Mark 15:1
JESUS FACES PILATE
1 As soon as it was morning, having held a meeting with the elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin, the chief priests tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.[1]
 
Matthew 27:3-10
JUDAS HANGS HIMSELF
3 Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned,

• Jesus’ religious trial before the Sanhedrin

was full of remorse (regret – metamelomai vs repent - metanoia) and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.

• “What have I done?”

4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said.

• Remorse… not repentance.

“What’s that to us?” they said. “See to it yourself!”

• The seduced is rejected by the seducer.

5 So he threw the silver into the temple and departed. Then he went and hanged himself.
Acts 1:15-19

• In those days Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters—the number of people who were together was about a hundred and twenty—and said: 16 “Brothers and sisters, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David foretold about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst, his body burst open and his intestines spilled out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood).[2]

• Arnold Fruchtenbaum has this to say about Judas’ death in his Life of Christ series:
  “According to Jewish law, if there was a dead body in Jerusalem, the city was considered defiled and the morning Passover sacrifice could not be offered and could not be celebrated. However, Jewish law goes on to say that if the body is taken and cast into the valley of Hinnom, a place of burning… then the city is reckoned as cleansed and the Passover can be partaken of, and then later they can return and bury the body.”

 
6 The chief priests took the silver and said, “It’s not permitted to put it into the temple treasury, since it is blood money.”

• They only had two options to deal with this money:
• 1) Return it to the owner… but Judas was now dead.
• 2) Do something for the public.
• Alfred Edersheim (Book 5, page 575)
• “It was not lawful to take into the Temple treasury, for the purchase of sacred things, money that had been unlawfully gained (blood money). In such cases the Jewish Law provided that the money was to be restored to the donor, and, if he insisted on giving it, that he should be induced to spend it for something for the public weal.”

 
7 They conferred together and bought the potter’s field with it as a burial place for foreigners (strangers).

• Made themselves look good.
• This apparently contradicts Acts 1:18 that says, “Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages.”
• Who actually bought the field?
• The Sanhedrin did, with the money that was Judas’ so it was purchased in Judas’ name.
• Contradiction solved.

8 Therefore that field has been called “Blood Field” to this day.
9 Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him whose price was set by the Israelites, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.[3]

• Matthew quoted Zechariah as prophecy fulfilled. (not Jeremiah)

Zechariah 11:12-13

• Then I said to them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed my wages, thirty pieces of silver.
• “Throw it to the potter,” the Lord said to me—this magnificent price I was valued by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw it into the house of the Lord, to the potter.[4]

 

• 30 pieces of silver = The value of one dead slave.
• What did they buy? The Potter’s Field
• 600 years before Jesus was Jeremiah
• Matthew knew when the elders & chief priests bought the Potter’s Field… the very same field that Jeremiah had cursed 60 years before.

 
Jeremiah 7:27-34
27 “When you speak all these things to them, they will not listen to you. When you call to them, they will not answer you. 28 Therefore, declare to them, ‘This is the nation that would not listen to the Lord their God and would not accept discipline. Truth has perished—it has disappeared from their mouths. 29 Cut off the hair of your sacred vow and throw it away. Raise up a dirge on the barren heights, for the Lord has rejected and abandoned the generation under his wrath.’

• “For the Judeans have done what is evil in my sight.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “They have set up their abhorrent things in the house that bears my name in order to defile it. 31 They have built the high places of Topheth in Ben Hinnom Valley in order to burn their sons and daughters in the fire, a thing I did not command; I never entertained the thought.

• 32 “Therefore, look, the days are coming”—the Lord’s declaration—“when this place will no longer be called Topheth and Ben Hinnom Valley, but the Valley of Slaughter. Topheth will become a cemetery, because there will be no other burial place. 33 The corpses of these people will become food for the birds of the sky and for the wild animals of the land, with no one to scare them away. 34 I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and gladness and the voices of the groom and the bride, for the land will become a desolate waste.[5]

 

• A curse was placed on this piece of property 600 years before Jesus died.

