Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

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."

Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Messiah, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” 5But they were adamant and said, “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here." On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.

Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. [Even] Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” (Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder.) Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.

Jesus finally faces his accusers. First the elders, chief priests and scribes, then Pilate, Herod, and Pilate again. The priests, scribes and elders want to know if he is the Messiah. Jesus replies, “If I tell you, you will not believe me.” Have not his actions, his words and deeds given enough proof? Certainly for those who see with the eyes of faith. But their minds are closed, their path already chosen. Jesus comes before Pilate on a charge of subverting the nation and opposing the payment of taxes. Pilate questions Jesus and finds him guilty of neither charge then hands him off to Herod who is only interested in Jesus the miracle worker. When Jesus refuses to “perform” Herod grows bored and returns Jesus to Pilate. This is the last thing Pilate wants. The elders, priests and scribes have followed along, accusing Jesus and seeking his death. They have burned their bridges and now incite the crowd to hysteria. Pilate finally gives in. What is the life of one poor, downtrodden Jew to him? The chief priests, elders and scribes cannot bear to be wrong so they “erase” their mistake.