THE TRIALS OF CHRIST
FIRST TERM SS 3
CRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
CRS
WEEK SEVEN
TOPIC: THE TRIALS OF CHRIST
CONTENT
· Christ before the High Priest Matt. 26:36-75, Mk 14:53-72,LK. 22
· Christ before Pilate and the Roman Authorities Matt 27:11-13, MK 23:1-25, LK. 23:1-5
· Christ before Herod Lk.23:6-12
The Trials of Christ (Matt 26:57-68)
There were basically two separate trials of Jesus – The Jewish trial and the Roman trial. After Judas had betrayed Jesus Christ, he was arrested and taken to Caiaphas, the high priest where the members of Sanhedrin – The highest Jewish council- gathered. There Jesus was tried and found guilty of blasphemy for claiming to be the son of God. The punishment for this offence by Jewish law is the death penalty, but being a colony of the Roman Empire, they did not have power to pass the death sentence. They had to take Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman representative he was tried the second time and found guilty, although he was innocent. He was given the crucifixion as a death sentence.
The trials of Christ were significant in many ways. They are seen as an important part of Jesus’ life, and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. The intense suffering and humiliation that Jesus endured during these trials is thought to have been an essential part of God’s plan for salvation. The trials also highlight the injustice and persecution that Jesus was subjected to, as well as the courage and resilience he displayed in the face of adversity. Ultimately, they serve as a powerful testament to Christ’s ultimate triumph over death through his resurrection.
CHRIST BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST
Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane where he told his disciples to wait for him while he went up to pray. He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Going further, Jesus prayed, “My father, If it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will but as thou will” He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping, he reprimanded them for not watching and praying along with him. For the second time he prayed, repeating the same words. Again, he came back and still found them sleeping.
While Jesus was still speaking with his disciples, Judas one of his disciples came with a great crowd he kissed Jesus immediately Christ was arrested and taken away . Those who seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. Jesus was accused of blasphemy. He was asked to defend himself, but Jesus did not answer a word. Peter who was sitting outside the courtyard with a maid was challenged to be with Christ he denied not knowing him, shortly after saying that, the third time, the cock crow, Peter was ashamed and went out and wept bitterly.
CHRIST BEFORE PILATE AND THE ROMAN AUTHORITIES
When Jesus was brought before the Roman authorities, he was tried and found guilty of claiming to be the King of the Jews. Although Jesus maintained his innocence throughout his trial, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion – one of the most brutal forms of execution at the time. Despite the injustice of this verdict, Jesus accepted it willingly, knowing that his death would bring salvation and redemption to all humanity.
The trial of Christ before Pilate and the Roman authorities is seen as an important part of the crucifixion story. It highlights the injustice and persecution that Jesus was subjected to, as well as his courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Jesus’ teachings and his significance in world history.
While the trials of Christ are often seen as an important part of his story, they also represent a greater theme – that of sacrifice and redemption. Through his suffering and death on the cross, Jesus came to embody the ultimate sacrifice for humanity, providing salvation and redemption for all people. This makes the trials of Christ a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, as well as an enduring example of courage and faith in the face of incredible odds. Despite this suffering and death, Christ triumphed over his enemies through his resurrection, and his teachings continue to have a profound impact on the world today.
EVALUATION
1. Narrate the trial of Jesus before the High Priest.
2. Discuss the implication of the trial on the disciples.
CHRIST BEFORE THE ROMAN AUTHORITY Matt. 27:11-31
Instead of the former religious charge of blasphemy for which the highest Jewish court the Sanhedrin had condemned him they now brought three new political charges against him knowing fully that Pilate was more interested in political than religious charges. The new charge were as follow:
1. That Jesus was a seditious agitator perverting the nation.
2. That Jesus was inciting people not to pay tax.
3. That he claims to be a king, thereby overthrowing Caesar.
Pilate knowing that Jesus was accused out of envy, tries to set him free, Pilate’s wife told him not to have anything to do with the death of Christ having told him the dream she had Pilate washed his hands and have Barabbas released to them. Having flogged Jesus, they led him off to be crucified.
