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While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.
Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:47-75
As we look back upon the details of Jesus’ trial we see what an outrage it really is. Jesus was arrested and brought to trial without formal charges ever being made against Him. The High Priest acted as prosecutor as well as judge. All those involved had already reached the verdict before any evidence had even been given. The evidence they tried to use to condemn Him was a compilation of lies. Finally, in the end, the statements that condemned Him, the statements they judged as blasphemy, were actually the truth. The whole trial seems like a smack in the face of justice.
As we look back upon the details of Jesus’ trial we see what an outrage it really is. Jesus was arrested and brought to trial without formal charges ever being made against Him. The High Priest acted as prosecutor as well as judge. All those involved had already reached the verdict before any evidence had even been given. The evidence they tried to use to condemn Him was a compilation of lies. Finally, in the end, the statements that condemned Him, the statements they judged as blasphemy, were actually the truth. The whole trial seems like a smack in the face of justice.
However, that is the essence of the entire gospel message. The idea that one perfect, innocent man would die on account of our sins seems unjust. The possibility that on the Day of Judgment we will not be convicted of our crimes despite all the clear evidence of our sin, simply because of Jesus seems unjust. God’s word assures us that isn’t just a possibility - it is the reality, truth, and promised hope that is found in Jesus.
So does God simply operate with a selective justice? Scripture directs us to see that it is in the fabric of His very being to be just. This means He doesn’t simply desire justice - He requires that justice be done. As Judge, God accomplishes the necessary justice, because full payment for our sins is made by the Blood of Jesus Christ. The trial and crucifixion of Jesus is a story of justice, but one that only God could work by His amazing grace.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
When You look upon us see not our sin but the Blood of Christ. With that Blood, make us white as snow. Amen.
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