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Humble Hero
The Injustice of Christ’s Trial
The Sanhedrin had pronounced Jesus worthy of death, but it
was contrary to Jewish law to try a prisoner by night. In legal
condemnation nothing could be done except in the light of day
and in a full session of the council. Despite this, the Savior was
now treated as a condemned criminal, to be abused by the lowest
of humankind. Through the open courtyard, Jesus was taken to
the guardroom, surrounded by people mocking His claim to be the
Son of God. They jeeringly repeated His words, “Coming on the
clouds of heaven.” While in the guardroom awaiting His legal trial,
Jesus was not protected, and the ignorant rabble took the opportunity
to reveal all the satanic elements of their nature. Christ’s godlike
bearing filled them with an insane rage. Mercy and justice were
trampled upon. Never was a criminal treated in so inhuman a manner
as was the Son of God.
But no enemy’s hand could have dealt the blow that gave Jesus
the deepest pain. While He was undergoing the examination before
Caiaphas, one of Christ’s own disciples had denied Him.
Peter and John had dared to follow—at a distance—the mob that
had Jesus in their custody. The priests recognized John and let him
into the hall, hoping that as he witnessed his Leader’s humiliation,
he would scorn the idea that such a one could be the Son of God.
John spoke in favor of Peter and gained an entrance for him also.
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In the courtyard a fire had been kindled, for it was cold, being
just before dawn. People gathered around the fire, and Peter pre-
sumptuously joined them. By mingling with the crowd, he hoped
to be taken for one of those who had brought Jesus to the judgment
hall.
Peter Fails
But the woman doorkeeper looked carefully at him. She noticed
the dejection on his face and thought he might be a disciple of
Jesus. Curious to know, she asked, “You are not also one His
disciples, are you?” Peter was startled and confused; he pretended
not to understand. But she persisted. Peter felt compelled to answer,
and he said angrily, “Woman, I do not know Him.” This was the