cesar. Can you think of any other laws that the Scribes and Pharisees broke to achieve their agenda? |
