Before the Sanhedrin

Have you ever been summoned before a powerful leadership group? How was your experience? Irrespective of your level of influence and riches, to be summoned by a ruling body for the wrong reasons can be quite unpleasant. Even If you are innocent, your reputation could be at stake. When you are finally able to come out of such an environment,  you are very careful never to go back again. Other than someone doing something deserving to be summoned, sometimes political factors could also motivate the ruling authorities to summon someone. In such instances, the accused people will have to defend themselves from political vindictiveness and clear their names from every wrong accusation. Jesus was going about His business but on the other side, the religious leaders were seriously plotting His downfall and arrest. One of Jesus’ own disciples became the channel for Jesus’ arrest. The Betrayer sold his master for just 30 pieces of silver.

The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish legislative body. They deliberated on issues of national Importance. Like the Jewish Supreme Court, important decisions were made by the Sanhedrin. During the time of Jesus, an accusation that Jesus could course a potential revolt led to the convening of the Sanhedrin to find ways and means to end the ministry of Jesus. There is no record of Jesus’ accused revolt anywhere. Infact, Jesus helped the poor, healed the sick, raised the dead, and restored hope and joy. If the Sanhedrin were really impartial, they would have looked for ways and means to collaborate with Jesus to ensure a happy society. However, most of the individual members of the Sanhedrin felt threatened by the presence of Jesus. In one of the meetings of the Sanhedrin,  there was a concern that Jesus was performing many signs and wonders and that if He is allowed to go on everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both their temple and their nation (John 11:47-48). In the same meeting,  Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”‭ (John 11:49-50).

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward. (Matthew 26:59-60).

So the fate of Jesus was decided even without evidence of Him committing any crime. No wonder when Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin, the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward. (Matthew 26:59-60). The two witnesses claimed that, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ”‭ (Matthew 26:61). This accusation was not enough to condemn Jesus. Infact, when Jesus made this statement “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days”,  the temple He had spoken of was his body (John 2:19, 21). Jesus did not reply to them for their accusations. Then the high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”‭ (Matthew 26:63). Jesus’ reply to the question of His identity was this: “You have said so. But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64).

‭At this, the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.” (Matthew 26:65). At that instant, the Sanhedrin decided the fate of Jesus: “He is worthy of death”.‭ (Matthew 26:66). Jesus wasn’t given the opportunity to defend Himself.  He had no lawyer, neither was He allowed to explain why He called Himself the Son of God. The trial was over. What was needed was the approval of the Roman authorities to crucify Jesus. In just one meeting,  the highest legislative body of the Jews decided the fate of the Son of God. In their ignorance,  they fulfilled prophecy and became the accusers of their own Saviour. In our study of the suffering servant, we identified that the suffering of the servant wasn’t accidental. ‭Isaiah 53:10 makes us understand that “it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.”

Before the Sanhedrin, the Son of God fulfilled prophecy. His condemnation became the vindication for those who believe. Yet, the Sanhedrin thought they were crushing a rebel, they were condemning someone with the potential to share in their glory. They had no idea that their verdict aligned prophecy and brought to fulfillment the wiĺ of God. Jesus was condemned and crucified. But, death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him, the Roman soldiers could not watch Him. On the third day, death, the grave, Hades, and all powers and principalities bowed as the King of Glory made a triumphant reentry into the world not just as the Son of Mary but as the Son of God who brought redemption. Our past, present and future were secured by One Man’s sacrifice on the cross. Hallelujah!

The Last Supper

Special meal times with family and friends are important events that leave indelible marks in the hearts of attendees. Depending on the occasion,  meal time could also be a moment to consider important things, appreciate some people and if possible make certain commitments for the coming days, weeks, months or even years. Personally,  I appreciate the opportunity to be part of Christmas or Easter meal time with family and friends. It is an opportunity to share the love of God with each other. The first ever Easter celebration began with a meal as well. Jesus, being aware that His time was near, planned a perfect family supper with His disciples. Obviously, that was not the first time Jesus had a meal with His disciples but this was quite significant because it was their last supper together before Jesus was arrested, trialed and subsequently crucified.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”‭ (Matthew 26:26-29)

Jesus had the plans for the supper all laid out. When His disciples asked for the plans for the Passover, Jesus replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ” (‭Matthew 26:18). At His words, the disciples went ahead and prepared the supper. Several significant events happened at the supper. Jesus washed the feets of His disciples, He predicted Judas betrayal, He instituted the Holy Communion and He also predicted Peter’s denial. Let’s focus on the Holy Communion and how it began. From Matthew’s account, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”‭ (Matthew 26:26-29).

At the meal, Jesus took the bread, He informed His disciples that the bread is His body. A few hours after the meal, Jesus was arrested and His body was afflicted with pain and agony. He was literally broken by extreme pain and suffering. Jesus knowing this beforehand alluded to the bread as His body that was about to be broken and wounded. According to history, Jesus’ body was badly affected by all the beatings from the Roman soldiers. His skin was disfigured beyond human likeness. Even His face was not spared as a crown of thorns was set upon His head. While on the cross, the soldiers pierced His sides until blood and water gushed out. Indeed, Jesus’ body was broken for us.

