TRIAL OF INJUSTICE

JOHN 18:12–14

And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year

(John 18:13).

John provides some details of Jesus’ arrest that give us insight into the politics of the day, the injustices surrounding His trial, and the centers of power in Israel. One of the first things we learn is that the plotting Jewish leaders were unjust in their treatment of Jesus. This, of course, is not surprising. But let us look at how overt this injustice actually was.

First, we learn from other Jewish sources (the Mishnah) that the proceedings were marked by serious violations of the Jews’ own judicial law. The Sanhedrin was not allowed to meet at night. It was forbidden by law to declare the death penalty on the same day as the trial. Many false witnesses were used (Matt. 26:60). Another particularly vicious violation was that of physically assaulting Jesus during the trial. Attendants were strictly forbidden to beat prisoners during the trial period. Still another more heinous violation, which revealed the Jews’ hypocrisy, was their insistence on meeting for a capital case on the eve of a Sabbath or feast day. This, too, was a violation of Jewish law.

Second, Jesus was subjected to a most powerful force in Jewish politics: Annas (ironically, his name means Jehovah is gracious). This man had been appointed high priest in 6 a.d., but was deposed by Valerius Gratus about 11 years later. Still he remained a dominant member of the Jewish hierarchical structure as his sons and son-in-law followed him in the position of high priest. Even though the sons, including Caiaphas (his son-in-law) were high priests, many believed that Annas really pulled the political strings—we might call him “The Godfather” of Israel. It is not surprising, then, that the soldiers took Jesus to Annas for a preliminary trial. Jesus could expect no mercy from this power-hungry and greedy man. Annas was exceedingly wealthy and influential. He, no doubt, was greatly threatened by Jesus and His converts.

As you can see, our Lord faced injustice from the very outset of His suffering. He who rules with justice, righteousness, and truth was treated with the exact opposite. Yet, He endured it all without raising a word of protest, for it was necessary for Him to suffer such humiliations so that we might be saved from sin and death.

CORAM DEO

Isaiah 34–36

Philippians 2

Have you ever been treated unjustly? While Jesus’ situation was unique and should not be used as the standard for behavior in the face of injustice, it is an example that we can learn from when we need to turn the other cheek and endure injustice. Ask God for the grace to remain steadfast in an unjust world.

For further study: Isa. 50:6–9 • Luke 22:63–65

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