Station 3: Jesus's Trial Before the Sanhedrin

Trial Before Sanhedrin by Federico de Madrazo

Once Jesus was handed over to the mob they had to take him somewhere. The place that they took him to was the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the supreme religious court of Jerusalem in the days of Jesus. While Rome occupied Jerusalem and controlled the region politically the Sanhedrin was given some leeway to make decisions that would maintain order in the region.

In the reading below you will see the the opening question the Sanhedrin has for Jesus. They ask him is whether or not Jesus is the Messiah? The Sanhedrin understands the Messiah to be the promised liberator who will throw off all those who oppress. Remember this a not a group of curious people asking Jesus about his life this a group of judges that will determine what happens to Jesus.

Interestingly, Jesus chooses not to answer this initial question directly rather he says that they would not believe him if he told them the truth. He further responds that “from his point on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God” (Luke 22:69) 

This forces the Sanhedrin to ask if Jesus is the Son of God to which Jesus replies “you say that I am.” 

Before reading the whole story below take a minute to pause and pray. Consider the emotions that Jesus must have felt when he was on trial. Invite God to open His word to you in a new way today. Then read the passage below.

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth."

(Luke 22: 66-71)

Pause for a moment to consider the courageous act of Jesus. In the face of some of the most powerful people of his day he told them the truth, even when he knew the truth was going to cost him. As you reflect on this passage consider ways that you can be courageous in your life right now. 

How can you tell the truth even when it might cost you something? 

What testimony of God’s faithfulness can you bring to the world around you today?

Close today’s station with the following prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, give us the courage to stand up for truth. Give us the confidence to speak boldly when we are asked. Give us a gentle spirit in communicating with those who disagree with us. Teach us to walk in your ways. It is in your holy name we pray. Amen.