The Trial of Jesus
Jesus and Pilate
Jesus is arrested in the garden and taken before Pilate, who asks him if he is the King of the Jews. Jesus responds by saying,
My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world...For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.1
Pilate doesn’t find Jesus guilty of anything but he knows he has to keep the peace somehow, as a riotous mob is emerging, so he offers a diplomatic solution.
Jesus and Barabbas
Pilate tells the Jews that they must choose who they want to see crucified: Barabbas or Jesus.
Barabbas (whose name means “son of the Father”) was in prison for insurrection and murder in the city.2 At the time, many believed that the Messiah would overthrow Roman oppression. Barabbas is a Messiah-like figure, but he is the opposite of Jesus—he is a fighter, a rebel and a law breaker.
Jesus is the actual son of the Father and promoted peace instead of fighting. He came in humility and obedience and he did not come in power like the Messiah the Jews expected. His crime was blasphemy (saying he was the son of God), which would be considered worse than murder.
Barabbas is chosen to be released, and Jesus is sentenced to be crucified.
Jesus is Condemned
Just before Jesus is condemned, Pilate asks, “Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?”3 Jesus responds by saying, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”4 Jesus, knowing that his suffering at the hands of Pilate is the will of the Father, submits to that will.
Even though his trial is unjust, he does not defend himself or fight back. Again and again we see Jesus’ complete obedience to the Father in countless ways. He truly meant what he said when he prayed in the garden, “your will be done.”
Preparing Our Hearts
In the same way that Jesus perfectly obeys his Father’s will, we too can follow Christ in humble obedience, even if we feel the sting of injustice against us.