 

• Jeremiah 19:1-15
• This is what the Lord says: “Go, buy a potter’s clay jar. Take some of the elders of the people and some of the leading priests 2 and go out to Ben Hinnom Valley near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. Proclaim there the words I speak to you. 3 Say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that everyone who hears about it will shudder 4 because they have abandoned me and made this a foreign place. They have burned incense in it to other gods that they, their fathers, and the kings of Judah have never known. They have filled this place with the blood of the innocent. 5 They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, something I have never commanded or mentioned; I never entertained the thought.
• “‘Therefore, look, the days are coming—this is the Lord’s declaration—when this place will no longer be called Topheth and Ben Hinnom Valley, but Slaughter Valley. 7 I will spoil the plans of Judah and Jerusalem in this place. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, by the hand of those who intend to take their life. I will provide their corpses as food for the birds of the sky and for the wild animals of the land. 8 I will make this city desolate, an object of scorn. Everyone who passes by it will be appalled and scoff because of all its wounds. 9 I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and their daughters, and they will eat each other’s flesh in the distressing siege inflicted on them by their enemies who intend to take their life.’
• “Then you are to shatter the jar in the presence of the people going with you, 11 and you are to proclaim to them, ‘This is what the Lord of Armies says: I will shatter these people and this city, like one shatters a potter’s jar that can never again be mended. They will bury the dead in Topheth because there is no other place for burials. 12 That is what I will do to this place—this is the declaration of the Lord—and to its residents, making this city like Topheth. 13 The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will become impure like that place Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they have burned incense to all the stars in the sky and poured out drink offerings to other gods.’”
• Jeremiah returned from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy, stood in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple, and proclaimed to all the people, 15 “This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘I am about to bring on this city—and on all its cities—every disaster that I spoke against it, for they have become obstinate, not obeying my words.’”[6]

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:66–15:1). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 1:15–19). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:69–27:10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Zec 11:12–13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Je 7:27–34). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Je 19:1–15). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Mark 14:30
30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”[1]
 
Matthew 26:58
58 Peter was following him at a distance right to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the servants to see the outcome.[2]
 
Mark 14:54
54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard.[3]
 
Luke 22:54
54 They seized him, led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance.[4]

• Peter was the 1st to turn back to Jesus
• John may have been the 2nd and then they joined up together.

 
John 18:15-16
15 Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple.

• John has a precedent set for not naming himself.

That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest;
so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. 16 But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was the doorkeeper and brought Peter in. [5]Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard.[6]

• John’s family probably was friends with Caiaphas
• This is why John was able to name Malchus at the Garden of Gethsemane.

 
Matthew 26:69 – 27:10
PETER DENIES HIS LORD
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl approached him and said, “You were with Jesus the Galilean too.”
70 But he denied it in front of everyone: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

• Simple denial
• Refer to Mark 14:66-68

 
71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!”
72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”

• 2nd denial included an oath.
• Refer to Luke 22:59

 
73 After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, “You really are one of them, since even your accent gives you away.”
74 Then he started to curse and to swear with an oath, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed, 75 and Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
 
JESUS HANDED OVER TO PILATE
27 When daybreak came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put him to death. 2 After tying him up, they led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

• The Romans kept the Sanhedrin in place to have control over the Jews.
• The Romans had taken away the authority of the Sanhedrin to impose capital punishment.
• The Sanhedrin was afraid to kill Jesus because of the mobs of Jews that believed Jesus.
• If they let Jesus lived, then they would lose their system and positions.

 
Mark 14:66 – 15:1
PETER DENIES HIS LORD
66 While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s maidservants came. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.”
68 But he denied it: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed.

• The NASB & NIV leave out “and a rooster crowed.”
• Refer to Luke 22:55-58

 
69 When the maidservant saw him again, she began to tell those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
 
70 But again he denied it. After a little while those standing there said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, since you’re also a Galilean.”
71 Then he started to curse and swear, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about!”

• 1st denial was a simple denial
• 2nd denial came with an oath
• 3rd denial came with a swearing
• Refer to Luke 22:60-71

 
72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
 
JESUS FACES PILATE
15 As soon as it was morning, having held a meeting with the elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin, the chief priests tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.[8]
 
Luke 22:54-71
PETER DENIES HIS LORD
54 They seized him, led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance. 55 They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter sat among them. 56 When a servant saw him sitting in the light, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with him too.”
57 But he denied it: “Woman, I don’t know him.”
58 After a little while, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter said.

• Refer to Matthew 26:71-72

59 About an hour later, another kept insisting, “This man was certainly with him, since he’s also a Galilean.”

• Occurred an hour after the 2nd denial.
• Refer to Mark 14:70-71

60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

• Peter denied him 3 times.
• 2nd time a rooster crowed.
• The rooster crows at daylight.
• A new day had come.

61 Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter.

• What was the look Jesus was giving to Peter?

So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

• I have no idea what that look was.
• If we went around the room and asked you what that look was… we would get a varied amount of responses based upon how you personally view Jesus.
• I think Jesus would have looked at Peter and said, “It’s alright… you’re OK.”

 
JESUS MOCKED AND BEATEN
63 The men who were holding Jesus started mocking and beating him. 64 After blindfolding him, they kept asking, “Prophesy! Who was it that hit you?” 65 And they were saying many other blasphemous things to him.
 
JESUS FACES THE SANHEDRIN
66 When daylight came, the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the scribes, convened and brought him before their Sanhedrin.

• The Sanhedrin had to make their conviction somewhat legal so they met at sunrise.

67 They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.”
But he said to them, “If I do tell you, you will not believe.

• Teaching for 75 weeks straight… and people are still coming here on Sundays not believing that Jesus is not real.
• Let me bring this home for you… As a parent, you try to teach your children lessons… sometimes the same lesson over and over.
• Do they learn the lesson? Sometimes… Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many times you repeat yourself.
• This is one of the reasons I record these messages.
• Maybe someday my kids will desire to listen.
• But here is the real frustration as a teacher.
• All they have been taught, they are holding to tightly.
• It is similar to only cooking the same meals your parents prepared for you.
• No fajitas, no jalapeno poppers, no razzleberry pie, no pulled pork smoked all day on the green egg…
• Yah… you still get your turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving… but now we deep fry them!
• You’ll still make some meals your mom made.
• But there is so much more if you just be willing to learn.
• Try to teach religious people that the 10 Commandments were not written for the Gentiles but for the Jews.
• Try to teach religious people that they are completely forgiven.
• Try to teach religious people judgment for the believers is going to be a good thing rather than punishment.
• Try to teach religious people that God not only sees you as forgiven, holy, righteous, blameless and perfect but He made you that way!
• They won’t listen to you!
• Jesus tried.
• They chose not to listen to Jesus.
• They thought what they had was good enough!

68 And if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
70 They all asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?”
And he said to them, “You say that I am.”
71 “Why do we need any more testimony,” they said, “since we’ve heard it ourselves from his mouth?” [9]

• They said, “He said, ‘I AM’”.
• Refer to Matthew 27:1-10

 
John 18:15-27
PETER DENIES JESUS
15 Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. 16 But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was the doorkeeper and brought Peter in.
17 Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?”
“I am not.” he said. 18 Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.
 
JESUS BEFORE ANNAS
19 The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.
20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews congregate, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret. 21 Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.”
22 When he had said these things, one of the officials standing by slapped Jesus, saying, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?”
23 “If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me?” 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
 
PETER DENIES JESUS TWICE MORE
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”
He denied it and said, “I am not.”
26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?”
27 Peter denied it again. Immediately a rooster crowed.[10]
 

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:30). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:58). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:54). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 22:54). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 18:15–16). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 18:15). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:66–15:1). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 22:54–71). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 18:15–27). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

John 18:12-14
JESUS ARRESTED AND TAKEN TO ANNAS
12 Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus and tied him up.

• It is currently 30 AD

How many high priests are there at a time? One
 
Annas (Father-in-law of Caiaphas)

• Quirinius (Governor of Syria) – 7 AD – Appointed as High Priest.
• He was deposed in 15 AD by a Roman procurator, Valerius Gratus.
• 4-5 of his sons served as High Priest after he was deposed.

 
Caiaphas

• 25-36 AD – appointed High Priest by the Romans.
• In the mind of the Romans… in 30 AD… Annas was not the High Priest… Caiaphas was.
• In the mind of the Jews… in 30 AD… Annas was considered the High Priest until death.
• Acts 4 – Annas was considered High Priest.
  6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.[1]
• In the temple that Jesus cleansed, Annas’ sons were the high priests who were charging absorbent prices for “perfect” sacrifices.

 
13 First they led him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better for one man to die for the people.[2]

• Let’s go back… After Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead.

John 11:49-52
49 One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! 50 You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.”

