Dispensation Bible Study #18

Approaching Grace - Passion Week - Wednesday - The Arrest and Trials

As Jesus taught and prayed for His disciples after the Lord’s Supper, the night slowly turned into what would be to us the early hours of Wednesday morning. Jesus would not return to Bethany this night because the time of His death had finally come.

Wednesday - The Day of Suffering

John 18:1-2 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Somewhere around Midnight, Jesus and His disciples left the room where they had eaten supper, and passing through the east gate of Jerusalem and over the brook that was there, they entered into the Garden of Gethsemane. This garden was near the house of John Mark’s mother which had become and would remain a favorite place for Jesus’ followers to congregate. Jesus had visited this garden to pray often for verse 2 states that Judas Iscariot would know to find the Messiah there.

Luke 22:40-44 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

After entering the garden, Jesus told His disciples to pray and then withdrew Himself so that He could pray alone. They were still within “throwing distance” of Jesus as they could hear His prayer, and see the effects. Jesus’ flesh which was sinless was about to take on God’s judgment for every sin ever committed! Even though His flesh fought Him, Jesus gave us the proper example by praying “not my will, but thine, be done.” How much trouble and heartache we would save ourselves today if we could ever learn to bring our flesh under control through prayer and submit ourselves to God’s will! Several other unique circumstances happened while Jesus was praying: an angel appeared and began to minister to Him, and His sweat began to be intermingled with blood as He prayed. Jesus knew what was about to take place, and His flesh was just as stressed as ours would have been! Surely with all of this going on, Jesus’ disciples would be attentively watching and praying for their beloved Messiah:

Luke 22:45-46 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

The disciples have fallen asleep! They still were not aware of the importance of what would take place that night.

John 18:3-5 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

It is now very close to 2:00 A.M. early Wednesday morning the 14th of Nisan, and Judas, knowing where to find Jesus, comes to lead the soldiers and officers of the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus. Jesus does not run but goes to meet them. There are several unique events at the time of Jesus’ arrest that apparently stood out to the various authors of the Gospels. Before moving on, we will mention several:

Matt 26:48-50 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

The Book of Matthew was written to a Jewish audience and records that Judas Iscariot had arranged that to identify Jesus Christ for the soldiers, he would kiss Jesus on the cheek. This was a common form of greeting used very similar to our present day handshake. The amazing point is that Jesus responded to Judas Iscariot by calling him “Friend!” Even though He was being betrayed, Jesus still loved Judas!

Mark 14:50-52 And they all forsook him, and fled. 51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

The Book of Mark was written to a Roman audience and was mainly Peter’s accounts of what happened since John Mark was too young to be present at all the events. In recounting the events of the arrest, however, John Mark makes an interesting insert of an event that is not recorded in the other Gospels. Verse 50 states that all of the disciples forsook Jesus and fled, but after that, there was a “certain young man” in bed clothes (a linen cloth) following Jesus. The men arresting Jesus saw this young man and tried to grab him, but the young man eluded them and fled away. The young man can only be John Mark himself, and the reason that the other Gospels did not record this event is that they had already fled and did not witness this event. Remember that the Garden of Gethsemane was near and possibly owned by John Mark’s mother. So no doubt John Mark was awakened by the events in the garden and investigated only to find out in horror that the man that his mother loved so much was being arrested. John Mark includes these brief verses as a sort of confession: “the disciples forsook Jesus, but so did I.”

John 18:4-8 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

John recounts that Jesus asked them who they sought. When they responded by saying “Jesus of Nazareth,” then He responded with the words “I am he.” Verse 6 states a peculiar event when Jesus said these words: they all just fell over backwards to the ground! Why? Because of Jesus terminology. He stated that “I AM he.” When Moses asked God’s name to tell Pharaoh who had sent him, God replied “tell him that I AM that I AM has sent you.” (Exodus 3:14) It was not time for the name of God to be revealed in Moses’ day, so God just gave him a title that represented the name of God. When the soldiers asked for “Jesus of Nazareth,” and Jesus responded by stating that “I AM he,” He was stating that He was God! “Jesus” was the revealed name of God! Notice that Jesus had stated very plainly many times that He was God, but by arresting Him, these people were rejecting His claim. Because of their rejection of His true authority, God knocked the people to the ground! Jesus then seems a bit aggravated in verse 8 by stating that “I have told you who I am, if ye seek me, let’s go!”

Luke 22:49-52 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

The Book of Luke records in detail that one of the disciples drew a sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the High Priest! We know from John 18:10-11 that the disciple who swung the sword was none other than Peter! Jesus, however, gently rebuked Peter and placing the severed ear back onto the servant, healed him! The minds of the Pharisees were so closed at this point that even a notable miracle could not convince them that Jesus really was the Messiah!

