JesusX30 Challenge—Scene 25: THE UNJUST TRIBUNAL
@TysonPutthoff | #JesusX30Challenge #JesusX30 #JX30Challenge
1. Key Texts
• John 18 — Annas’ questioning, Peter’s denial
• Matthew 26–27 — Trial before Caiaphas & Pilate
• Mark 14–15 — Sanhedrin, Barabbas, mockery
• Luke 22–23 — Jesus before Pilate and Herod
• Daniel 7 — “Son of Man” enthronement imagery
2. Date & Place
• Passover Week, Spring 29 AD.
• Locations: Annas’ courtyard, Caiaphas’ house, Sanhedrin chamber, Roman Praetorium.
• A coordinated series of hearings—religious and political—designed to neutralize Jesus before the festival crowds.
3. Main Account
A. Before Annas (John 18:13–24)
• Not a legal trial—an interrogation for leverage.
• Questions aim to expose Jesus’ network and teaching.
• Jesus points to his public ministry; a guard strikes him.
• Even under intimidation, Jesus stays composed.
B. Before Caiaphas & the Sanhedrin (Matt 26; Mark 14)
• Night trial violates Jewish legal norms.
• Contradictory witnesses fail; charges collapse.
• Direct question: “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?”
• Jesus replies with Daniel 7 imagery—claiming divine authority.
• Council declares blasphemy; decision is predetermined.
C. Peter’s Denials (Matt 26; Luke 22)
• Three denials fulfill Jesus’ prediction.
• Luke records Jesus turning and looking at Peter—mercy in the middle of collapse.
• Even betrayal becomes a place for restoration.
D. Before Pilate (Matt 27; John 18)
• Accusation shifts from blasphemy to sedition: “He claims to be a king.”
• Jesus answers with quiet ambiguity: “You say so.”
• Pilate sees no guilt but fears political fallout.
E. Before Herod (Luke 23:6–12)
• Herod wants spectacle; Jesus remains silent.
• Mockery, robe, and ridicule follow.
• Herod and Pilate become allies—united by indifference to justice.
F. Barabbas or Jesus (Matt 27; Mark 15)
• Crowd chooses Barabbas—a violent revolutionary.
• Jesus, a nonviolent revolutionary, is rejected.
• The choice reveals the human preference for force over faithful courage.
G. Mockery & Sentencing (John 19)
• Soldiers crown him with thorns and hail him “King.”
• Pilate: “Behold the man!”—a line meant to shame but filled with truth.
• Priests declare, “We have no king but Caesar.”
• Political expediency outweighs conscience: crucifixion authorized.
4. Main Point
• Jesus faces corruption with grounded clarity.
• His silence is strength, not defeat—trusting the Father’s justice.
• Every institution in the story bends to fear; Jesus alone stays centered.
• Power is exposed by how it treats the innocent.
• True authority is revealed through integrity under pressure.
5. Exegetical Insight
• Jesus’ Daniel 7 reference makes a direct claim to divine enthronement.
• Barabbas = lēstēs (“insurrectionist”), not “thief”—a political rebel.
• “You say so” is a Semitic idiom meaning, “Your categories can’t contain the truth.”
• The Sanhedrin trial violates Mishnah-sanctioned procedures—showing the verdict was predetermined.
6. Reflection Questions
• How do I respond when I’m misunderstood or falsely accused?
• Do I mirror aggression, or stay grounded in purpose?
• Where might God be inviting restraint instead of reaction?
• When have I chosen “Barabbas”—force or control—over Jesus’ way of courage?
7. Action Step / Challenge
• Practice “response over reaction”—pause before responding to pressure.
• Name one situation where you need to choose integrity over outcome.
• Journal about where you feel injustice and how Jesus models strength without retaliation.
Buy the books!
This 30-day challenge is based on my book trilogy entitled Jesus: The Strategic Life and Mission of the Messiah and His Movement (3 Volumes, Hekhal Publishing Co., 2025).
You can buy or borrow the trilogy at:
Hekhal Publishing Co. (look for free samples of each book as well)
Amazon (print or ebook)
Barnes & Noble (print or ebook)
Hoopla (borrow)
Many more booksellers worldwide!
