The trial of Jesus Christ is one of the most intriguing in human history. The Gospels give us a look inside the conspiracy of injustice leading to Christ’s crucifixion. Matt. 26:47-68; Mark 14:43-65; Luke 22:47-71 and John 28:3-38. To better understand this extraordinary trial, it helps to have some insight into the Hebrew legal system at the time. The nation of Israel was a captive province of Rome, but it was allowed to maintain its own court system and to carry out punishments – subject of course to the right of an appeal to Rome in certain cases. Jesus’ trial took place before the Great Sanhedrin – the Supreme Court of Israel in the time of Christ.
What marks this trial as such a travesty of injustice is the blatant disregard by the Jewish high court of several procedural safeguards designed to protect an innocent accused. Here are but a few of the irregularities committed in the indictment and conviction of Jesus of Nazareth.
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An Illegal Arrest At Night – Jesus had just celebrated the Passover Feast, probably in the home of Mark on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Scripture tells us that after that feast, Jesus and the eleven went to Gethsemane to pray. At the approach of midnight, a mob led by Roman soldiers, members of the Temple Guard carrying swords and torches, accompanied by Judas, arrest Jesus.
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Privately Examined – Jesus was taken to Annas’ house, the brother of the High Priest Caiaphas, and there examined in private – another violation of Hebrew law.
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The Proceedings Were Conducted At Night – The trial of a capital case was strictly forbidden at night. The analogy used in the Talmud was like the treating of a wound. Care was required to examine the evidence in the clear light of day.
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Court Convened Before The Morning Sacrifice – The Great Sanhedrin convened court at the close of the morning sacrifice and had to conclude before the evening sacrifice.
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The Proceedings Were Conducted On The Day Preceding The Jewish Sabbath. Court could not be held on the Sabbath, or a feast day, or any holy day.
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Trial Was Conducted In One Day. To assure due deliberation and reflection, particularly where a human life was at stake, Hebrew law required that the trial should last a minimum of two days to allow time for the judges to sleep, fast, meditate and pray.
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Sentence Was Pronounced On Uncorroborated Confession. A fundamental principle of Hebrew law prohibited conviction of a crime based solely on the confession of the accused; the law required corroboration by two witnesses.
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The Verdict Was Unanimous. A simultaneous and unanimous verdict of guilt rendered on the day of trial had the effect of an acquittal. Bear in mind there were no advocates. The judges were deemed the defenders of the accused. Thus, a unanimous verdict meant the accused had no friend or defender on the panel. To the Jewish mind, this was the equivalent of mob violence.
Scripture tells us: “And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.” (Mark 15:1).
The trial of Jesus was little more than a political show trial in which a conviction for the capital offense of blasphemy was a foregone conclusion. And while we look back with disdain on this mockery of justice, this historic guilty verdict pronounced upon the One who embodied innocence was but a stepping stone in God’s plan of redemption through the sentence of the cross.
Larry L. Crain is a trial attorney specializing in civil rights and constitutional law. He is a frequent speaker on the trial of Christ to church groups and gatherings. Crain Law Group, PLLC
www.crainlaw.legal
