In the Judgment Hall
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“Why askest thou me?” Had not the priests and rulers set spies to
watch his movements and report his every word? Had they not been
present at every gathering of the people, and carried information of
all his sayings and doings on these occasions to the priests? “Ask
them that heard me, what I have said,” replied Jesus; and his words
were a rebuke to Annas, who had hunted him for months, striving to
entrap him, and to bring him before a secret tribunal, in which the
people could have no voice, that he might obtain by perjury what it
was impossible to gain by fair means.
The words of Jesus were so close and pointed that the high priest
felt that his very soul was being read by his prisoner. Though Annas
was filled with hatred against Jesus at these words, he disguised it until
a more fitting opportunity presented itself of giving vent to his malice
and jealousy. But one of the servants of the high priest, assuming that
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his master was not treated with due respect, struck Jesus in the face,
saying, “Answerest thou the high priest so?” To this insulting question
and blow, Jesus mildly returned, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness
of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?”
The Majesty of Heaven might have summoned to his aid legions
of loyal angels to protect him against the malignity of his enemies;
but it was his mission, in the character of humanity, meekly to endure
taunts and stripes, leaving an example of patient forbearance to the
children of men. Those into whose power Jesus had fallen had no
respect for this sublime forbearance. The fact that he was a passive
captive in their hands was the signal for them to wreak upon him the
basest insults which their corrupt hearts could invent.
When the council was fully assembled in the judgment hall, Ca-
iaphas took his position as presiding officer. This man had ever re-
garded Jesus as his rival. The combined simplicity and eloquence
of the Saviour had attracted large crowds to listen to his teachings,
which contained wisdom such as they had never heard from the lips of
priests or scribes. The anxiety of the people to hear Jesus, and their
readiness to accept his doctrines, had roused the bitter jealousy, of the
high priest.
Jesus stood calm and serene before the high priest, while the eyes
of the multitude were upon him, and the wildest excitement prevailed
around. For a moment Caiaphas looked upon the captive, struck with
a sudden admiration for his dignified bearing. A conviction came over