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Illegal Trial of Jesus
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Angels Would Gladly Have Delivered Christ
The angels of heaven longed to deliver Christ. How easily could
they, beholding the shameful scene, have consumed the adversaries
of God! But they were commanded not to. It was part of His mission
to bear in His humanity all the abuse that men could heap upon Him.
Christ had said nothing that could give His accusers an advantage,
yet He was bound, to signify that He was condemned. There must,
however, be the form of a legal trial. This the authorities were
determined to hasten. They knew the regard in which Jesus was
held by the people, and feared a rescue would be attempted. Again,
if the execution were not brought about at once, there would be a
week’s delay on account of the Passover. This might defeat their
plans. Should there be a week’s delay, a reaction would likely set in.
The better part of the people would come forward with testimony
in His vindication, bringing to light the mighty works He had done.
The Sanhedrin’s proceedings would be condemned, and Jesus would
be set free. The priests and rulers therefore determined that before
their purpose could become known, Jesus should be delivered into
the hands of the Romans.
But first, an accusation was to be found. They had gained nothing
as yet. Annas ordered Jesus to be taken to Caiaphas. Though
wanting in force of character, Caiaphas was fully as heartless and
unscrupulous as Annas. It was now early morning, and dark. By
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torches and lanterns the armed band with their prisoner proceeded to
the high priest’s palace. While the Sanhedrin were coming together,
Annas and Caiaphas again questioned Jesus, but without success.
In the judgment hall Caiaphas took his seat as presiding officer.
On either side were the judges and those specially interested in the
trial. Roman soldiers were on the platform below the throne. At the
foot of the throne stood Jesus. The excitement was intense. Of all
the throng He alone was calm and serene.
Caiaphas had regarded Jesus as his rival. The eagerness of the
people to hear the Saviour had aroused the bitter jealousy of the high
priest. But as Caiaphas now looked upon the prisoner, he was struck
with admiration for His noble, dignified bearing. A conviction came
over him that this man was akin to God. The next instant he banished
the thought, in haughty tones demanding that Jesus work one of His