Continuing for Holy Week - ''Trial by Senhedrin', from 'Looking for Jesus, His Life and Times'

 

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.

          The Old Testament offers this advice in dealing with a wayward acting Jew. First take the errant brother aside and privately redirect him. If that doesn’t work, a group of two or three should then 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. These debates and Jesus’ answers are documented in the New Testament. Later, two or three would confront him and debate with him again.

When all the confrontations and debate shifted Jesus not one iota from his continued radical perspectives and his sermons at the local synagogues and on the hillsides, the next step is taken - sending the Temple guards into the Garden 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. . .the only option available to them under the Law.

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

Questions to Contemplate and Discuss

 Does this process of incrementally trying to redirect someone from a ‘dangerous’ direction remind you of your own experiences of being either the advisor or the advisee? And how well did it work?

 What does your imagination suggest happened at the confrontation of Jesus and the Temple elders?

   Do you think there could have been any other outcome? Could the elders have acted differently? Could have Jesus?

  Look for the next section to be posted and for the whole book go to:

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