FROM GETHSEMANE TO GOLGOTHA — THE CIVIL TRIAL (PART 4)

This morning we will be diving deep into Christ’s trial before Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas. After being held in custody all night by the chief priests, Jesus was delivered to Pilate in the early morning. He was bruised, bloodied, and covered in the spit of the accusers of that Supreme Court of Judaism. He would now stand before the highest civil authorities in the land. Though the chief priests did everything they could to accuse Jesus as a seditious traitor, Pilate did not buy it. Three times he proclaims that Jesus is innocent. After an attempt to get Jesus to perform some miracles for him, Herod Antipas also proclaims that Jesus is innocent. Yet, because the chief priests stirred a great crowd into a frenzy, Pilate succumbed to pressure and would not release Jesus. During these trials Jesus gave His “good confession” that He was “King of the Jews.” He explained to Pilate that His kingdom was “not of this world” and that He came to “bear witness to the truth.” Attempting to see Jesus released, Pilate offered the crowed Jesus or Barabbas (an insurrectionist and murderer). They chose Barabbas. The innocent one would receive the death sentence while the condemned criminal would go free! A beautiful picture of salvation. Though we deserved death, Jesus took our place! Those who receive Him by faith, and join us His “good confess”, become children of God! Join us!