I - PIOUS PERSECUTION (26:57-59, 27:1-2)
- Against the religious
-By the religious
-Caiaphas' prophecy (John 18:12-14, 11:29-52)
II - POLITICAL PITY (Matt 27:11-26)
-Pilate knew what this trial was about {envy}
-He tried {by suggestion} to release Jesus
-His wife knew Jesus was just and innocent and tried her pervasive skills
-Pilate questioned the Jews concerning Jesus' guilt
-Washed his hands of the whole matter
-Pilate even called him "Christ", "King", and "just person"
III - PERJURIOUS PEOPLE (26:59-60)
-The priests and elders sought false witnesses
-They knew better-First, the conscience of ANY man knows better-The very fact that they sought false witnesses speaks to the perfect and sinless life of our Lord Jesus Christ! (1Pet 2:21-24)
-The priest especially (Deut 19:16-21)
IV - A PARTICULAR PREDICTION (26:63-64)
-The priest is trying to get Jesus to admit that he is the Christ, the Son of God
-He demands "by God" that he answer
-The purpose is to justify {in their minds} this trial
-Jesus is always careful with his words because he knows what their evil hearts are after
-In his answer he gives a particular prediction - a stern warning (Rev 1:7; Psa 22:16)
V - PHYSICAL PERSECUTION (26:67; Isa 50:6, 52:14)
-Spit in his face
-Buffeted him {fist}
-Smote with palms {slap}
VI - PRETEND PRAISE (Matt 27:27-29; Phil 2:10; Rom 14:11; Rev 5:13)
-One day they will bow and worship
VII - PETER'S PANIC (26:69; Luke 22:61; Mark 14:31)
-Even though Jesus knew this would happen, even though he had predicted it...it still hurt!
-Don't be too hard on Peter - we most likely would have done the same (Rom 7:18-20)