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Jesus is in the political and spiritual capital of Jerusalem. Only five days earlier Jesus was welcomed as a king, before being betrayed, denied by His friend, and arrested by the religious leaders. Because those religious leaders cannot impose the death penalty, they hand Him over to Pilate to achieve their goals. Delivered by the hypocrisy of the religious elders, they don't just want Him dead, they want Him discredited and shamed.From the text, we look at three points:The Kingdom Jesus HasThe Message Jesus BringsThe Rescue Jesus OfferIf His kingdom was on Earth, His authority could conquer the world, however, His kingdom comes from outside this world. The difference, He lays down His life, instead of coming to take life.Jesus sates that His message is to bear witness to the truth, and that everyone of the truth will listen. We are to abide in His word and know the truth. That is why he was born into this world.Pilate, finding no guilt in Jesus, offers Jesus the freedom by custom to the Jews at the Passover. Instead, they choose Barabbas, a criminal and insurrectionist. Barabbas is the first man to walk free in place of Jesus. We too are guily, beyond rescue by our own power. We too, are saved by Jesus's substitution.
In this episode, I put five of Jesus' hardest sayings under the investigative spotlight. As a cold-case homicide detective, I've spent my career testing witness statements, examining context, and following the evidence wherever it leads. In this "case file," I apply that same approach to some of the most troubling verses in the Gospels. Along the way, I'll walk through investigative tools you can use on any tough passage: Examining the historical and literary context Comparing parallel gospel accounts Understanding ancient language and idiom Testing skeptical vs. Christian explanations to see which best fits the facts If you've ever wondered whether these verses disqualify Jesus as a trustworthy source of truth, this episode is for you. Want to go deeper and learn how to think like a detective about your faith? Check out my book Forensic Faith for an in‑depth look at building a case for Christianity and living it out with confidence.
#9 | "Jesus on Trial" | Luke 23:1-25 | Mark Irving
Mark 14:43-72, Nathan Chapman
What do you make of Jesus? 1. The priests get their witness (14:53-65) 2. The rock crumbles under pressure (14:66-72) 3. The guilty son goes free (15:1-15) What does Jesus make of us?
We shift gears this week and begin a short series through a well-known portion of the Gospel of Matthew. As we anticipate Easter, we will consider the historical record of the highest imaginable offense: the trial and crucifixion of the Messiah. At that time, the high council in Jerusalem, known as the Sanhedrin, had been […]
What did Jesus reveal about Himself when He was on trial? Zach Wiggins, Minister to Students at the Antioch Campus, continues Part 3 of our Gospel of Luke series, "The Passion of Jesus", preaching from Luke 22:63-71. Notes in this sermon: The trial of Jesus revealed His obedience, authority, and identity. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
What did Jesus reveal about Himself when He was on trial? Pastor Micah Hayes continues Part 3 of our Gospel of Luke series, "The Passion of Jesus", preaching from Luke 22:63-71. Notes in this sermon: The trial of Jesus revealed His obedience, authority, and identity. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
The Trial of Jesus Coleton's sermon walked through Gospel of Mark 14:53–65 — Jesus before the high priest and the Sanhedrin — and focused on three major truths: The Lack of Evidence, The Injustice, and The Answer Jesus Gives. 1. The Lack of Evidence The passage says: “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any… Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.” This was not a fair trial. It was rigged from the beginning. ● It was held at night. ● It was held in the high priest's house. ● Witnesses were prepped to testify falsely. ● The entire purpose was to find a reason to kill Him. And yet — they could not find solid evidence. Even the eyewitnesses who had seen Him and heard Him could not produce consistent testimony proving He deserved death. That's staggering. The point made was simple but powerful: If the people who lived at the same time as Jesus — who hated Him and wanted Him dead — could not produce credible evidence to disprove His claims, then what evidence do we have 2,000 years later to