Passion Week: The Mock Trial

... and there he stood before Caiaphas.

What members of the Sanhedrin that could be quickly assembled were also present. There were enough at least for quorum. Of course they were the most loyal supporters of the High Priest.

Before them stood Jesus, the greatest threat that this Sanhedrin had ever faced.

It was not just his radical teaching and the crowds that followed him. Why would they follow this man who looked more like a beggar than anything else. They adored him but what about them. Did the people not realize how important they were? How hard they worked to keep this difficult nation together.

First it was the Greeks and their alluring culture with all their idols. So many people had fallen in love with this culture. It was hard to protect people from this.

Then it was the Romans, with their military might. Their authority threatened the work of the Pharisees, to keep this nation in line. What was Roman rule compared to the Law of Moses? A bunch of thugs is all they are.

But still, they must walk the line or they all might be found hanging on those blasted crosses, like common thieves and murderers. And that's why they were here. Not only did this Jesus threaten the Law and rob them of the adoration of the people, he also threatened to disturb the balance with the Romans.

After all, it was Caiaphas himself who said it was better for the one to die for the many.

Why was it so difficult to find two people to agree on what he said. Surely there must be something here to justify his arrest.

Wait what is this?

Finally two people are agreeing on something. What? They're saying that this lunatic claimed to be able to tear down the great Temple and build it again in three days? Three Days!!! Madness.

Hey, Caiaphas likes this.

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”

Silence.

Is this man a fool as well as a lunatic?

“I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Whoa! Where did that come from? Does Caiaphas think him that great a fool that he would answer such a charge?

“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

What? Blaspheme. He can't speak like this! Death!!!

Look at the chaos that he has caused. Caiaphas is tearing his tunic!!!!

“He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

Kill him!

Death!

Stone him!

A great chorus is arising.

Everyone is rushing forward. Fists and hands are reaching out to strike this blasphemer. Ha! He is being struck again and again. Spit is flying. The chorus of shouts for his death continues to rise.

Caiaphas looks very pleased.

This went better than he had hoped ...