3.4 The Crucifixion of Christ

A. The Court Trial of Jesus was illegal

1. The events on the night of the betrayal of Jesus actually included three different “trials” First before Annas and the Sanhedrin at night *This is when Peter denied Jesus three times Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas (the high Priest) and the Sanhedrin at dawn The Sanhedrin sent Jesus to Pilate in the early morning hours

2. The illegalities of Christ’s trial

a. The Sanhedrin met before the morning sacrifice

b. The Sanhedrin was not supposed to meet on Fridays or before feast days about issues of capital punishment

c. The witnesses did not tell the truth nor did they agree with one another

d. The High Priest was forbidden to tear his clothes What is he doing? Leviticus 21:10 says not to do it, but he did it!

e. Christ wasn’t given a fair chance to defend himself

f. The judges should have been disqualified because of previous knowledge of the case

g. The Sanhedrin never reconvened the next day

h. The Sanhedrin constantly changed the charge against Jesus First, Sedition Second, blasphemy Third, treason

B. The treatment of Jesus Christ was most severe

C. The suffering of Jesus Christ was more than physical

1. He died in the presence and by the hands of sinners

2. He suffered tremendous shame and embarrassment

3. He was forsaken by God the Father

4. He bore the sins of every man