Luke 22:54-62 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Jesus was then led through a series of illegal trials before the Jewish authorities. Sometime during these trials, Peter had followed Jesus and was trying to fit into the crowd so that He could see what was happening to Jesus. As he was warming himself by the fire outside the chief priests home, Peter was approached by three different people who accused Peter of being a follower of Jesus. Peter denied Christ three times and at the third time a rooster crowed. Jesus was apparently in a position that He could see Peter because when the rooster crowed, He looked at Peter. Peter then remembered how that Jesus had told him that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed! Peter left the premises and wept bitterly!

John 18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

Jesus was put through 3 trials before Jewish authorities. The Jews had only power to sentence religious crimes and could not put anyone to death without Roman approval. The Romans allowed the Jewish authorities to judge the Jews on matters concerning the Law and then present the guilty person. The Romans would then decide whether or not that the grievance was serious enough to warrant a penalty. The political side was this: the Roman governors and rulers were appointed by Rome based on whether or not the Jews were happy and whether or not they could keep peace in the Jewish state. Any trouble maker that caused the Roman ruler political unrest, was usually dealt with severely. The first trial before Jewish authorities was at the former High Priest Annas’ house. Annas had no authority and this really was not a legal trial, but it served several purposes. First, it appeased the bitter ex-High Priest who had retired from office before being able to deal with this “Jesus problem” himself. Second, it gained the support of the father-in-law of the present High Priest Caiaphas who really did have authority. Third, it gave the Pharisees time to assemble the members of the Sanhedrin who would all be asleep at this time. Jesus was obviously arrested somewhat earlier and easier than the Pharisees had anticipated so the Sanhedrin, the “religious jury,” would not be ready to convene. Jesus’ religious trials took place between 3 A.M. and 5 A.M. early Wednesday morning.

John 18:19-23 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

This trial was illegal for the following reasons: it was at night, Annas had no authority or right to trial, and the defendant was struck before proven guilty. Annas had no plans and just asked Jesus vague questions as to what He believed. Jesus answered by telling him to consult with those that heard His teaching and then asked Annas what evil that He had done.

Matt 26:57-59 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

Annas got infuriated with Jesus and sent Him to Caiaphas’ house where the Sanhedrin was slowly gathering. The elders began to look for anyone that would agree to lie against Jesus. They frantically searched and finally found two men that agreed to state that they had heard Jesus state that He would destroy the temple!

Matt 26:60-62 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. 62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

The Pharisee’s argument was weak and they knew it. The two false witnesses proved nothing so the High Priest, desperate that their scheme was about to collapse, stood up and asked Jesus to state whether or not He was the Messiah. This entire sequence of events fulfilled prophecy that the Messiah would be silent when accused (Isaiah 53:7 Psalms 38:13-14), and that false witnesses would accuse the Messiah (Psalms 27:12 35:11)

Matt 26:62-66 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Jesus answered Caiaphas’ request by stating that He was the one stating the facts, but yes one day He would see the “Son of Man,” meaning the physical body of Jesus in the power of God coming back in the clouds of heaven. Jesus was simply proving that He was God. The High Priest then responded with the typical Jewish response of grief by tearing His clothes, and proclaimed that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy! This trial was illegal for the following reasons: it was at night, and the laws of the Sanhedrin stated that all business had to be conducted during daylight, false witnesses were hired to stand in against Jesus, the High Priest himself brought accusation against Jesus instead of allowing both sides to be heard, the Sanhedrin had no legal right to sentence anyone to death, and Jesus was also again physically abused:

Matt 26:67-68 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, 68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Since the trial was illegal, the Jews had to wait until day break to hold another “trial” for their judgment of Jesus to be official. They passed the time by making fun of Jesus and spitting and slapping Him. This also fulfilled prophecy that the Messiah would be smitten and spat upon (Isaiah 50:6) It was probably near this time that Peter denied Christ.

Matt 27:1-2 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

When day break came, the chief priests met once again to make their verdict “official.” They then sent Jesus and their decision to Pilate, the Roman governor of the area. At this time, Judas Iscariot realized that the Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus. In horror, Judas returned to the Sanhedrin.

Matt 27:3-10 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

Judas Iscariot never intended for Jesus to die, and when He saw the coming judgment, He brought the thirty pieces of silver back to the temple and tried to give it back. Having gotten what they desired, the Pharisees rejected Judas’ offer. Judas threw the money onto the floor of the temple, and unable to deal with the realization that He had betrayed the Messiah, went and hanged himself. What a sad ending to a disciple that Jesus loved! The chief priests took the money and since they did not want to “break the law” by putting the price of blood back into the treasury, bought a field outside of town where strangers could be buried. This fulfilled the analogy of the potter that the prophet Jeremiah used to describe God’s dealing with Israel (Jeremiah chapter 18 and 19) and also fulfilled the prophecy about the thirty pieces of silver used to buy a field in Zechariah 11:13.