Also, Jesus referred to the cup they shared at the meal as His blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ blood was shared from the crown of His head to the sole of His feet. His head, face, body (front and back), side, feets, hands, and heart all bleed profusely because of all the suffering Jesus was made to go through. The blood of Jesus was so significant and important in the ultimate plan of God. It is by the blood of Jesus that we have forgiveness of sins. The blood was so powerful that as soon as it touched the ground, things began happening in the spiritual realm. The physical environment and the spiritual environment could not hold on to the blood. The earth shook, the temple was impacted as the curtains separating the holy of holies from the holy place were torn into two. In the spiritual realm, Jesus’ blood atoned for the sins of all humanity from Adam until the end of age. The sinless blood of Jesus wiped away the ordinances of sins against those who come to Him. Like a permanent cleanser, the blood did not leave any trace of our iniquities. Infact, those who have been chained by the power of sin and death in Hades were not left out. They heard the message of the gospel. ‭

Colossians 2:15 states that ‬Jesus having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. The Last Supper of Jesus was not just one of the meal times, it was an important occasion that revealed deep truths about the saving work of Jesus. It is important that we partake in this Holy Communion here on earth and also with Jesus in His Father’s kingdom. If there are any barriers that prevent you from participating in the Holy Communion, pray about it. If the barrier demands an action from you, like getting water baptized or moving away from a sinful lifestyle, be intentional about it. In this Holy week, be reminded of the power in partaking in the Holy Communion.

Are you a Judas Iscariot?

A few years ago, I pondered over the betrayer and how his own lifestyle permitted him to be used by the devil. The betrayer in this context represents Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples appointed by Jesus Christ. Many of us hate Judas Iscariot with a passion for what he did. Given the fact that Judas Iscariot was bold enough to betray his own Lord, master, teacher and friend, it is understandable that we consider him a villian. Unfortunately, many so-called believers are photocopies of the Judas mentality. They go to church on Sundays and on weekdays but they always struggle with evil and sin. In the previous post on the Betrayer, I mentioned that the fact that we go to church always does not make us immune to evil. We need to understand that Judas listened to all the life-changing messages of Jesus. He saw many of the miracles including raising the dead back to life but he still betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas was sent and given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Judas Iscariot reported together with the rest of the disciples how Satan was subdued by their ministry (see Matthew 10; Mark 6).

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. ‭(Matthew 26:14-16)

Judas Iscariot wasn’t a stranger in the ministry of Jesus. In the previous post, I mentioned that he was one of the twelve disciples Jesus prayerfully chose (Luke 6:12-13). Remember, Jesus had spent all night praying on the mountain and after the prayer, He appointed the twelve. The Son of God spent all night praying to choose his apostles and He chose Judas Iscariot as one. Was Jesus not aware that Judas Iscariot would betray Him? Jesus knew the hearts of all men and did not make a mistake in choosing Judas Iscariot.  I also indicated in the post that the betrayer joined the ministry and for three and half years with Jesus, He also impacted lives, propagated the good news and was given authority over impure spirits (Matthew 10; Mark 6). However, Judas still went ahead and plotted with the religious leaders to deliver to them Jesus Christ. In Matthew 26:14-16, we find out that “one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” ‭(Matthew 26:14-16). Wasn’t Judas aware that his master knew everything? How did Judas feel after he returned to the group as if nothing had happened?

Many believers have a Judas Iscariot mentality. Our way of life is a betrayal to the kingdom of God. Like Judas, although we know the power of God, we still go ahead and betray Jesus each day with our sinfulness. It is like daily taking 30 pieces of silver to sell our Lord to the accusers. We might be so much involved in ministry and like Judas, we might even hold prominent positions at our local churches. Yet, outside the corridors of the church, we are different people. We act differently, we flow with the world and no one can see a difference between us and the unbelieving people. In the post on the Betrayer, I mentioned specific lifestyles of Judas and how these allowed him to be a vessel of the devil.
A thief (John 12:3-6)
He didn’t love the poor (John 12;6)
He was greedy. He secretly went to the high priest to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10)
He didn’t love his Lord. He was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16)
This lifestyle allowed Satan to enter him (John 13:27) and before the other disciples could discover his plot, Jesus had already been betrayed.

If we are not intentional about character conformation to that of Christ, we are likely to be betrayer of Jesus. As Hebrews 6:6 states, when people taste of the goodness of the word of God and of the coming age and fall away into sin, in their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace. After all the encounters Judas Iscariot had with Jesus, He went ahead and betrayed Jesus for just 30 pieces of silver. Judas Iscariot didn’t have the opportunity to repent for his sins. He committed suicide even before Jesus was crucified. After the resurrection of Jesus, the Apostles replaced him with Matthias (Acts 1:25). He lost his place on earth and he also lost his place in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4). As we enter into the holy week, sit back and ponder over these things: Are you demonstrating characteristics of Judas Iscariot in the body of Christ? Is your lifestyle betraying our Lord again? Can you be trusted to defend your faith before the “religious leaders” and not give up?