The Cross of Christ Pt.2 - Christ's Betrayal and Trial

The subject of Christ's betrayal and trial is a rather significant subject leading up to the crucifixion. Significant, in the fact of Jesus' response during his trial(s), and significant, in his endurance through every circumstance and detail leading up to the most horrific sight in human history. We will start with Christ's Betrayal.

The Betrayal of Christ

Beginning in the final scenes of the garden, Christ finishes praying and walks over to check on His disciples. Wait, we cannot forget a crucial part of what happened in the garden. Jesus, after seeing the cup of wrath prepared for Him, is deeply distressed and can barely stand up off of the ground. Remember the words from Luke in Chapter 22:43, "And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him." These words come into play at this very moment. The Father gave Jesus enough strength to get up on his feet to walk over to His disciples because OF HIS OBEDIENCE. Jesus' submission to the Father gives Him an amazing display of strength that only the Father could have provided, which is why our obedience to God is key to knowing God's will for our lives. He will sustain us and give us strength like he did for His Son. However, Matthew 24:45-46 clearly portrays Jesus' restored strength, "Then he came to the disciples and said to them, 'Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see my betrayer is at hand.'" He regained His authority in God's perfect timing to be ready for his betrayal. See how God works in marvelous and mysterious ways! Wow, that is incredibly fascinating.

At this point in time, one of the twelve, Judas Iscariot, comes into the picture. This is one of the most sorrowful sights in all of Scripture. Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus for three years, heard his teachings, and still decided for his own selfish gain of claiming thirty pieces of silver to betray the holy and righteous Son of God. He learns better, in the end, by finally realizing he betrayed innocent blood. By that time though, sadly, it was too late. It just gives us a picture of how we should live our lives by applying the Scriptural principles that we learn rather than tossing them in the garbage and living the Christian life deceivingly. Anyways, Judas kissed (betrayed) Jesus and the Roman soldiers arrested Jesus without a fight. The important aspects of the betrayal reveal the true heart of Judas Iscariot and the amazing strength of Jesus.

The Trial(s)

Once betrayed, Jesus is led before the Council of the Sanhedrin. The interesting fact about this trial is the Sanhedrin is only supposed to meet in the daytime. They are meeting at nighttime to sentence Jesus to death before the community wakes up. Very deceiving task. However, they bring the witnesses out there and start falsely accusing Him. Jesus makes no rebuttal. (Isaiah 53:7). He is not answering to anything because he knows the Father's plan. That is strength. The endurance of strength, when falsely accused, is clearly portrayed throughout our Savior's being. He knew that this was His appointed time. The Father's wrath is fast approaching, but Jesus remains silent. Why silent? Hebrews 12:1-3, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, WHO FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Amen, everybody. So be it!