Who were involved in this conspiracy to kill the Christ? What motive was behind there conspiracy?
Matthew 26:3-5… Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus in a treacherous way and kill Him. “Not during the festival,” they said, “so there won’t be rioting among the people.”
This conspiracy began with the religious leaders of the day, those who enjoyed their status and position in society. These men were jealous, Christ threatened their authority as he exposed their wicked heart. These men held a status quo, they were secure in their power, and they did not want nor to accept the change that was coming from God. Who else played a part in this conspiracy?
Matthew 26:6-13… While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, a man who had a serious skin disease (leprosy), then a woman approached Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive fragrant oil. She poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor.”
But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a noble thing for Me. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me. By pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she has prepared Me for burial. I assure you: Wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”
The Disciples of Christ as a whole seem to complain about the waste of money. But really there was just one who led the cry of complaint. It so affected him that he was motivated to turn on Christ. Who was this man and what was his motivation?
Matthew 26:14-16… Then one of the Twelve—the man called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” So they weighed out 30 pieces of silver for him. And from that time on he started looking for a good opportunity to betray Him.
The apostle John provides us with the necessary details of the motives behind Judas’s actions.
John 12:4-7… Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betray Him), said, “Why wasn’t this fragrant oil sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.
Judas Iscariot allowed the wicked one to overtake him with the secret sin of covetousness which drove him to becoming a thief. Were there any other players involved in this conspiracy?
At the Lords Supper
After making a covenant with his disciples we next pick up the reading from the Scriptures where Luke gives the account concerning the betrayal at the Lord’s supper.
Luke 22:21-26… But look, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me! For the Son of Man will go away as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! ”So they began to argue among themselves which of them could it be, who was going to do this thing? Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest. But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors. ’But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving.
Did you notice the attitude of the disciples during this last supper? The disciples seem to be opinionated, judgmental and even prideful. It seems like they were goaded along by the wicked one. So, Christ had to set the tone and taught them about humility.
Luke 22:27-31… For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves. You are the ones who stood by Me in My trials. I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one on Me, so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. “Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat.
These men were promised to sit with Christ in the kingdom of God, what a privilege and responsibility. They were considered equals, no one was above another. But there were going to be problems because the wicked one had demanded it.
The Arrest of Christ
It was still dark out when they arrested Jesus Christ, it occurred in the early hours of the 14th at the garden of Gethsemane. In life Christ came and represented God but in death could he represent God? What kind of strength would it take for Christ to give up his life? What would people think and how would they react?
We will look at two of the scriptural accounts of the arrest of Christ told by the apostle John and Matthew. But we found the name of the garden given by Mark’s account.
John 18:1-8… After Jesus had said these things, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and He and His disciples went into it. Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place because Jesus often met there with His disciples. So, Judas took a company of soldiers and some temple police from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to Him, went out and said to them, “Who is it you’re looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they answered. “I am He,” Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed Him, was also standing with them. When He told them, “I am He,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Then He asked them again, “Who is it you’re looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they said. “I told you I am He,” Jesus replied. “So, if you’re looking for Me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the words He had said: “I have not lost one of those You have given Me.”
This account told by John focuses on the power that Christ had in his voice. Also, Christ was interested in the fulfilling of Scripture. Christ had a part to play in seeing to the fulfillment of the Scriptures.
Matthew 26:47-56… While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. His betrayer had given them a sign: “The One I kiss, He’s the One; arrest Him!” So, he went right up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. “Friend,” Jesus asked him, “why have you come?” Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword. Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels? How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture Me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple complex, and you didn’t arrest Me. But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away.
It was important for the Scriptures to be fulfilled in every detail, that took a great amount of concentration on the part of Christ. We did not consider how these sayings weighed upon his mind, but we skipped over the scriptural points to focus on his betrayal. By all means circle back and read the full account
First Questioned by Annas
Who was Annas that he should question Christ first?
