
(Luke 22:63-71) The Unlawful Trial of the Lamb
In this sermon, we explore the unlawful trials of Jesus Christ, highlighting the corruption and injustice that pervaded both the Jewish and Roman legal systems. The sermon draws parallels between the infamous Star Chamber of King Henry VII's time and the trials Jesus faced, emphasizing the betrayal of justice by religious and political leaders. Despite the blatant disregard for Hebrew and Roman laws, Jesus remained composed, fulfilling the divine plan foretold by God. The trials were marked by false witnesses, illegal proceedings, and a corrupt religious system that sought to silence Jesus. Yet, through it all, Jesus' identity as the Son of God was affirmed, and His sacrifice was underscored as the means by which believers are spared from divine judgment.
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Transcript
In the 15th century, under the reign of King Henry VII, a special court was established to handle high profile cases. These were cases where jury members might be influenced, or a judge might be bribed.
This special court met in a hall within the Palace of Westminster, and since that hall had a star-patterned ceiling, it became known as The Star Chamber.
Almost immediately it earned a reputation for justice and fairness. The powerful and the political and the landowners of the day could not manipulate or intimidate what went on in that Star Chamber.
Unfortunately, over time, its reputation turned upside down. It became the puppet court of the King and would be used to silence his enemies. The Star Chamber became a symbol not of the stars that shone brightly and consistently, but of the shadows that represented unjust treatment and unfair verdicts.
I have to tell you nothing bothers me nearly as much as hearing about a crooked judge, or an attorney who withholds key evidence, or a jury member who was bribed to turn a blind eye to the evidence.
That bothers me – and I’m sure it bothers you.
But I gotta tell you, nothing bothers me more than a crooked religious system or a corrupt religious leader who is supposed to not only represent God, but represent the character of God, which is fair and honest and just.
We’re about to enter a scene where both will conspire against Jesus. He’s going to face 6 different hearings, or trials, and all of it will ooze with corruption and unfairness and conspiracy and intrigue and unjust treatment.
Just keep in mind that none of it will surprise Jesus. He’s already predicted it – in fact, He has determined it.
When Peter preaches the inaugural sermon of the dispensation of the church age, as the church is moments away from being created by the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2, Peter reminds everyone there at Solomon’s Porch – he preaches, “Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” (Acts 2:23).
But listen, even though that’s true, Peter also levels his accusation at this corrupt system and he goes on to say primarily to the Jewish leaders and this Jewish audience, “You crucified Him.” You called for it – you chanted it – you demanded it. And then primarily to the Roman world, Peter says at the end of verse 23, “He was killed by the hands of lawless men.”
We’re about to see the abandonment of both Hebrew law and Roman law as people turn a blind eye and deliver an unfair verdict.
Jesus will have three trials, so to speak, before the Jewish leaders, and three trials before Roman leaders – 6 unlawful trials of the Lamb of God.
Now we’re not gonna get through all 6 today, so just mumble a hallelujah. We’re gonna get through the first 3 – the Jewish hearings – today. And what I wanna do is organize these three settings by giving you 9 laws that were broken in the process.
Now the gospel of Luke – here at chapter 22 – condenses these Jewish court appearances, so to speak, while the other gospel accounts lengthen the timeline.
We know from John’s gospel that Jesus is taken actually, from the Garden of Gethsemane directly to the home of Annas, the old, former high priest.
John writes:
So the band of (Roman) soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews (Temple police) arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. John 18:12-13
Annas had served as high priest from A.D. 6 to A.D. 15. Even though Annas was now too old to serve, the Romans determined the high priest, based on who would be favorable to their political rule, and who could grease their palms with the most money.
That would be Annas. He had this city, this temple, this priesthood, and this Sanhedrin, in his grip.
We know from history that Annas had five sons who all served as High Priest. And we just read that Caiaphas, his son-in-law, was currently holding that office.
Annas had built an empire around the temple system. The exorbitant prices for sacrificial animals, the money changing that charged outlandish rates of exchange – Annas had set it all up.
Jewish historians commonly referred to the temple as the Market Place of Annas. And the profits were going into his pocket and his family estate.
He had created a virtual religious mafia around the temple.
I agree with one author who said that Annas was like the godfather of the Jewish world. (Source: Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on Luke (Zondervan, 2012), p. 491)
You might remember how Jesus showed up and turned over the tables of the money changers and sent them running outta the temple, along with all the livestock.