dismiss Him? The question was posed directly: “If you don't believe Jesus is who He says He is — what evidence do you point to? Because the people who lived in His time, who hated Him and wanted Him dead, couldn't find any.” The sermon argued that we actually have more evidence to consider the truthfulness of Jesus' claims today — not more evidence to disprove Him. To emphasize Jesus' global impact, the quote from Dr. James Allan Francis was read, describing Jesus as an obscure carpenter who never held office, never wrote a book, never traveled far — and yet: “All the armies that ever marched… all the kings that ever reigned… have not affected the life of mankind upon the earth as powerfully as this one solitary life.” History has been shaped not by Caesar, but by a carpenter from Nazareth. That demands explanation. 2. The Injustice The second focus was the staggering injustice of the trial. Multiple Jewish legal procedures were broken: ● Arrest without formal charges ● Trial during Passover ● Night trial outside the temple courts ● No agreeing witnesses in a capital case ● No 24-hour waiting period before sentencing Jesus was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced within hours. And yet — none of this hindered God's plan. The sermon pointed to Book of Isaiah 53, written centuries before, which describes the Messiah: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth… From arrest and judgment he was taken away… though he had done no violence.” Their injustice did not derail God's plan — it fulfilled it. A quote from James Stewart captured it beautifully: “They gave Him a cross, not guessing that He would make it a throne… He did not conquer in spite of the evil. He conquered by using it.” That line shaped the heart of this section: God doesn't merely overcome evil — He uses it. This doesn't mean what they did was good. It means nothing can stop what God has determined to accomplish. The application became deeply personal. We often think: ● That relationship ruined God's plan. ● That job loss ruined God's plan. ● My upbringing ruined God's plan. ● Time is running out. But the cross shows otherwise. If God has determined to bless you, no one can stop Him. Their curses can become stepping stones. The example of David was used: Saul tried repeatedly to kill him, but every attempt only moved David closer to the throne. The preacher shared personally about the pain of his parents' divorce — and how God used that painful disruption to bring him to Memphis, where he met his wife. What felt like loss became a pathway to blessing. The message was clear: “What He has decided to do, no one and nothing can stop Him.” 3. The Answer Jesus Gives Up to this point, Jesus had remained silent. If He stays silent, it becomes very difficult to condemn Him. But then the high priest asks directly: “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” And Jesus answers: “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” This is the turning point. Jesus gives them exactly what they need to condemn Him. He ensures His own death. He is not trapped. He is choosing. The sermon made this stunning reversal clear: ● He was declared guilty though innocent… ● So that we who are guilty could be declared innocent. Quoting Book of Isaiah again: “It was the Lord's will to crush him… he will bear their iniquities… he poured out his life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors.” Jesus chose condemnation so we could receive justification. A quote from Greg Boyd reinforced the heart of it: “Despite our sin our creator thinks that we are worth experiencing a hellish death for… the cross reveals our unsurpassable worth and significance to God.” At the core of our fears is the suspicion that we are not truly loved — that we are on our own. But the cross answers that fear. You are not the only one fighting for your life. He is fighting for you. He is not against you. He is for you. And He proves it here. He chose death so that you could experience life. The sermon closed with a call to respond: Give Him more of your allegiance. Give Him more of your life. Trust Him more deeply. Because the cross shows: Nothing can stop His plan. Nothing can disprove His claim. And nothing can separate you from His love.
Sunday morning message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. February 8, 2026
Welcome to the TFC Biblecast! Start your day off right and join us as we take the next 10 minutes to dive into God's word. If we can pray for you, email us at biblecast@tfc.org.
