The Trials of Jesus

The lead up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was full of trials of many kinds. Literally. Jesus faced 6 judicial trials in the time between his entrance into Jerusalem and his death on the cross. Each of these trials were set up from the beginning to convict an innocent man of crimes that he did not commit. These trials consisted of getting slapped, spit on, beat, mocked, and ultimately ended in the crucifixion of Jesus. 

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” 

Matthew 26:67–68.

As Jesus faced these trials, he responded in a way that no one else would. He didn’t lawyer up and defend himself against these accusations. He didn’t fight back against the unjust beatings and mockery against him. Instead, he took all of the things that were being thrown at him. 

 11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 

“You have said so,” Jesus replied. 

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. 

Mattew 27:11–14.

Jesus, the perfect Son of God, stood trial so we don’t have to. Jesus faced condemnation and punishment for something that he did not do in order to save us from facing the condemnation and punishment we deserve. He took our place.

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18

As we celebrate Easter, it’s important for us to remember the trials Jesus faced in our place. Jesus faced an unfair trial so we don’t have to face a fair trial that would end in our punishment for our sins. He did this because he loves us.

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8