And then Jesus had the audacity to call the Market Place of Annas a Den of Thieves. Jesus just ripped the mask off!
So, it’s no surprise that Annas was ready that night to see Jesus. Annas wasn’t just awakened either – he knew what was going down in the Garden of Gethsemane – he’s not standing there in his pajamas – my guess is he’s dressed in his high priestly garments to intimidate this backwoods rabbi who messed with his mafia.
Now to stand before the former high priest was nothing less than a legal hearing. But it was entirely illegal.
The first law broken, at this point is this one:
Trials were not to be held during Israel’s national festivals.
And this was Passover season – a time when spiritually minded people would be focused on praise and worship for the grace and mercy of God.
Not Annas. He wanted to interrogate the man who’d caused him heartburn and high blood pressure.
So when Jesus arrives, Annas immediately demands some answers – John 18 and now verse 19:
The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world … I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me?” John 18:19-21
These are loaded words, because what Annas is doing is illegal. According to Hebrew law, as we’ll see later, you can’t hold a secret hearing – and Jesus implies that He hasn’t done anything in secret, so why is Annas here, in secret, violating the law.
You can imagine nobody’s dozing off here! All the men in this room know Annas has no regard for the law, but nobody’s gonna say it out loud.
Well Jesus just did.
John records that one of the soldiers slapped Jesus for effectively implying that Annas was a crook. But Annas knows he’s just been outwitted. He’s cornered and convicted – so he lets this soldier settle the score with a slap to the face.
When our church met years ago in the band room of East Cary Middle School, one of the men in our church family was a judge in Raleigh. Many years ago when I was reading this passage, I called him up and asked him – “Listen, what would happen if an accused criminal talked back to you, the judge, and you didn’t like it and it made you made, and the bailiff turned around slapped this person in the face? What would you do, as a judge? He said, “If that happened in my courtroom – or any courtroom in our country – that bailiff would be in trouble with the law.
But that didn’t happen here! Because the law didn’t matter anymore.
Following this stinging slap, Annas sends Jesus away to Caiphas, his son-in-law.
Now Matthew’s account fills in some details that Luke doesn’t include at this point. While Luke focuses on Peter’s denial in the courtyard, Matthew gives us a closer look at the trial taking place inside.
And they’re in the process of breaking yet another Hebrew law – here it is:
Trials could not be held secretly at night, but publicly during the day.
Now here at Caiphas’ house, this is not so much a personal hearing as much as it is a trial in every respect.
We know that because Matthew records in chapter 26:
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. Matthew 26:57
Old Annas hasn’t come along – he stayed home to nurse his guilty conscience.
But members of the Sanhedrin, made up of scribes and elders, have arrived by torchlight. This is gonna be an illegal trial, out of sight – away from the people – away from any supporters of Jesus – this is the work of darkness under the cover of night.
Before we look any further, understand that the Hebrew system of law was a badge of honor. Israel prided themselves on their legal system – and – their Supreme Court, the Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin, sometimes referred to as the Senate, or the Council of the Elders, was composed of 70 men: 23 priests, 23 scribes, and 23 elders – and the current high priest who served as the president of the council.
Now we can be certain that this is indeed an illegal trial because they are bringing forward witnesses.
And with that, here’s another Hebrew law that shatters in the process – here it is:
Two witnesses must come forward and agree on the charges.
Never mind there shouldn’t have been a trial. But given the fact that there was, they’re going to keep the law regarding witnesses.
And the law of witnesses is recorded in Deuteronomy 19 where Moses writes:
Only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be established. Deuteronomy 19:15
And of course, they had to agree on every point.
Now understand that the courtroom of the Sanhedrin was different than our courtroom today. In the Sanhedrin, there were no prosecutors as we know them today – the witnesses served as the prosecutors. They were the key components of the case.
They were typically questioned separately by members of the Sanhedrin to ensure their testimony was consistent – that they weren’t making anything up.
You’ve probably heard about the 3 high school students who decided to skip school for an hour or two; they came into school at lunch time and told the principal they had had a flat tire and it took them all morning to get another tire and then they had to put it on themselves.
He immediately sent them to 3 different corners of his office, gave each of them a piece of paper and a pen, told them to face the wall and then write down on that piece of paper which tire went flat. Well, that took care of that.
Now with the critical nature of honest witnesses in order to hold a fair trial – just let Matthew’s gospel account sink in – he writes:
“Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward.” Matthew 26:59-60
Imagine – they are actually looking for liars. They’re hoping for two of them to make something up and step forward.
