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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
him that this man was akin to God. The next instant he banished the
thought, scorning the suggestions of his own mind. Immediately, his
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voice was heard in sneering, haughty tones, requesting Jesus to work
before him one of those mighty miracles which had given him such
fame among the people; but his words fell upon the ears of the Saviour
as though he heard them not.
The people involuntarily compared the excited and malignant de-
portment of Annas and Caiaphas with the calm, majestic bearing of
Jesus. A holy influence seemed to emanate from the Saviour and
pervade the atmosphere surrounding him. The question arose even in
the minds of the hardened multitude present, Is this man of Godlike
presence to be sentenced as a common criminal? Caiaphas, perceiv-
ing the influence that was obtaining, hastened the trial. He took his
position on the throne of judgment, while Jesus stood at its foot. On
either side were the judges and those specially interested in the trial.
The Roman soldiers were ranged on the platform, below the throne.
The high priest arose in his gorgeous robe, with glittering tiara
and costly breastplate, upon which, in former days, the light of God’s
glory had often flashed. In strong contrast with this display were the
coarse habiliments of Jesus. And yet he who was clad in homely garb
had reigned in the courts of Heaven, crowned, and with garments of
brightness, attended by holy angels. Yet there he stood at the foot of
an earthly throne to be tried for his life.
The priests and rulers had decided in counsel together that Jesus
must be condemned, whether or not they could furnish evidence of
his guilt. It was necessary to bring charges against him which would
be regarded as criminal by the Roman power or they could legally
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effect nothing against him. His accusers could find plenty who would
testify that he had denounced the priests and scribes; that he had called
them hypocrites and murderers; but this would weigh nothing with
the Romans, who were themselves disgusted with the pretension of
the Pharisees. Such testimony would also weigh nothing with the
Sadducees; for in their sharp contentions with the Pharisees, they had
used to them language of the same import. His accusers were anxious
to avoid raising the opposition of the Sadducees against the Pharisees;
for if the two parties fell to contending among themselves, Jesus would
be likely to escape from their hands.