In the Judgment Hall
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They could secure abundant evidence that Jesus had disregarded
their traditions, and spoken irreverently of many of their ordinances;
but such evidence was of no value, as it would have no weight with ei-
ther the Romans or Sadducees. They dared not accuse him of Sabbath-
breaking for fear an examination would reveal what had been the
character of his work upon that day. In that event his miracles wrought
to heal the afflicted would be brought to light, and defeat the very
object they wished to gain.
Christ had said, concerning the temple of his body, that he could
destroy it, and raise it again in three days. These words were under-
stood by his hearers to refer to the Jewish temple. Of all that Jesus had
said, the priests could find nothing which they could use against him
save this. The Romans had engaged in rebuilding and embellishing
the temple. They took great pride in it as a work of science and art;
and the priests counted upon their indignation when it was proven that
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Jesus, a humble man, had declared himself able to build it in three days
if it should be destroyed. On this ground, Romans and Jews, Pharisees
and Sadducees, could meet; for all held the temple in great veneration.
In addition to this they had bribed false witnesses to testify that
Jesus was guilty of inciting rebellion and seeking to establish a separate
government. This they hoped would farther excite the apprehensions
of the Romans and accomplish the desired object. But when these
witnesses were called, their testimony was so vague and contradictory
that it was worthless. Upon cross-questioning, they were led to falsify
their own statements. It was becoming apparent to the people that the
charges against Jesus could not be maintained. The life of the Saviour
had been so faultless, and his doctrine so pure, that envy and malice
could find little in either capable of being misrepresented.
Two witnesses were at last found whose evidence was not so con-
tradictory as the others had been, One of them, a corrupt man who had
sold his honor for a sum of money, spoke of Christ as on a level with
himself. Said he, “This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple
of God, and to build it in three days.” In the figurative language of
prophecy, Jesus had thus foretold his own death and resurrection, his
conflict and victory; but his enemies had misconstrued his words to
suit their own purposes. The words of Jesus were truth and verity;
the evidence was false and malicious. If the words of Jesus had been
reported exactly as he uttered them, there would have been nothing of-