PART II Trial, Testimony and Denial May 17, 2015

After the Arrest in Gethsemane  Jesus was first brought to Annas, the former high priest.

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin  Jesus is next brought to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.

Peter Follows Jesus  Peter followed Jesus and the crowd into the courtyard area.

The Corrupt Council  The council was seeking testimony against Jesus but they found none.  Many false witnesses came forward against Jesus but their testimonies did not agree.

The Corrupt Council  Some witnesses claimed that Jesus said he would destroy Herod’s temple.  The high priest Caiaphas asked Jesus to answer this accusation about the temple – but Jesus remained silent.

The Divine Testimony  The high priest boldly asked Jesus: Are you the Messiah? Are you the Son of God?  Jesus then boldly declares that he is both Israel’s promised Messiah and the only beloved Son of God.  Jesus boldly declares that he will reign with God in his kingdom, and he will return in judgment.

The Reaction of the Council  Caiaphas tears his garments as a symbol of his righteous indignation – but it is hypocritical, wicked, self- righteousness.  The council pronounces their sentence on Jesus.  They began to spit on him, covered his face and beat and mocked him.

Violations of Jewish Law 1)He was arrested without a formal charge. 2)The Sanhedrin is forbidden to hear a capital offense on a feast day. 3)The council cannot make final judgements at night or outside the sacred chambers of the temple.

Violations of Jewish Law 4)The sentence of death requires the unanimous testimony of at least two witnesses. 5)The Sanhedrin must hear the case not prosecute or defend. 6)All capital cases must wait one day before carrying out the sentence.

Faithless Denial The Accusation : A servant girl of the high priest accuses Peter of being a companion of Jesus. Peter’s 1st Denial : I don’t know what you are talking about.

Faithless Denial The Accusation: Another servant girl tells other bystanders that Peter is one of the companions of Jesus. Peter’s 2nd Denial: I swear, I do not know what you are talking about.

Faithless Denial The Accusation : The bystanders hear Peter’s Galilean accent and again accuse him of being a companion of Jesus. Peter’s 3rd Denial : I do not know this man of whom you speak.

Faithless Denial  Then Peter broke down and wept.

Truths to Ponder 1)True faith is shown when it is tried and tested – and not beforehand. 2) Peter can be used powerfully by God – so can YOU! 3)Jesus understands the injustices you have faced. 4)God is sovereign over the affairs of the world. 5) Only Jesus can save you from your sin.