INJUSTICE!

Rarely do we include the pain of injustice when discussing the crucifixion of Jesus. In his movie, The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson did a great job in depicting the physical pain Jesus suffered. However, the pain of the unjust trials of Jesus is often overlooked. Then, as well as now, justice is rooted in concepts of truth and impartiality. To be honest, to be deprived of justice is often worse than the alleged crime for which one is accused.

In reporting the trial of Jesus, the New Testament accounts for four trials – two Hebrew and two Roman. Laws were broken in all four trials, thus making the miscarriage of justice even more barbaric.

Before providing a catalog of unjust practices in the trials, one must never forget the pre-trial pains Jesus encountered. The Gospel writers were convinced that the Jewish authorities were determined to have Jesus killed, by whatever means possible. The Greek translation of Matthew 26:4 is clear, they intended to take Jesus by “treachery” and “cunning”, and kill him. Following the restoration of life to Lazarus, John reports “…from that day on they plotted to take his (Jesus) life” (John 11:53). Interesting, the authorities that wanted to kill Him were hoping to conduct an impartial trial later.

Space would not allow us to expand on the pain of betrayal by one of His disciples (John 13:2) or the additional pain of abandonment “when all the disciples deserted Him and fled” (Matthew 26:56). Or, consider the pain from the denial by Peter, even after being cautioned. It is hard to imagine the loneliness Jesus must have felt before trial.

I just completed reading Attorney Steven Allen’s book, The Illegal Trial of Christ (Legal Awareness Series, Inc., 2005). I’ve had the book for a few years and was determined to include it in this year’s Easter readings. Allen does a terrific job in explaining the rules of procedure in Hebrew Law. Citing earlier publications by Walter Chandler (The Trial of Jesus [New York, 1908]) and Alfred Edersheim (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah), Allen contends, “Christ’s trial was a mockery of Jewish law” (page 11).

 

Here is a partial listing of laws that were broken by the Sanhedrin – the Jewish organization that was responsible for administering justice:

1. Jesus was questioned at night – proceedings were to be conducted during the day only

 

2. Jesus was taken to the palace of Annas/Caiaphas - proceedings were to be conducted in the Chamber of Hewn Stones (a temple chamber).

3. Jesus was questioned on the day of a Passover Feast and on the eve of a Jewish Sabbath – this was a clear violation of not conducting a trial on the eves of Sabbaths or feast days.

 

4. The accusation was based on the testimony of an accomplice, Judas – in order to convict someone, an accusing witness, together with two eyewitnesses, were required.

 

5. Jesus was taken before a prejudiced judge – prejudiced judges should not participate in trials.

 

6. Jesus was convicted on the basis of His own testimony and not that of any other witness – an accused person was never compelled to testify against himself.

 

7. Jesus asked for an accusing witness, which was His right by law, and was denied – the Sanhedrin never produced one credible witness.

 

8. The merits of the defense of Jesus were not considered – absolutely no defense was offered.

 

9. The judge prejudiced the outcome of the case – Caiaphas the high priest “rent his clothes” during the trial – that was a display of disgust that would negatively influence the opinions of his subordinates.

10. Both Hebrew trials took place within ten hours – the law was clear, if a death sentence were pronounced, a second trial was to be held the following day.

Despite these and many other injustices, Jesus allowed the authorities to crucify Him. He scolded his disciple Peter when he attempted to provide protection - Peter drew a sword and cut off the right ear of the high priest’s servant. To this action Jesus replied, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more that twelve legions (72,000) of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)

 

If Jesus could have escaped crucifixion and chose not to do so, then why did He allow it to happen? Jesus knew death was inevitable. He was paying a price that the prophets predicted hundreds of years earlier. New Testament writers contended that Christ’s horrific death was necessary because of the horrific nature of sin – for which He was dying. In addition, if there was no death, there could be no resurrection – the subject of our next commentary.