John 18:12-13…Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the Jewish temple police arrested Jesus and tied Him up. First they led Him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year… The high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and about His teaching. 20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple complex, where all the Jews congregate, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.” When He had said these things, one of the temple police standing by slapped Jesus, saying, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” “If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit Me?” Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Jesus Christ spoke openly when questioned by Annas the high priest, but would he remain open to answering the question by the Sanhedrin?
So, who really was the high priest Annas or Caiaphas?
Annas, also identified as “Ananus” or “Ananias” in secular history, had been the high priest since 7 AD but the Romans found him hard to push around so deposed him in 14 AD. For the next several decades, Annas was the puppet master who engineered the Romans to appoint as high priest his puppets, including five of his six sons, as well as his son-in-law Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the official high priest from 18 AD to 36 AD, including “that year” (John 18:13), which was about 33 AD, but the one pulling the strings remained Annas, whom the Jews considered the real high priest, who was appointed for life.
Mock Trial by the Sanhedrin
Enough time had now passed that the majority of the Sanhedrin had gathered itself at the house of Caiaphas the acting high priest that year.
Matthew 26:57-68… Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had convened. Meanwhile, Peter was following Him at a distance right to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the temple police to see the outcome.
Why was this trial not held at the official Sanhedrin Hall? Could this trial be held in secret and at night to keep opposers from objecting?
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death. But they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two who came forward and they stated, “This man said, ‘I can demolish God’s sanctuary and rebuild it in three days.”
The high priest then stood up and said to Him, “Don’t You have an answer to what these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “By the living God I place You under oath: tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!”
We must remember there’s no need for us to answer any falsehood that is brought against us, but we do need to acknowledge who we are when challenged. So, Christ Jesus responded when asked about being the son of God.
“You have said it,” Jesus told him. “But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you’ve heard the blasphemy! What is your decision?” They answered, “He deserves death!” Then they spit in His face and beat Him; others slapped Him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who hit You?”
Christ was found guilty and deserving of death by the Sanhedrin because he said he was God’s son. Now think about the restraint that he had to allow himself to be humiliated. The Scripture said he humbled himself to the point of death. Even Christ reminded them in his teachings that we should humble ourselves. Luke 14:11 and Philippians 2:8.
The Trial by Rome
How different will this trial be when it is presented before the legal representation of the authority over the Jewish people?
Matthew 27:1-2… When daybreak came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. After tying Him up, they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate, the governor.
These men plotted to have Jesus put to death so what evidence is there that they did this?
Luke 23:1-2… Then their whole assembly rose up and brought Him before Pilate. They began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a King.”
Remember the Sanhedrin found Christ guilty of blaspheming because Christ said that he himself was the son of God. Would the prevailing governmental authority think or act against anybody claiming that they were the son of God?
John 18:29-37…Then Pilate came out to them and said, “What charge do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t have handed Him over to you. So, Pilate told them, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your law.” “It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,” the Jews declared. They said this so that Jesus’ words might be fulfilled signifying what kind of death He was going to die…
I like to point out that what they told Pilate was an outright lie, they did have the authority, but it was to condemn by a stoning to death.
33 Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me?” “I’m not a Jew, am I?” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here.” “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”
Christ Jesus demonstrated through his reasoning that he was no threat to any physical kingdom.
Luke 23:4-5… So, Pilate then told the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no grounds for charging this man.” But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where He started even to here.” When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. Finding that He was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.
Pilate found a reason to send Jesus a way for judgment to another authority a king over the jurisdictional district of Galilee.
Standing Before King Herod Antipas
When Christ stood before Pilate, he spoke openly but standing before Herod he had no words even though the chief priests and the scribes were continually accusing him.
Luke 23:8-12… Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him. So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously, they had been hostile toward each other.
The verbiage in the Scripture shows that the scribes were very persistent to have Christ done away with. Even Herod and his soldiers acted with contempt and mocked that Christ was even to be a king.
