The trial of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the culmination of His earthly ministry and leading to His crucifixion. This event is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:57-27:26, Mark 14:53-15:15, Luke 22:54-23:25, and John 18:12-19:16. The trial can be divided into two main phases: the Jewish trial and the Roman trial.

The Jewish Trial

The Jewish trial consisted of three stages: the preliminary hearing before Annas, the formal trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, and the morning session to ratify the decision.

1. Preliminary Hearing Before Annas: After His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was first taken to Annas, the former high priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas (John 18:12-14). Annas questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus responded, "I have spoken openly to the world... I said nothing in secret" (John 18:20). Annas, finding no basis for a charge, sent Jesus to Caiaphas.

2. Trial Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin: Jesus was then brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses were brought against Him, but their testimonies did not agree (Mark 14:55-59). Caiaphas asked Jesus directly if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus affirmed, "You have said it yourself... you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64). This declaration led Caiaphas to accuse Him of blasphemy, and the council condemned Him to death.

3. Morning Session: To legitimize their decision, the Sanhedrin convened again at daybreak. They confirmed the verdict and bound Jesus to be taken to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Luke 22:66-71).

The Roman Trial

The Roman trial also consisted of three stages: the initial hearing before Pilate, the hearing before Herod Antipas, and the final sentencing by Pilate.

1. Initial Hearing Before Pilate: The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate, accusing Him of subverting the nation and claiming to be a king (Luke 23:1-2). Pilate questioned Jesus, asking, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "You say so" (Luke 23:3). Pilate found no basis for a charge against Him but, learning that Jesus was a Galilean, sent Him to Herod Antipas.

2. Hearing Before Herod Antipas: Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time, was eager to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle. However, Jesus remained silent in the face of Herod's questioning. Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus, dressing Him in a splendid robe, and sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:6-11).

3. Final Sentencing by Pilate: Pilate, still finding no guilt in Jesus, attempted to release Him, offering to free Him as part of the Passover amnesty. The crowd, incited by the chief priests, demanded the release of Barabbas, a known insurrectionist, instead (Mark 15:6-15). Pilate, seeking to appease the crowd, had Jesus flogged and presented Him, hoping to elicit sympathy. Yet, the crowd cried out, "Crucify Him!" (John 19:6). Pilate ultimately succumbed to their demands, washing his hands as a symbolic gesture of innocence, and handed Jesus over to be crucified (Matthew 27:24-26).

The trial of Jesus, marked by injustice and false accusations, fulfilled the prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah and set the stage for His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection.