2003
Trials of Jesus
April 2003


“Trials of Jesus,” Liahona, Apr. 2003, 10–12

Trials of Jesus

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Wicked men go to the Garden of Gethsemane

The chief priests and elders of the people sent wicked men with swords and sticks to the Garden of Gethsemane. Matt. 26:47

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Judas was with them

The Apostle Judas Iscariot was with them. The men had paid Judas to show them the Savior. Matt. 26:14–16, 47

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Judas kissed Jesus. The men took Jesus

Judas had told the men that he would kiss Jesus. When he did, they arrested Him. The men mocked and hit Jesus. They took Jesus to the high priest, Caiaphas. Matt. 26:48–50, 57; Luke 22:63–65

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Jewish trial found Jesus guilty

The Jewish leaders held a trial. They said that Jesus had broken the law by claiming to be the Christ, the Son of God. Because Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ, He did not deny it. They found Him guilty. Luke 22:66–71

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Pilate needed to condemn Jesus to death

The Jewish leaders did not have the power to sentence Jesus to death. They took Him to Pontius Pilate, who did have this power. They told Pilate that Jesus had told people not to pay taxes to Caesar. Luke 23:1–3

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Pilate didn’t think Jesus did anything wrong

Pilate did not think Jesus had done anything wrong. It was a feast day in Jerusalem. It was a custom to release a prisoner during the feast. Pilate wanted to release Jesus. The crowds wanted Barabbas, a murderer, released instead. They shouted for Jesus to be crucified. Luke 23:14–21

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The people wanted Jesus killed

Pilate still could find no reason to kill Jesus. He still wanted to release Him. But the priests and the people cried loudly that they wanted Him crucified. Luke 23:22–23

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Pilate allowed the people to crucify Jesus

Pilate washed his hands, saying he was not responsible for Jesus’ death. But he gave the crowd permission to crucify Jesus. Matt. 27:24–26

Illustrations by Paul Mann