• Caiaphas sentenced Jesus to death.

51 He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God. 53 So from that day on they plotted to kill him.[3]
 
John 18:19-24
JESUS BEFORE ANNAS
19 The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.

• 4) There were to be no trials before the morning sacrifice.

20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews congregate, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret.

• Jesus never did anything in secret… why are you doing this in secret?
• 5) There were to be no secret trial, only a public trial

21 Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.”

• 8)
• There was to be no allowance for the accused to testify against himself.
• Annas asked Jesus to speak.

22 When he had said these things, one of the officials standing by slapped Jesus, saying, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?”
23 “If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me?”

• You’ve already broken your own rules, prove that I am wrong.

24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. [4]
 
Matthew 26:57, 59-68
JESUS FACES THE SANHEDRIN

• 24 Chief Priests
• 24 Elders
• 22 Elders
• 1 High Priest
• 71 = Total
• In capital cases – 23 members of the Sanhedrin had to be present.
• 2 individual members of the Sanhedrin would not be present… Joseph of Arimatheus & Nicodemus.

 

• April 7, 30 AD

 
57 Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had convened.

• This confirms this was the Sanhedrin.
• 20) The only place a Sanhedrin trial could take place was in the Hall of Judgment of the Temple Compound (Babylonian Talmud)
• 22) No trials were on the eve of the Sabbath or on the eve of a feast day (Mishnah)
• 7) The procedure was to be first the defense and then the accusation: (Mishnah - p. 386, CAPITAL CASES MUST BEGIN WITH REASONS FOR ACQUITTAL AND MAY NOT BEGIN WITH REASON FOR CONVICTION.)

58 Peter was following him at a distance right to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the servants to see the outcome.
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death,

• 9) All may argue in favor of acquittal, but all may in argue in favor of conviction: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CHARGES ALL MAY ARGUE IN FAVOR OF ACQUITTAL BUT NOT IN FAVOR OF CONVICTION)

60 but they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two who came forward 61 stated, “This man said, ‘I (am able) can (refer to Mark 14:55-59) destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

• Jesus was referring to His physical body.

62 The high priest stood up and said to him, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?”

• 8) There was to be no allowance for the accused to testify against himself.

63 But Jesus kept silent.

• “You just broke your own law.”
• Almost comical… Kangaroo court.

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
64 “You have said it,” (refer to Mark 14:60-62) Jesus told him. “But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Daniel 7:13)
65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed!

• 13) The high priest was forbidden to tear his garments (Leviticus 21:10)
• 15) Charges could not originate with the judges; they could only investigate charges brought to them.
• 6) There were to be two to three witnesses, and their testimony had to agree in every detail (Deuteronomy 19:15)
• 10) The accusation of blasphemy was only valid if the name of God itself was pronounced: (Mishnah – p. 382, HE THAT HATH BROUGHT AN EVIL NAME (MUST BE JUDGED) BY THREE AND TWENTY, FOR THERE MAY ARISE THEREFROM A CAPITAL CASE. Mishna – p. 392, “THE BLASPHEMER” IS NOT CULPABLE UNLESS HE PRONOUNCES THE NAME ITSELF)
• Jesus cannot commit blasphemy by saying His own name… Jehovah…
• But the Pharisees had committed blasphemy in Matthew 12 (Said Jesus did miracles under power of Beelzebub).

Why do we still need witnesses? See, now you’ve heard the blasphemy. 66 What is your decision?”
They answered, “He deserves death!” (refer to Mark 14:64) 67 Then they spat in his face and beat him; others slapped him (refer to Mark 14:65) 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who was it that hit you?”[5]
 
Mark 14:53, 55-65
JESUS FACES THE SANHEDRIN
53 They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire.
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. 56 For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. 57 Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, stating, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will (inconsistent testimony) destroy this temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another not made by hands.’” 59 Yet their testimony did not agree even on this.

• 6) There were to be two to three witnesses, and their testimony had to agree in every detail (Deuteronomy 19:15)

 
60 Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” 61 But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” (not, “I am Jehovah” – Did not commit blasphemy) said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
63 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?” They all condemned him as deserving death.