The trouble is these liars can’t keep their story straight. They keep guessing the wrong tire.
None of them could keep their story straight – until – and probably only after – some back room coaching got two witnesses to step up with the same details –
Leave this verse up until the next slide
Matthew goes on to write in verse 60:
At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” Matthew 26:60-61
This statement by Jesus had been a metaphor about His own body rising from the dead after three days.
But now it’s twisted, and these two men are accusing Jesus of a literal threat against the temple structure.
If this wasn’t so tragic, it would be comical. Matthew writes with a touch of sarcastic humor – “At last two came forward” – finally, if you can believe it – the Sanhedrin found two men who could keep their story straight –
But what a story – “Jesus threatened to tear down the temple – He’s gonna blow it up or something – and then He’s gonna rebuild it in 72 hours.”
That’s it? Really?
Now there’s a reason the Sanhedrin had a hard time getting men of sound mind to bear false witness against the Lord – and here’s another law that was broken:
False witnesses were to bear the same penalty as the accused.
The law records in Deuteronomy 19:16-19:
If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing … the judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother.” Deuteronomy 19:16-19
You testify falsely in court and you’re going to jail for the same amount of time the accused would have gone there.
You can be sure this had a way of curbing false witnesses.
Let me tell you, there should have been a dozen more crosses on Golgotha – for all these false witnesses.
But here’s the Sanhedrin’s dilemma – there’s just no evidence of wrong-doing. They have no witnesses to a crime. Jesus never broke the law. He’s innocent – and sinless – and entirely perfect. And besides, where do you get reliable witnesses in the middle of the night?
So, these corrupt religious leaders continue to break one law after another. And here’s another one – number 5:
The high priest was not allowed to question the accused.
The high priest simply presided over the court.
But you’ll notice that after the false witnesses testify, Caiphas leaps to his feet – Matthew’s gospel records:
And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. Matthew 26:62-63
He will eventually speak, but at this point, the Lord is effectively reminding Caiaphas that he’s breaking the law himself by asking a question. And Jesus won’t dignify him with an answer.
Now around this point in time, Luke’s gospel indicates that Jesus is handed over to the Roman soldiers to hold him until daybreak.
They know this secret trial is unlawful. So they’re gonna wait until daybreak to fake a real trial – to act like they’re just now bringing Jesus to stand before the court of law.
And while these soldiers hold Jesus for a few hours, Luke records they beat him and mocked him - Luke 22 and verse 63:
Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophecy! Who is it that struck you?” Luke 22:63-64
We know from history that the children’s game of Blindman’s Bluff dates all the way back to these days here where a child would be blindfolded. The other children would take little papyrus reeds and tickle the child who would try to guess who. (Source: Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Luke (Tyndale, 1997), p. 517)
Well, these Roman soldiers have picked up on the accusation that Jesus was a prophet, so they’ve turned it into a guessing game of Blind Man’s Bluff – only in this game, they’re using their fists to beat Him and then try to make Him guess.
Eventually, the dawn arrives. Luke writes here in chapter 22 and verse 66:
When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council. Luke 22:66
The language here reveals that now the entire Sanhedrin has assembled in the great Hall of Judgment.
This courtroom was located inside the Temple complex, and it was formally called The Chamber of Hewn Stone.
The name came from the fact that the stones were carefully cut and then fit together to form the walls and pillars – this court was to represent the solid, granite-stability of truth and justice and devotion to God’s law.
The 70 men sat in two semi-circles – 35 on one side and 35 on the other. The high priest sat in front and was to remain silent – he was there to ensure order in the court.
However, it doesn’t take long before another Hebrew law is broken; here it is:
The accused were never required to speak for their own defense.
Luke writes that as soon as court is convened, they break this law – verse 66 again;
And they led him away to their council, and they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” Luke 22:66
We have adopted this same law, in a manner of speaking – we give the accused the right to “plead the 5th”. A person is not required to speak for themselves in a way that might incriminate themselves.
Jesus didn’t have to answer this incriminating question. And earlier with Annas, Jesus had remained silent.
But now it’s time – it’s time to help the Sanhedrin find Him guilty of something significant – something worthy of death.
Don’t miss this. The Sanhedrin is stuck. All they can accuse Him of is threatening to do harm to the temple building. What’s He gonna do – take a little hammer out there and start pounding away at a wall . . . they might send Him away from some counseling – not call for a crucifixion.