In this Bible Story, Jesus is taken before Pilate and brutally beaten. The crowd demands Jesus be crucified. Pilate, who knew Jesus was innocent, washes his hands clean and releases Jesus to be crucified. This story is inspired by Matthew 27:12-26; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:2-25 & John 18:28-32; 19:12-15. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Luke 23:23 from the King James Version.Episode 211: The crowds drag Jesus to Pilate demanding his approval of the death sentence. Pilate, however, takes Jesus aside to learn more about who He is. After taking Him aside, Pilate brought Jesus back out to the crowd to dismiss Him since he had found no wrong in Him. But the crowd would not have it! So Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, but neither did he find Jesus doing anything worthy of death. Finally, Pilate gave the crowd a choice, set Jesus free or set Barabbas - a murderer and insurrectionist - free. But the hate was too strong in the hearts of the crowd and they pushed for Jesus to be crucified.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark 14:53-72They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'” Yet even then their testimony did not agree.Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.But he denied it. “I don't know or understand what you're talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it.After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don't know this man you're talking about.”Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Todaywe are continuing to look at Luke 23. In this chapter, we read about the trial,the crucifixion, and the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus loves us so muchthat He gave His life on the cross of Calvary. In this chapter, we see mendoing their worst and at the same time, we see God giving His best. I rememberthat verse in Romans 5:20, “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”.In the darkness of that hour, in the darkness of sin all around on planetearth, and especially there in Jerusalem as men are crucifying the Lord JesusChrist, the grace of God is abounding because God is pouring out His lovethrough the death of His Son on the cross of Calvary. Jesusdidn't just happen to die. In John 10:17-18, Jesus said, “Therefore MyFather loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No onetakes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, andI have power to take it again. This command I have received from MyFather." Acts 2:23 affirms thatthe crucifixion of Christ was by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge ofGod. Jesus was the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world (1Peter 1:20, Revelation 13:8). Aswe look at the first five verses of this chapter, we see Jesus coming on trialbefore Pilate. He has already faced three trials with the Jews during thenight. Now, somewhere between 6:00am in the morning and 9:00am, when Jesus wascrucified, this trial before Pilate takes place on Friday morning. PontiusPilate is an interesting person. This is the first encounter Jesus has withsomeone in this chapter as far as the trial and His death on the cross areconcerned. Pilate was the governor of Judea from AD 26 to AD 36, after which hewas recalled to Rome and passed out of Roman history. Pilate was hated by theJews, and it appears he hated them as well. When Jesus is hung on the cross,Pilate has a sign put over His head: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”He did this to provoke the Jews, who denied that Jesus was their King. Jesusis taken inside the Praetorium to be tried before Pilate. The Jews are outsidein the courtyard because they cannot enter without defiling themselves for thePassover (John 18:28). Jesus is in this room, and Pilate interrogates Himindividually, personally. In Matthew 27:18-19, it says Pilate knew that theyhad handed Him over because of envy. In his handling of the trial of Jesus, thegovernor proved to be indecisive. The Gospel of John records seven differentmoves that Pilate made as he went out to meet the people and then went in toquestion Jesus (John 18:29, 33, 38; 19:1, 4, 9, 13). He kept looking for aloophole, but he found none. Pilate has gone down in history as the man whotried Jesus Christ, three times declared Him not guilty, and yet crucified Himjust the same. Itwas obvious Pilate understood some of the situation with Jesus and the Jews,knowing it was because of their hatred for Him, not because He had broken anyRoman laws that would demand execution. While Pilate was sitting on thejudgment seat, his wife also sent a message to him, saying, “Have nothing todo with that just Man, for I've suffered many things today in a dream becauseof Him” (Matthew 27:19). Pilateis convinced He's not guilty and proclaims this at least three times in thegospel accounts. But the Jews are determined to have Him crucified. In the end,Pilate makes no decision, saying, “I wipe my hands of the guilt of this justMan.” My friend, indecision is the worst decision; it is the fatal choice.Jesus says, “You're either with Me or you're against Me.” Wemust decide for Jesus even today—whether we'll accept Him as our Savior or denyHim as the Son of God and reject Him as our Savior. What is your choice? Godbless!
Mark 15:1-15 Jesus on Trial by Mike Deguzman 1. The Foundation of Resurrection Romans 10:9 Acts 2:22-24 Acts 3:14-15 Acts 17:31 1 Corinthians 15:14 1 Corinthians 15:17 Matthew 26:57-58 2. The Trials Leading to Crucifixion Luke 22:44 2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 5:8 3. The Trials Leading to Decision John 1:29b-30 Matthew 16:16 John 1:1-3 John 1:14 John 20:25b John 20:28 John 11:27 Luke 2:11 Luke 15:2 Luke 22:70 Mark 15:39 Matthew 27:4a Luke 23:14 Luke 4:34 Matthew 3:17b Romans 1:4 Application: 1. Jesus is _________________
JESUS ON TRIALJOHN 18:12-27
Courts may pass sentence, but justice is not always done. For Jesus, show trials were held to give legitimacy to killing an innocent man. In this message, Pastor Lutzer draws three lessons from Jesus' response to injustice. A day is coming when every wrong in the universe will be made right. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29
Courts may pass sentence, but justice is not always done. For Jesus, show trials were held to give legitimacy to killing an innocent man. In this message, Pastor Lutzer draws three lessons from Jesus' response to injustice. A day is coming when every wrong in the universe will be made right. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.
