The Unjust Trial Of The Just One

John 18:28-40; Acts 3:13-15; 7:52; 22:14; 1 Peter 3:18

They were full of envy, jealousy, and hatred. The care not about big things, but the little things of traditions they kept.

Their hearts, behaviour and character were not right in the sight of the Lord. Traditional worshippers can major on the outward things like the dressing, singing, reading, washing, ceremonies, external and public prayers but in their hearts, bribery and corruptions, stealing, exam malpractices, extortions, oppressions and killings. They are not born again. Their service can be well organized, but the problem is of the hearts. If you were to judge them by outside comportment, you will say that they have passed the righteous test, but they are rotten in the hearts (Matthew 23:23-28). Pray that will not be your lot in Jesus Name.

“To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him” (Acts 25:16). This was what the Jewish people were guilty of, they won’t even give Jesus Christ the chance to defend Himself. They accused and condemned Him to death. Even the Romans and the courts of the world will not do that.

Are there people in the Church, whatever their titles, that will judge and condemn people without listening to them nor giving them the opportunity to defend themselves? Even unbelievers will not do that. Let there be fairness, justice and fair play; let people defend themselves concerning the crimes against them. Do not hide anything nor use diplomacy in the Church of the Living God. We must not allow the character and the behaviour of the Pharisees to take effect in the Church.

“That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die” (John 18:32). Jesus knew and had predicted what was coming and it came upon Him just like that (Luke 18:32-33; 24:44). We as Christians had been told that persecution would come, so when it comes we should not be surprised nor mourn. We are told that temptations and trials would come, but God will make a way of escape and we shall overcome. So whatever the trial, judgement, temptation, pressure, opposition or persecution, one day they will come to an end, for Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. You will rise again out of that obscurity, pressure, problem and persecution. All things must be fulfilled; they should not surprise or take us unaware. This is part of what have been written concerning you. You will understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:46).

Point 2. CHRIST’S MISSION AND WITNESS TO THE TRUTH

John 18:33-37; Matthew 27:11; Psalms 2:6-9; Isaiah 9:6,7; Jeremiah 23:5,6; Zechariah 9:9; John 1:49; 12:12-15; 18:36; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:12-14; John 1:14,17; 14:6; 8:30-32

Important words in the midst of the trials, persecutions and lies of the Jewish people. “…..Art thou the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33). Pilate was the governor of the people (Matthew 27:11). Think about a Governor, the highest person in the land politically asking such a question, think of what he might be feeling in his heart, competition with Christ. But you see Jesus Christ will never tell a lie,

He is the Truth, Way and the Life. So in whatever situation you find yourself, don’t tell lies, just tell the truth and the truth will take care of the situation. “Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” (John 18:34). Look at Jesus Christ, He was there as a Prisoner and an Accused Person, yet He looked the Governor at his face straight, see the courage in Him. Pray that God will give you that same courage. Cowardice that makes us compromise, cringe and not to follow what we believe and our convictions. His Conviction was that He is the King of the Jews, the Messiah, the Saviour and the Lord. “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36). This is wonderful that His Kingdom is not of this world, not in the same plane with Pilate. Pilate is the king of this world, earthly and temporary, but Christ is the King of the Kingdom that is Eternal, Supernatural and goes beyond this world. Jesus bears witness of the truth of His Kingship, Dominion and Power, and every one that is of the Truth will hear Him.

This truth that Jesus Christ is the King, how can we confirm it? “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession” (Psalms 2:8). This is what the Heavenly Father said and He will ask the Father the heathen for His possession. Jesus is King! He has a government as the Governor, and has a Kingdom as the King as well (Isaiah 9:6-7). Salvation will come as a result of His kingship (Jeremiah 23:6).

Pray that Jesus will be King over your life, family, character and He will rule and reign over you in mercy and grace in Jesus Name.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus is the Just One even though they were giving Him an unjust trial at this time.