The Messiah on Trial

The betrayal takes place, as predicted by Jesus, and he's arrested.

He remains quiet during his preliminary hearing by the Sanhedrin...until it was time to speak. He makes this shocking announcement: he is the Christ, the Son of God, and they'll soon see the fallout from his exaltation to God's right hand.

The imagery he uses—coming in the clouds in power—is a picture of heavenly exaltation of Jesus to his position as equal and as one with God Almighty. All they'd experience within a few short years is the sound of approaching Roman forces as they carry out their God-ordained mission to smash Jerusalem to bits.

Today though, the judge of all mankind is physically and verbally abused. The only truly sinless person in the room has been found guilty by everyone else!

Downstairs in the coutrtyard, Peter experiences his own trial. He's accused of being a follower of "the Nazarene". The difference with his "trial" is they were right! Peter denies it, of course, fulfilling Jesus's prediction.

There are lessons here for everyone. Sinful men and women should fear the coming judgement. Believers. though, should identify with Jesus, not observe the battle from a safe distance. They should take courage from Jesus's example and throw themselves in with all prayer.