In a perfect world, the court system examines facts and determines guilt or innocence. But after Jesus was arrested, He went before several so-called courts in rapid succession. In this message, Pastor Lutzer analyzes Jesus' six-phase trial: three Jewish and three Roman legal proceedings. How does injustice fit into the bigger picture of God's purposes? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29
In a perfect world, the court system examines facts and determines guilt or innocence. But after Jesus was arrested, He went before several so-called courts in rapid succession. In this message, Pastor Lutzer analyzes Jesus' six-phase trial: three Jewish and three Roman legal proceedings. How does injustice fit into the bigger picture of God's purposes? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.
Courts may pass sentence, but justice is not always done. For Jesus, show trials were held to give legitimacy to killing an innocent man. In this message, Pastor Lutzer draws three lessons from Jesus' response to injustice. A day is coming when every wrong in the universe will be made right. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Envy is a deeply human motivation. The religious leaders of the day wanted to condemn Jesus, furious He was claiming to be God. In this message, Pastor Lutzer reviews Jesus' three trials before the authorities installed by Rome. How did Jesus react to injustice, and how should we react? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
In a perfect world, the court system examines facts and determines guilt or innocence. But after Jesus was arrested, He went before several so-called courts in rapid succession. In this message, Pastor Lutzer analyzes Jesus' three proceedings before the Jewish authorities. How does injustice fit into the bigger picture of God's purposes? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The post Jesus on Trial appeared first on Providence Church.
Jesus experienced six different trials on his way to the cross. Pastor Dan Rude focuses on what unfolds in Jesus's last trial, why Pilate had a problem, and what the choice of the crowd means for you and me today.
Pastor BoldinLuke 23Worship through the Ministry of Teaching the Word!Need Prayer or Want to Give your Life to Christ?email: prayer.request@strivinghome.org.We will pray with you or for you!Get Involved: www.strivinghome.org
You can watch this message here.
In this sermon, Pastor Jim preaches about the trial and persecution of Jesus from the religious leaders of the time.Read along with us in Mark 15:1-20
Sunday Service | A teaching on John 5:31-47 in the series The Gospel of John with Pastor Josh BlackVictory Calvary Chapel is a church in Menifee, California. We gather for Jesus, to worship Him, to follow Him, and represent Him wherever we go. To learn more, visit us at www.victorycc.com.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1452/29
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1452/29
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1452/29
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1452/29
In this Bible Story, Jesus is taken before Pilate and brutally beaten. The crowd demands Jesus be crucified. Pilate, who knew Jesus was innocent, washes his hands clean and releases Jesus to be crucified. This story is inspired by Matthew 27:12-26; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:2-25 & John 18:28-32; 19:12-15. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Luke 23:23 from the King James Version.Episode 211: The crowds drag Jesus to Pilate demanding his approval of the death sentence. Pilate, however, takes Jesus aside to learn more about who He is. After taking Him aside, Pilate brought Jesus back out to the crowd to dismiss Him since he had found no wrong in Him. But the crowd would not have it! So Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, but neither did he find Jesus doing anything worthy of death. Finally, Pilate gave the crowd a choice, set Jesus free or set Barabbas - a murderer and insurrectionist - free. But the hate was too strong in the hearts of the crowd and they pushed for Jesus to be crucified.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's amazing to think that the God of the universe, the Creator of galaxies, and the inventor of DNA—loves us with a radical, unconditional love. In this series, The Love of Christ, we will develop a greater understanding of who Jesus is and why he came. This series today invites us to get to know Jesus and to be drawn to follow His perfect example throughout the Scriptures.
It's amazing to think that the God of the universe, the Creator of galaxies, and the inventor of DNA—loves us with a radical, unconditional love. In this series, The Love of Christ, we will develop a greater understanding of who Jesus is and why he came. This series today invites us to get to know Jesus and to be drawn to follow His perfect example throughout the Scriptures.