CHRIST BEFORE HEROD – Luke 23:6-12
The trial of Jesus before Herod was only recorded in the gospel according to Luke when Pilate learnt that the man was a Galilean which was within Herod’s Jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod who was himself in Jerusalem. When Herod saw Jesus, he was glad, for he had long desired to see him. He had heard about Jesus and he was anxious to see some signs performed by him.
Herod questioned Jesus at length but Jesus did not reply him, not minding that the chief priest and the Pharisees were accusing him vehemently. However, Herod and his soldiers treated Christ with contempt and mockery. The trial of Christ gave Herod and Pilate an opportunity to reconcile for they were enemies before that time..
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1. What are the three new charges that were brought against Jesus at his trial before Pilate?
2. Why did Herod seem to be interested in seeing Jesus perform some signs according to the Gospel of Luke?
3. How was Jesus treated during his trial before Herod and Pilate?
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the three charges against Jesus according to the Gospel of Matthew?
5. Why did Pilate try to set Jesus free at his trial, according to the Gospel of Luke?
6. What role did the trial of Christ play in bringing about a reconciliation between Herod and Pilate?
7. How is the trial of Christ seen as an enduring symbol of sacrifice and redemption?
8. What role did the trial of Christ play in shaping world history and influencing modern-day culture and values?
9. How do the trials of Christ continue to inspire us today, despite their tragic nature?
10. What are some key lessons or takeaways from the trials of Christ that can help us to persevere in the face of adversity and remain faithful to our beliefs?
EVALUATION
1. Briefly narrate the account of Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas, Pilate and Herod.
2. What charges were leveled against him at each stage.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TRIAL OF CHRIST
1. Despite the series of false allegation leveled against Jesus and the fact that he was not found guilty, he was crucified because it was the will of God that it should be so.
2. The messiahship of Jesus Christ could only be accomplished through his death and by this the scripture was fulfilled.
3. Although, it had been destined that Jesus would die because Judas was living in sin, he was used to accomplish the obnoxious task. Christians should therefore be steadfast.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Give an account of the crucifixion of Jesus and the significance of the trial of Christ
2. Outline Pilate’s attempt to save Jesus and why he failed.
3. Describe how Deborah led her people to victory.
4. Mention various ways women are contributing to the development of the society today.
5. From Paul’s letter to the Romans explain the term Justification?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 By Martins I. Amaechi Page 161 -168
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Herod was happy to see Jesus because (a) Jesus came from Galilee, Herods territory (b) he thought Jesus was John the Baptist reincarnate (c) he hated Jesus greatly (d) He hoped to see Jesus perform signs
2. Who was the first to try Jesus ___ (a) High Priest (b) Sanhedrin (c) High priest (d) Herod
3. The notorious Prisoner released by Pilate instead of Jesus was____. (a)Barabbas (b) Barnabas (c) Barsabba (d)Bar-Jesus
4. Simon who was compelled to carry Jesus cross came from_____. (a)Judea (b)Galilee (c) Cyrene (d)Cyrus
5. Which of the following did Pilate ask Jesus during the trial (a) What is it that these men testify against you? (b)Are you Jesus the prophet from Galilee? (c) Are you the king of kings (d) I adjure you by God, tell me if you are the Christ.
6. One of the three accusations against Jesus in Matt 27: 11- 12 is (a) Barabbas is a rebel (b) He incites the people to insurrection (c) he disregards Roman authority (d)he has called himself king
7. Christians today are inspired by Christ’s trial because it represents ____ (a) ultimate sacrifice for the good of humanity (b) enduring faith in the face of adversity (c) strength and fortitude in times of difficulty (d) a symbol of forgiveness and acceptance
8. What can we learn from Christ’s trial that will help us to remain faithful when facing adversity?
9. How might the trials of Christ have shaped world history and influenced modern-day culture and values?
10. What role do the trials of Christ play in shaping our understanding of faith, morality, and justice? How can we apply these lessons to our own lives?
THEORY
1. Write short notes on the role played by the following in the trial, Crucifixion and the burial of Jesus Christ: (i) The chief Priest (caiaphas) (ii) Simon of Cyene (iii) Herod Antipas
2. Justify the reactions of Jesus at his trial with Pilate.