• 18) A person could not be condemned on the basis of his own words alone.
• 12) The verdict could not be announced at night, only in the daytime: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES… “THE VERDICT ALSO MUST BE REACHED DURING THE DAYTIME.)
• 14) In cases of capital punishment, the trial and guilty verdict could not occur at the same time but had to be separated by at least 24 hours: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES A VERDICT OF ACQUITTAL MAY BE REACHED ON THE SAME DAY, BUT A VERDICT OF CONVICTION NOT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. Mishnah – P. 389, IF THEY FOUND HIM INNOCENT THEY SET HIM FREE; OTHERWISE THEY LEAVE HIS SENTENCE OVER UNTUL THE MORROW.
• 16) A unanimous decision for guilt shows innocence since it is impossible for 23-71 men to agree without plotting.
• 19) Voting for the death penalty had to be done by individual count beginning with the youngest so the young would not be influenced by the elders. (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES THEY BEGIN FROM [THEM THAT SIT AT] THE SIDE.
• 21) The sentence and the guilty verdict could not be announced on the same day, in fact, had to be separated by three days.

65 Then some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to beat him, saying, “Prophesy!” The temple servants also took him and slapped him. [6]

• 17) Judges were to be humane and kind.
• 11)  A person condemned to death was not to be scourged or beaten beforehand: (Babylonian Talmud – FLOGGING IS CONSIDERED A SUBSTITUTE FOR DEATH, SO A PERSON WHO WAS TO DIE WAS NOT TO BE BEATEN OR SCOURGED BEFOREHAND.)
• Strike with a fist was a fine of 4 denarii.
• Strike with an open hand was a fine of 200 denarii.
• Spit in the face was a fine of 400 denarii (year’s wages)

 
Luke 22:54a
PETER DENIES HIS LORD
54 They seized him, led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house.

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 4:6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 18:12–14). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 11:49–53). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 18:19–24). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:57–68). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:53–65). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Review:

• The unredeemed Jews needed things to happen accordingly:
• 1) They needed Judas because they needed Jesus arrested in a private setting. Otherwise they could have lost their position of authority that was given to them by the Romans.
• 2) They need someone to bring a civil charge to Pilate so a Roman Cohort (400 soldiers) could be used to arrest Jesus.
• 3) They need Judas to present himself as a witness before Pilate (But he was not there because he went and hung himself).

 
John 18:4-9
4 Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Who is it that you’re seeking?”

• Jesus already knew who they were seeking.

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.
“I am he,” Jesus told them.

• I am Jehovah.

Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them.
6 When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground.
7 Then he asked them again, “Who is it that you’re seeking?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 “I told you I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for me, let these men go.”

• Do Jesus enemies know in that circle of men who Jesus actually is?
• Anyone not know?
• They all know!

9 This was to fulfill the words he had said: “I have not lost one of those you have given me.”

• John 17:12 – So than none of them would perish… he was fulfilling prophecy to let His disciple go unscathed.

 
Luke 22:47-48 - 47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a mob came, and one of the Twelve named Judas was leading them. He came near Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”[1]
 
Mark 14:44-45 - His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” 45 So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.[2]

• From a Jewish perspective, Judas said, “Jesus, will You disciple me?”
• They all knew it was Jesus already.
• If you walk in blatant sin, it will destroy you.
• You will look foolish.

 
1) There were to be no steps of criminal proceedings after sunset (Mishnah – p. 387, CAPITAL CHARGES MUST BE TRIED BY DAY AND CONCLUDED BY DAY)

• John 18:3 - So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

 
2) There was to be no arrest by religious authorities that was affected by a bribe

• Exodus 23:8 - You must not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and corrupts the words of the righteous.[3]
• Mark 14:43 - While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.[4]
• Luke 22:52 - Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal?”[5]

 
3) Judges or Sanhedrin member not allowed to participate in the arrest.

• Matthew 26:47 - While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob with swords and clubs was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people.[6]
• Swords – military swords.

 
Luke 22:49
49 When those around him saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?”

• “They” the 11 disciples
• A cohort is present… 400 soldiers
• 11 untrained courageous men against 400 trained soldiers.

 
John 18:10
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

• Why the high priest slave?
• Why not a roman soldier?
• John knew the name of the servant.
• John’s family was friends with the high priest Caiaphas.

 
Matthew 26:48-56
48 His betrayer had given them a sign: “The one I kiss, he’s the one; arrest him.” 49 So immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 “Friend,” Jesus asked him, “why have you come?”
Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his ear.
52 Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword.

