1. The first religious trial is held before Annas. The Psalmist had prophesied this.

2. Peter and John follow Jesus at a distance. Peter’s first denial happens at the gate.

1. Jesus faces the second religious trial before Caiaphas. Both first and second trials are at the House (or Palace) of the High Priest. Caiaphas brings accusations against Jesus.

2. The High Priest is angry and the Pharisees and Sadducees cry, “Guilty” and the Temple guards abuse Jesus.

1. Jesus waits for the third religious trial being held at sunrise, approximately at 6:00 a.m.

2. Peter denies Jesus a second and third time in the courtyard of the High Priest.

3. The Sanhedrin (70 religious leaders) and others hold the third trial. He is once again found guilty by the religious leaders.

4. All three trials are illegal trials according to their own religious laws and held no legal basis for trials. Judas had accepted a bribe and that would lead to a mistrial. The Sanhedrin was not permitted to meet at night. The witnesses were trumped up and couldn’t agree. The Sanhedrin illegally convened to try a capital offense on a day before an annual Sabbath, Passover! Although He is declared guilty, He is innocent of all charges!

1. Jesus faces His fourth trial and first civil trial in front of Pilate at the Praetorium, the official residence of Pilate. Pilate finds Jesus innocent.

2. The crowd overrules Pilate’s proclamation of innocence. The trial is illegal as there is no defense attorney.

3. Since Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate decides to send Jesus to the Governor of Galilee. This relieves Pilate of this troublesome situation.

1. Jesus faces His fifth trial and second civil trial before Herod. Herod asks questions but Jesus refuses to be the entertainment for Herod.

2. Jesus is ridiculed and sent back to Pilate. No decision is given by Herod. Once again, it is illegal as there are no grounds.

3. Jesus stands before Pilate for His sixth trial and the third civil trial back at the Praetorium. This last trial is also illegal as there is no proof of guilt. Jesus is declared innocent in all three civil trials.

4. Pilate offers a substitute for Jesus in Barabbas, but the crowd overwhelmingly cries for Jesus to be crucified.

1. What will you do with Jesus?

2. He stood for you…will you be willing to stand for Him?

3. He was completely innocent of all crimes, and yet He faced all of this for you and me. How does this impact your daily following Jesus?

4. How will your thoughts of Passion Week be different as you consider your responsibility to living for Jesus?

14
Jesus is taken by the guards to face trials.
Time: Approximately 1:00 a.m.

13
Jesus faces the High Priest, both Annas, in the first religious trial at the house of the High Priest.
Time: Approximately 2:00 a.m.
Matthew 26:57-58; Mark 14:53-54; Luke 22:54-55; John 18:15-23

12
Jesus faces the second religious trial with Caiaphas at the House of the High Priest. He experiences Peter’s denials.
Time: Approximately 2:30-3:00 a.m.
Matthew 26:59-75; Mark 14:55-65; Luke 22:56-65; John 18:24

11
Jesus was held awaiting the third trial.
Time: Approximately 4:00 a.m.

10
Jesus was held awaiting the third trial.
Time: Approximately 5:00 a.m.

9
Jesus faces His third religious trial before the Sanhedrin in the Court of the Sanhedrin.
Time: Approximately 6:00 a.m.
Matthew 27:1; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71

8
Jesus faces His fourth trial and first civil trial in front of Pilate.
Time: Approximately 7:00 a.m.
Matthew 27:2-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-6; John 18:28-38

7
Jesus faces His fifth trial and second civil trial before Herod Antipas.
Time: Approximately 8:00 a.m.
Luke 23:7-12
Jesus is sent back to Pilate for His sixth trial and third civil trial. Pilate tries to release Him.
Time: Approximately 8:30 a.m.
Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16

End of Week 3