Day 311 – Jesus’ Roman Trials

• It’s now early morning (as our final reading noted). Jesus hasn’t slept all night, of course, and so He must have now been very tired, and not just because of the lack of sleep. His treatment at the hands of the mob, and His knowledge of His impending death, would have undoubtedly made things even harder.
• The Jewish trials that we read about yesterday were over, but what was the problem facing the Jews? John 18:31 will help you.
• The religious leaders went to the house of Caiaphas, the Roman governor. Why did they not go inside (there was something that prevented them)? Do you think it ironic that they are keeping to the letter of a law, whilst arranging the murder of their Saviour?
• Pilate was given the job of coming out to speak with the crowd. What do you think Pilate would have been thinking? Do you think he wanted to have to deal with the situation?
• Look at the conversation that Jesus had with Pilate in verses 33 onwards of John 18. What intriguing question did Pilate ask Jesus in verse 38?
• Luke records that Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, the governor of the region. What did Herod and Pilate agree about?
• Regardless of the fact that they both continued to find Jesus innocent, Herod nevertheless had Him dressed mockingly in splendid clothing, and Pilate chose to have Him beaten in front of the crowds. Why do you think these two men chose to do these things?
• What do you think Pilate was afraid of, if he didn’t let the Jewish leaders have their way? What might have happened if he had refused? Do you think he took the easy way out by agreeing to the crucifixion?
• Barabbas was a murderer. The crowd shouted for his release. Why do you think the crowds had turned on Jesus so much that they demanded the release of a convicted man?
• The Pharisees said whatever the could to worm their way into getting Pilate to pronounce the death sentence on Jesus. Look at John 19:15, for instance, where they said that they had “no king but Caesar”. Does it sound strange to you that the religious leaders wouldn’t have had God as their “king”?
• Tired, emotionally drained, spat on, betrayed and beaten, and Jesus hadn’t yet picked up the cross that He would have to drag to his death spot. Spend a moment to think, and pray, about this scene, and the unquenchable love God must have for His people to see His Son reduced to this humble wreck.

Flick all the way back to Genesis 50:20, as Joseph spoke to his brothers at their final reunion. What famous words did he speak? How do you think they relate now? As Jesus saw the events of His sham trial and death sentence, He knew that absolutely everything was occurring as part of God’s plan.

Think about the arrest. The night-time trials. The anger from the religious leaders. The confusion of Caiaphas and Herod. Pilate, who washed his hands of Jesus despite finding no guilt. The baying crowds.

This wasn’t chaos. This wasn’t chance. Those who conspired against Joseph were acting with evil intent, as were those who colluded to take Jesus to the cross, but in all things, God was sovereign.

Finish by thinking about this. Did you notice that Jesus took the place of Barabbas? Barabbas, a man who had committed many sins, was freed, with Jesus, the guiltless man, taking his place instead. Jesus died, so that Barabbas could go free. What wonderful news about the gospel message does this picture?