• You never use the sword for defense of the faith.

53 Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels?

• Legion = 6,000
• 12 X 6,000 = 72,000 angels.
• It was finally His time… No need for angels.

54 How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

• 9:00 AM – Passover Lamb must be sacrificed.
• Fight spiritual battles with spiritual weaponry… not weapons of the flesh.
• Social media… spiritual weapon or weapon of the flesh?

 
Luke 22:50-51
50 Then one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.
51 But Jesus responded, “No more of this!” And touching his ear, he healed him.

• Why would Jesus heal the ear of the servant of the high priest?
• Peter had been given the keys to the kingdom.
• If Jesus would not have healed this man, Peter would have been killed on the spot.
• Jesus makes sure Peter stays alive so he can preach the first sermon to the Jews in Acts 2… and then to the Gentiles in Acts 10.

 
John 18:11
11 At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?”

• “The cup” – He came in this earth suit and it is time to die in this earth suit.

 
Matthew 26:55-56
55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me.

• I’ve been in your presence before… and you were never able to arrest me.
• Tonight, you come out with your weapons… what makes you think you can tonight?

56 But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.”

• Jesus was giving Himself up so the Scripture (prophecy) could be fulfilled.
• Jesus had to see everything He and the Father had planned was unfolding in order.

Then all the disciples deserted him and ran away.[7]

• Jesus prophesied this in John 16.
• Jesus saw this fulfilled.

 
Luke 22:52-53
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal? 53 Every day while I was with you in the temple, you never laid a hand on me. But this is your hour—and the dominion of darkness.” [8]
 
Mark 14:46-52
46 They took hold of him and arrested him. 47 One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear.
48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? 49 Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
50 Then they all deserted him and ran away. 51 Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. They caught hold of him, 52 but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.[9]

• Who was that?
• John Mark wrote this Gospel.
• Probably himself because the 11 disciples had already left.
• How would he have known?

 
John 18:12
JESUS ARRESTED AND TAKEN TO ANNAS
12 Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus and tied him up.[10]

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 22:47–48). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:44–45). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ex 23:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:43). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 22:52). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:47). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:48–56). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 22:49–53). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:46–52). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 18:10–12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 26:39-46
39 Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.
44 After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” [1]
 
Not concerned about premature death –
John 10:18 - 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”[2]
 
Luke 19:10 - 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”[3]
 
John 10:17 - 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again.[4]
 
Mark 14:35-42
35 He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” [5]
 
Luke 22:44-46
44 Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

• Hematohidrosis also known as Hematidrosis, hemidrosis and hematidrosis, is a condition in which capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to exude blood, occurring under conditions of extreme physical or emotional stress.4

45 When he got up from prayer and came to the disciples, he found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t fall into temptation.”[6]

• We are committed to studying the Gospels from a Jewish perspective.
• Jesus needed to die on Friday Morning at 9:00
  AM to fulfill prophecy.
• The Jewish leaders gave more value to the Oral Law than they did the written Law.
• God’s timing of our lessons has occurred all throughout this study… whether personal situations within Leavener of in light of what is happening with our news of the world.
• It’s no different today… as we watched a man on trial this week and the timing of the whole ordeal is critical.

 

