They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?"
And they said many other insulting things to him.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.
"If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.
But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."
Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."
So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."
But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.
When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.
The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.
Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.
That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. Luke 22:63 - 23:12
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6
Questions:
- What did the guards do to Jesus? Why?
- What questions did the Jewish leaders ask Jesus?
- How did Jesus answer them?
- What lies did the people tell about Jesus?
- What did Pilate think of Jesus and why did Pilate send Him to Herod?
- Why did Herod want to see Jesus?
- Why did Jesus not answer Herod? (read Matthew 7:6)
- Why did Herod and Pilate become friends that day?
Thoughts:
Here is God Himself being abused by the very people He created. During this abuse, Jesus spoke nothing but the truth, and they hated Him for it. The world will often hate the truth and those who dare to speak it. Pilate, the Roman governor put in charge of Judea at that time, recognized that there was nothing wrong with Jesus...that He should not be condemned to death. But Pilate gave into the desires of the people...he was swayed by peer pressure. Herod, the local ruler who ruled with permission of the Roman government, was really only interested in being entertained. When Jesus wouldn't perform for Herod, ie, "giving dogs what is sacred or casting pearls before pigs," Herod turned on Jesus and abused Him. Ironically, Herod and Pilate became friends that day...partners in the greatest crime committed in the history of the world. Today there are military leaders, church leaders and political leaders who will mock Christianity and do all they can to abuse those who follow Jesus, but ultimately, God is in charge. Jesus is "seated at the right hand of the mighty God." He will reward those who are on the side of truth and punish those who oppose Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what You suffered for us is unimaginable. You, the way, the truth and the life, allowed incredible abuse so that we would not have to suffer that same abuse for all eternity. We love You so much Jesus. Please help us to stand up for truth and to pray for those who suffer abuse because they are Christians. Thank You Jesus.
Song: Oh How He Loves You and Me
Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
Jesus to Calv'ry did go,
His love for mankind to show.
What He did there brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh how He loves you and me.
Here are some videos of this song: How He Loves
For Further Study:
There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage
* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*
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