John 18:28-31 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:

The Jews then led Jesus to Pilate’s judgment hall, but would not go into the judgment hall themselves as it would make them “defiled,” and, according to their laws, unable to eat the Passover meal later in the day. They did not realize that the spotless Lamb of God who would be the ultimate Passover Lamb was the one they would crucify! Pilate tried to talk them into judging Jesus according to their religious laws but they would not because they were determined to kill Him and only Pilate could authorize death.

Luke 23:1-2 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Realizing that they wanted to kill Jesus, Pilate then asked the charges against Him. The three accusations were that Jesus perverted the religion of Israel, He did not pay taxes, and that He set Himself up as a King. Pilate was not concerned with Israel’s religious system and could not prove whether or not Jesus had a job so thus owed taxes, but he was concerned with Jesus’ claim to be a King. Pilate then privately interviewed Jesus on the charges:

John 18:33-38 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

When Pilate asks Jesus if He truly is a king, Jesus responds by assuring Pilate that He has not come to take over the Roman kingdom but to set up a spiritual kingdom. When Pilate realized that Jesus had done nothing deserving Roman punishment, He walked back out the Jews (who were outside the judgment hall), and proclaimed Christ innocent. This was a fulfillment of Psalms 69:4 and Psalms 109:3-5 which prophesied that the Messiah would be hated without cause.

Luke 23:5-7 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. 6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

The Jews, desperate that their scheme was not working as planned, began to claim to Pilate that Jesus was “stirring up the people” from Galilee to Judea. When Pilate found out that Jesus was from Galilee, he saw an opportunity to rid himself of this problem. Pilate was the governor of Judea, but Herod was the governor of Galilee, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time! Pilate then sent Jesus to Herod.

Luke 23:8-11 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

Herod was glad to finally see this Jesus of Nazareth that he had heard so much about. Surely Jesus would do a miracle or something! Jesus, however, refused to speak to Herod and finally, in disgust put a gorgeous, royal robe on Jesus and mocked Him hoping to get some response from Jesus. Why did Jesus not speak with Herod, even though He had spoken freely with Pilate? John the Baptist had been the man of God in Herod’s life. Because John the Baptist had freely preached to Herod the truth, Herod eventually had John the Baptist beheaded (Matthew 14:3-4). Jesus would not speak because Herod had killed the man of God in his life. Even today, God will not talk to someone who has killed the influence of the man of God that is in their life!

Matt 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

When Pilate found out that Herod had sent Jesus back to him, he again sat down on the judgment seat. His problem was this: if he killed Jesus, then he knew that he was killing an innocent man, but if he did not punish Jesus, then the Pharisees would incite a riot in the crowded city, thus effectively causing Pilate to lose his job and position. As he sat pondering Jesus, Pilate’s wife sent word for him not to hurt Jesus of Nazareth because God had troubled her in a dream! Pilate decided to try for a compromise:

Luke 23:13-17 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: 15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him. 17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

It was custom that the Romans release one Jewish prisoner at each Passover as a way of keeping the Jews happy. Pilate, trying to keep his job but not crucify an innocent man, offered to beat Jesus and then allow Him to be the prisoner that was released.

Matt 27:20-23 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

Barrabas was an evil robber and murderer that was well known to the Jews. Pilate offered the choice between Jesus and Barrabas thinking that the Jews would never want such a violent criminal as Barrabas released. The multitude, stirred by the chief priests and elders, cried for Pilate to release Barrabas and crucify Jesus. Desperate, Pilate tried to reason with the blood thirsty crowd. Seeing that he was about to have a riot on his hands, Pilate made his decision:

Matt 27:24-25 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

Pilate began to wash his hands with water, symbolic of his knowledge that he had just condemned an innocent man to die. The people responded to let “His blood be on us, and on our children!” How prophetic and powerful those words would become!

Matt 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

The scourging was not just a simple beating. The scourge was a whip with several leather strips on the end. These strips were loaded with balls of lead upon which were attached sharp pieces of bone and spikes. The victim’s hand were tied to a post with His back bent and then the beating was applied by several soldiers. Every strike cut into the bare flesh of the victim. These beating themselves usually ended in death of the victim. Veins and intestines were often torn out and revealed. The flesh was torn away till one could easily see the back bone. Sometimes the scourge would strike the face of the victim and tear out eyes or teeth. This was not some simple whipping, but took Christ to the point of death before He was ever crucified. Why was Jesus beat? Would not dying for the sins of mankind be enough punishment?

1 Pet 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

By His stripes we “were healed!” The shedding of Jesus’ blood would fulfill the Passover and take care of our sins, but He suffered through this scourging to provide healing for His church! Healing is available to every true member of the church today because Jesus has already paid the price! Pilate hoped that the scourging of Jesus would be enough to convince the Jews to let Jesus go, but Pilate did not realize that He was fulfilling scripture:

Isa 53:3-5 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Because Jesus suffered before He died, we can have peace and healing! Not only can we receive freedom from our sin today, we can also receive healing for our bodies and peace for our situations! How do you become eligible? By identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection! We will see how to identify with Christ in this way later under grace!