Snapshots- Jesus through the Lens of History

Trial by Senhedrin

How many times this week did you want to advise a friend or loved one, to direct them away from destructive behavior?  Were you diplomatic and gentle, or did you just have to let them know how really dumb they are? Now, did your friend or loved one accept your advice when offered? Did you need to offer your advice repeatedly? And did you get just a little huffy when your really super advise was refused?

Well, let’s head back to the first century and take a look at the developing pattern of interactions Jesus had with the priests and elders, and notice the inevitable and tragic results.


In the Gospels, Jesus, is remembered as directing followers to first take an errant brother aside and privately redirect him. If that doesn’t work, followers should join in a group of two or three and confront the wrong-doer. Now, if that doesn’t work, the desperado should be dragged in front of the Temple elders for something stronger and more persuasive. And if that doesn’t work either, send him away and treat him like a leper.

Take some quick snapshots as this same pattern plays out with Jesus and the elders. First a priest would approach Jesus and begin a debate. Later, two or three would confront him and debate with him again. When all confrontation shifted Jesus not one iota from his continued sermons at the local synagogues and on the hillsides, the next step is taken - sending the Temple guards into the Garden for him to bring him before the Sanhedrin, the Temple priests and elders, for a really nasty rebuke.

What happens at this emotionally charged trial is supposition, since nothing was ever recorded and no followers of Jesus attended. We do know that Jesus must have exasperated them completely since they sent him ignominiously off to the next level of authority
 . . .

. .and so we will return to take  snapshots at the next trial, presided over by Pontius Pilate.