• 1) There were to be no steps of criminal precedings after sunset (Mishnah – p. 387, CAPITAL CHARGES MUST BE TRIED BY DAY AND CONCLUDED BY DAY)
• 2) There was to be no arrest by religious authorities that was affected by a bribe (Exodus 23:8)
• 3) Judges or Sanhedrin member not allowed to participate in the arrest.
• 4) There were to be no trials before the morning sacrifice.
• 5) There were to be no secret trial, only a public trial
• 6) There were to be two to three witnesses, and their testimony had to agree in every detail (Deuteronomy 19:15)
• 7) The procedure was to be first the defense and then the accusation: (Mishnah - p. 386, CAPITAL CASES MUST BEGIN WITH REASONS FOR ACQUITTAL AND MAY NOT BEGIN WITH REASON FOR CONVICTION.)
• 8) There was to be no allowance for the accused to testify against himself.
• 9) All may argue in favor of acquittal, but all may in argue in favor of conviction: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CHARGES ALL MAY ARGUE IN FAVOR OF ACQUITTAL BUT NOT IN FAVOR OF CONVICTION)
• 10) The accusation of blasphemy was only valid if the name of God itself was pronounced: (Mishnah – p. 382, HE THAT HATH BROUGHT AN EVIL NAME (MUST BE JUDGED) BY THREE AND TWENTY, FOR THERE MAY ARISE THEREFROM A CAPITAL CASE. Mishna – p. 392, “THE BLASPHEMER” IS NOT CULPABLE UNLESS HE PRONOUNCES THE NAME ITSELF)
• 11)  A person condemned to death was not to be scourged or beaten beforehand: (Babylonian Talmud – FLOGGING IS CONSIDERED A SUBSTITUTE FOR DEATH, SO A PERSON WHO WAS TO DIE WAS NOT TO BE BEATEN OR SCOURGED BEFOREHAND.)
• 12) The verdict could not be announced at night, only in the daytime: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES… “THE VERDICT ALSO MUST BE REACHED DURING THE DAYTIME.)
• 13) The high priest was forbidden to tear his garments (Leviticus 21:10)
• 14) In cases of capital punishment, the trial and guilty verdict could not occur at the same time but had to be separated by at least 24 hours: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES A VERDICT OF ACQUITTAL MAY BE REACHED ON THE SAME DAY, BUT A VERDICT OF CONVICTION NOT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. Mishnah – P. 389, IF THEY FOUND HIM INNOCENT THEY SET HIM FREE; OTHERWISE THEY LEAVE HIS SENTENCE OVER UNTUL THE MORROW.
• 15) Charges could not originate with the judges; they could only investigate charges brought to them.
• 16) A unanimous decision for guilt shows innocence since it is impossible for 23-71 men to agree without plotting.
• 17) Judges were to be humane and kind.
• 18) A person could not be condemned on the basis of his own words alone.
• 19) Voting for the death penalty had to be done by individual count beginning with the youngest so the young would not be influenced by the elders. (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES THEY BEGIN FROM [THEM THAT SIT AT] THE SIDE.
• 20) The only place a Sanhedrin trial could take place was in the Hall of Judgment of the Temple Compound: (Babylonian Talmud – CAPITAL CASES WERE ONLY DEALT WITH BY ANY COURT OF 23 WHILE THE SANHEDRIN SAT IN THE HEWN-STONE CHAMBER OF THE TEMPLE.)
• 21) The sentence and the guilty verdict could not be announced on the same day, in fact, had to be separated by three days.
• 22) No trials were on the eve of the Sabbath or on the eve of a feast day: (Mishnah – p. 387, TRIALS ARE NOT TO BE HELD ON THE EVE OF A SABBATH OR ON THE EVE OF A FESTIVAL DAY.)

 
John 18:1-9
JESUS BETRAYED
1 After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

• Here is the issue – The unredeemed Jews are caught up in an identity crisis.
• They believe that everything they do and everything they have identifies them publicly.
• Therefore, they will do whatever it takes to keep their identity as to what they want to be associated with.
• If I wanted my identity to be attached to Leavener or as a teacher… I might compromise what I do or what I teach because I would need to be accepted and received for those things (Leavener & a teacher).
• I could easily let my position, status or title be dictated by how society expects me to behave or speak.
• If my identity was wrapped up in my teaching, I might alter what I believe to be accepted. I might change my own standards to accomplish what society is dictating.
• You either are holding on tightly to what you have and it will crush you when you lose it…
• Or you hold on loosely and trust what you have been given… even if it is just for a season.
• The unredeemed Jews needed things to happen accordingly:
• 1) They needed Judas because they needed Jesus arrested in a private setting. Otherwise they could have lost their position of authority that was given to them by the Romans.
• 2) They need someone to bring a civil charge to Pilate so a Roman Cohort (400 soldiers) could be used to arrest Jesus.
• 3) They need Judas to present himself as a witness before Pilate (But he was not there because he went and hung himself).

Judas, the unredeemed Jewish leaders and a Roman Cohort came to the Garden of Gethsemane with lanterns, torches and weapons. VIOLATION!!!

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:39–46). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 10:18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 19:10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 10:17). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:32–42). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 22:39–46). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
4 Freddrick Z., Dr Hematidrosis. Available from: http://enwikipediaorg/wiki/hematidrosis. [Ref list]