PRAY: In a world that continues to tolerate (and at times condone) violence, abuse, and injustice, pray for tolerance, justice, and peace.
PONDER:
In our culture, the term “I wash my hands of it” is fairly common. This comes from the biblical story of Pontius Pilate. How is our intention with this expression similar (or different) from what Pilate was trying to convey? From Pilate’s situation?
Did Jesus receive a fair trial? Why or why not?
What accusations are brought against Jesus? Are these crimes? How do you define a crime? How would the Roman and Jewish authorities defined a crime?
Who is responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion? How do the responsible parties differ in each Gospel account? What political situations might have influenced the Gospel writers? John gives the longest description of Jesus’ Roman trial (18:29-19:16). Here, Jesus responds to Pilate’s questions, not by the criteria of “the world” but of “God’s Kingdom”. Read this section again. What do you make of Jesus’ responses? What point is this narrative trying to convey?In between the various trials and the actual crucifixion Jesus is mocked and beaten. Why?
The accounts of Jesus’ abuse are quite graphic. Why were they included in Scripture? How do they affect your understanding of our Lord? Of this narrative?
DO: Watch or read a “court room drama”. How are our justice systems similar and different from the trials that Jesus faced?
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World of the Bible
During the majority of Jesus’ lifetime Herod Antipas was King in Galilee, where he conducted much of his ministry. Although Jewish, Herod was a puppet ruler for the Roman government. In more contentious areas, like Samaria and Judea (which included Jerusalem), the Romans didn’t even allow puppet rulers, and exercised direct control via Roman governors, or prefects, such as Pontius Pilate.
The Council, or Sanhedrin, was the highest Jewish court. This court was made up of Pharisees and other lay leaders and during the Roman occupation maintained authority over internal religious affairs. According to Roman laws, however, neither the Jews nor their courts had the authority to put anyone to death. Therefore, although Jesus is found guilty of blasphemy (a crime punishable by death in the Sanhedrin), he is brought to Pilate with more political charges because he must be found guilty under Roman law in order to be put to death.
• What are the charges against Jesus in the Jewish court?
• What are the charges against Jesus in the Roman court?
Faith Reflection
• We see Jesus’ death as the event of salvation (see John 11:45-53). In light of this, how might we judge the actions of Judas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and others differently?
• Who is really on trial? What is the verdict? (See John 7:12 & John’s trial narrative)
• The Gospel of John doesn’t provide a reason for Judas’ betrayal (see Matt. 28:14-16) or mention his suicide (Matt 27:3-10; Acts 1:15-20). What do you make of this?
• Compare Peter’s denial of Jesus with that of Judas (Matt. 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:56-62). What is the nature of Peter’s denial? What are the consequences?
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