Jesus On Trial Series

Johnnie Cochran was the famous defense attorney of OJ Simpson. Many of you will remember his closing arguments in that case, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” He was once asked whom he would have liked to defense. Cochran’s answer is telling: “Jesus is the person I would like to have defended. I would have relished the opportunity to defend someone who was completely innocent of all charges and a victim of religious persecution. However, because of his mission here, he would have undoubtedly declined.”

The Greatest Week in History is a series of sermons devoted to the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. One third of the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are devoted to the last week while one half of John’s gospel is devoted to this one week.

Now, there are many faces in the worst trial in history. Names like Judas, and Annas, and Caiaphas, and even some of Jesus’ friends like Peter, all form a fascinating lineup of infamous, evil characters in the unparalleled drama that unfolds around the crucifixion of Christ. This morning we meet three more: Pilate and Herod, and Barabbas. These three mens’ name are added to the Rogue’s Gallery that we’ve been accumulating in the drama of the murder of Jesus.

Today’s Scripture

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will” (Luke 23:1-25).

The oldest known creed in the church is the Apostle’s Creed. Millions of people have cited the words of the Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate…

Again, this creed is cited by millions of Christians around the world each week. Why does the Apostle’s Creed mention Pontius Pilate? The Creed mentions Pilate to highlight the importance of Jesus’ death.

Jesus before Pilate is one the most famous incidents in the life of Jesus and all of history. Traditionally, Jesus’ trials have been broken down between the religious phase of His trials and the civil phase. Jesus was first tried by the people of His own race and the leaders from within His tribe. Why two phases? There were two phases when they wanted to have Jesus executed, they had to bring Him to the politicians. For it was only the civil government, the Romans, who possessed the power to execute someone.