Back to Governor Pilate
We will now compare the account of John with that of the account of Luke.
John 19:1-4… Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and threw a purple robe around Him. And they repeatedly came up to Him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and were slapping His face. Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I’m bringing Him outside to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging Him.”
The Christ is robed in purple and upon his head is a thorny crown beaten, bruised, and standing humiliated before the crowd of haters. Can Pilate do?
Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death
John 19:5-14… Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” When the chief priests and the temple police saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” Pilate responded, “Take Him and crucify Him yourselves, for I find no grounds for charging Him.” “We have a law,” the Jews replied to him, “and according to that law He must die, because He made Himself the Son of God. “When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. He went back into the headquarters and asked Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer. So, Pilate said to Him, “You’re not talking to me? Don’t You know that I have the authority to release You and the authority to crucify You?” “You would have no authority over Me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.” From that moment Pilate made every effort to release Him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside. He sat down on the judge’s bench in a place called the Stone Pavement (but in Hebrew Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for the Passover, and it was about six in the morning. Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!”
Now will review this account according to Luke.
Luke 23:13-12… Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people. But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no grounds to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of. Neither has Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him.” For according to the festival, he had to release someone to them. Then they all cried out together, “Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!” (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, but they kept shouting, “Crucify! Crucify Him!” A third time he said to them, “Why? What has this man done wrong? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him.” But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices won out. So, Pilate decided to grant their demand and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.
So, we see the Sanhedrin finds Christ guilty and deserving of death where the government of Rome find him innocent of any charges deserving of death. But in compliance with the crowds demand to put Christ to death he sent Jesus away to be killed.
Led Away to Death
In being led to death Christ uttered the prophecy: “Weep for yourselves”.
Luke 23:26-38… As they led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Him, including women who were mourning and lamenting Him. But turning to them, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children. Look, the days are coming when they will say, ‘The women without children, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed, are fortunate!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
When Christ uttered this prophecy of Weeping for Yourselves, he could have had in mind the Scripture of Isaiah chapter 2 or Hosea chapter 10.
Hung With Criminals
Luke 23:39-43… Two others—criminals—were also led away to be executed with Him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided His clothes and cast lots. The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine and said, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Also, there was an inscription above Him: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
At this point Christ had endured roughly about seven hours of torment at the hands of those who hated him. He had not allowed pride or hatred to overtake him in his words nor his actions.
The Death of Jesus
Luke 23:44-49… It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.” Saying this, He breathed His last. When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous!” All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. But all who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Why was it important to mentioned that the curtain of the sanctuary was ripped? What could cause a darkness on the land for over three hours?
The Burial of Jesus
It becomes obvious at this point that the Scriptures reveal that not all the Sanhedrin was unanimous in his declaration of death for Christ. There were some men that were excluded from the mock trial.
Luke 23:50-56… There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. It was preparation day (Nisan 14th), and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
After reading this account about the conspiracy and the killing of Christ what questions come to your mind? How do you feel after reading this account? Can you see the restraint and the dignity the Christ displayed in his death? It can be said that he honored God in his life, death, and resurrection.
At this point I prayed if there was something that need to be said or add to this writing and the following Scripture was indicated that it should be read:
Isaiah 11:1-5… Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of Yahweh will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and might. The spirit of knowledge and the fear of Yahweh. 3 And He will delight in the fear of Yahweh, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor render a decision by what His ears hear; 4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor and decide with uprightness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will put the wicked to death. 5 Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist… 10 Then it will be in that day, That the nations will seek the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a standard for the peoples; and His resting place will be glorious. 11Then it will be in that day, that the Lord Will again acquire the second time with His hand The remnant of His people, who will remain…
Please read the following article and rejoice as Christ was glorified by our God.
Follow the hyperlink to the article: He Has Risen in God’s Power!
Writingwithlogos.com – Last Revised 3/17/24