Even though Jesus is not bound by law to speak – this time He does – verse 6 – Jesus responds:
If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. Luke 22:68
In other words, you don’t really wanna hear the truth about Jesus the Messiah!
They didn’t want the truth about Jesus being the Christ – the Anointed Redeemer! Their eyes were closed.
And to our world today – it’s the same issue. The problem isn’t that our world around us needs more evidence of God, the problem is they know it would demand repentance. So don’t tell me …
But Jesus now takes them further – He helps seal His destiny on the cross – Jesus keeps talking – verse 69:
“But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” Luke 22:69-70
In other words, “I am the Son of God just as you are saying it in your question!” (Source: R.C.H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Luke’s Gospel (Augsburg Publishing, 1946), p. 1099)
The word “You” is emphatic. One translator paraphrases it: “You have just confessed it even if you don’t believe it.” (Source: Dale Ralph Davis, Luke: The Year of the Lord’s Favor (Christian Focus, 2021), p. 196)
And look at what the Lord has just claimed.
Daniel 7:13-14 refers to the divine Son of Man approaching the throne of God.
Psalm 110:1 refers to the Lord sitting God in judgment over the world.
Jesus takes these two passage and relates them to Himself. He effectively says, “I am the person from Daniel 7 and this is my posture in Psalm 110.” (Source: Davis, p. 195)
“I am the Son of Man – and I am seated at the right hand of God – the place of divine authority.”
And the Sanhedrin immediately knew that Jesus was claiming virtual equality with God, both in person and in position. (Source: Ibid)
Which is why they respond here by asking, “Are you saying that you are the Son of God?” Are you claiming to be deity, in the flesh?
Yes! And in case they missed it, Matthew’s account records Jesus adding this final phrase:
You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64
You can kill me, but I’m coming back. This is a picture of a coming, divine judgment and Jesus is claiming to be the Divine Judge!
He’s warning them “You might be judging me now, but I will judge you one day. You want to condemn Me today, but if you do not believe in Me you will be condemned by Me in that day.”
Jesus is not on trial here – the Sanhedrin is on trial.
They understood what Jesus was saying about Himself. Which is why they respond – here in Luke 22 and verse 71:
Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” Luke 22:71
He’s claiming to be deity robed in humanity. Let me tell you, they should’ve fallen down on that stone floor and worshipped Him.
Matthew Henry wrote 300 years ago, “There is none so blind as those who refuse to see.” (Source: Adapted from Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Courageous (Victor Books, 1989), p. 127)
Instead of falling down to worship Him, Matthew records Caiaphas calling for a vote:
Then the high priest tore his robes (in mock grief) and said … “You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Matthew 26:65-66
With this action, they violate three more Hebrew laws – let me give them to you quickly.
The sentencing of the accused followed a day of fasting and reflection.
These supreme court justices were to spend the day considering the evidence – praying – fasting, or eating very lightly – reflecting. We know from history that they would often pair up and discuss the case together.
But there was no hesitation in this case.
Yet another law was broken – here it is:
The sentence of death would be dismissed if the court was unanimous.
Now in our world, a unanimous vote is required for the death penalty. But here in Israel, they believed that a unanimous vote implied something was wrong, perhaps there had been a lack of critical thinking, maybe a prejudiced heart among them, or a lack of mercy.
So, a unanimous vote of the Sanhedrin immediately allowed the accused to go free.
But not with Jesus.
Finally – one more law is broken most horribly – here it is:
The evidence of judicial prejudice or bias would overturn any decision of the court.
We would call it a mistrial. Some jury member was bribed. The judge mishandled the case. The attorney withheld evidence.
Were these Supreme Court justices ruling with fairness and justice?
Just watch what they do next. Matthew records that after this verdict is read, they descended on Jesus like the Roman soldiers had done earlier. He writes:
Then they spit in his face and struck him . . . and some slapped him. Matthew 26:67
Can you imagine, the Supreme court of the United States, condemning a criminal to die, and then, robes and all, descending upon the accused and spitting in his face.
The Supreme Court of Israel has degenerated into a vicious mob of 71 men – surrounding him, spitting, hitting, cursing, mocking.
He took it all – on your behalf and mine.
The innocent, pure, sinless, Son of God, came for this moment.
He was tried before this high court so that you will never have to be tried before the court of Heaven.
Jesus was treated with the injustice of mankind, so that you will never have to face the justice of God.
Jesus was condemned to die on earth, so that you can live forever with Him in heaven.
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