1. Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24 The Charges The Illegalities The Defense

2. The Charges  Jesus demands to be tried fairly – John 18:20-21.  Caiaphas calls for witnesses.  Mark 14:56 Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

3. Mark 14:56 (NASB) 56 For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent.

4. The Charges  Jesus demands to be tried fairly – John 18:20-21.  Caiaphas calls for witnesses.  Mark 14:56  Matthew 26:59-60 Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

5. Matthew 26:59-60 (NASB) 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward,

6. The Charges  Jesus demands to be tried fairly – John 18:20-21.  Caiaphas calls for witnesses.  Mark 14:56  Matthew 26:59-60  Caiaphas tried to do things legally. Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

7. The Charges  Three types of testimony  Vain testimony – “stricken from the record”  Standing testimony – accepted for now but needs to be confirmed  Adequate testimony – witnesses agree, it is confirmed and then used to convict  Two come forward with truthful testimony, but not corroborated – Matthew 26:60-61; Mark 14:57-58; John 2:19-21 Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

8. Matthew 26:60-61 (NASB) 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”

9. Mark 14:57-58 (NASB) 57 Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’”

10. John 2:19-21 (NASB) 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

11. The Charges  This accusation is important because, if substantiated, it could bring the death penalty.  Confirmation of understanding what Jesus was saying comes in Matt. 27:62-64. Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

12. Matthew 27:62-64 (NASB) 62 Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ 64 Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” 64 Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”

13. The Charges  This accusation is important because, if substantiated, it could bring the death penalty.  Confirmation of understanding what Jesus was saying comes in Matt. 27:62-64.  Jesus had claimed to be God and would prove it by His resurrection. Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

14. The Charges  This testimony is overturned.  Caiaphas is in a very difficult position.  He had a real case.  Time was running out.  Martyr syndrome was possible.  Caiaphas threw a “hail Mary” in the form of an “Oath of Testimony” – Matt. 26:63. Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

15. Matthew 26:63 (NASB) 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

16. The Charges  This testimony is overturned.  Caiaphas is in a very difficult position.  He had a real case.  Time was running out.  Martyr syndrome was possible.  Caiaphas threw a “hail Mary” in the form of an “Oath of Testimony” – Matt. 26:63.  Just Messiah  Just Son of God Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

17. The Illegalities  The arrest  At night  By a traitor and informer – Leviticus 19:16 Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

18. Leviticus 19:16 (NASB) 16 You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people, and you are not to act against the life of your neighbor; I am the L ORD.

19. The Illegalities  The arrest  At night  By a traitor and informer – Leviticus 19:16  Without a formal accusation of wrongdoing  The private examination before Annas  At night  By a single judge  Accused was never compelled to testify Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

20. The Illegalities  The trial  At night  Conducted on the day before a Sabbath  Completed in one 24 hour period  Secured a conviction on the basis of the defendant’s confession  It concluded with an unanimous verdict.  There was virtually no defense. Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

21. The Defense  There should have been no need for a defense if everything had been done according to the law.  If the judges had followed the law, they would, at this point, have begun an inquiry into the truth or falsehood of Jesus’ claims.  The question not asked was “What sign do you give that we might see and believe?” Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

22. The Defense  Defense of claim to be Messiah  Messiah and Jesus born in Bethlehem  Messiah and Jesus born of a virgin  Messiah and Jesus born of the house of David  Messiah and Jesus preceded by a forerunner like Elijah  Messiah and Jesus performed many great works and miracles  Messiah and Jesus made public entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey  Messiah and Jesus betrayed by a close friend for 30 pieces of silver  Messiah and Jesus were of poverty and suffering Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

23. The Defense  Defense of being the Son of God  There are references in the Old Testament to the kind of unique Son of God Jesus claimed to be.  The Old Testament also speaks of an incarnation.  There are significant passages in the Old Testament in which Jehovah (or the Son of Jehovah) appeared on earth among men. Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

24. Application Jesus claimed to be God, that He would rise on the third day, and that He would return again in judgment. The first two are true! Are you ready for the third? Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

25. Application The priests, scribes, and elders refused to hear or even think about such a defense for Jesus. The world today has followed that same thinking. Do you believe the claims of Jesus? Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24

26. Application Who is Jesus? He is the Messiah! He is the Messiah! He is the Son of God! He is the Son of God! He is your Savior! He is your Savior! Do you believe that? Tale of Two Trials (Proceedings) John 18:19-24