Introduction:
The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is a pivotal event in the Passion narrative, marking the beginning of the final hours leading to His crucifixion. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, with each providing unique details that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the proceedings. The Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council and court, played a crucial role in the religious and legal life of Israel. The trial before this body highlights the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, ultimately leading to His condemnation.

Biblical Accounts:
The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew (26:57-68), Mark (14:53-65), Luke (22:66-71), and John (18:12-24). Each account provides insights into the nature of the trial and the charges brought against Jesus.

Matthew 26:57-68 :
In Matthew's account, Jesus is brought before Caiaphas, the high priest, and the scribes and elders. The Sanhedrin seeks false testimony against Jesus to justify putting Him to death. Despite many false witnesses, they struggle to find consistent testimony. Finally, two witnesses claim that Jesus said, "I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days" (Matthew 26:61). The high priest demands Jesus to declare if He is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus affirms, "You have said it yourself," and prophesies His future exaltation. The high priest accuses Him of blasphemy, leading to a unanimous decision that He deserves death.

Mark 14:53-65 :
Mark's Gospel parallels Matthew's account, emphasizing the difficulty in finding consistent testimony against Jesus. The high priest questions Jesus directly about His identity as the Messiah. Jesus responds affirmatively, declaring, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). This statement leads to accusations of blasphemy, and the council condemns Him to death.

Luke 22:66-71 :
Luke presents a slightly different sequence, with the trial occurring at daybreak. The council questions Jesus about His identity as the Christ. Jesus responds, "If I tell you, you will not believe" (Luke 22:67), and further asserts His divine authority. The council concludes that His claim to be the Son of God is sufficient for condemnation.

John 18:12-24 :
John's account focuses on Jesus' initial appearance before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Annas questions Jesus about His disciples and teachings. Jesus emphasizes the public nature of His ministry, challenging the need for secretive questioning. After this preliminary hearing, Jesus is sent to Caiaphas, where the formal trial before the Sanhedrin takes place.

Theological Significance:
The trial before the Sanhedrin is significant for several reasons. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering and rejection of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:3-7). Jesus' responses during the trial affirm His identity as the Son of God and the promised Messiah, central tenets of Christian faith. The trial also highlights the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus, despite the evidence of His divine authority and fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.

Legal and Procedural Aspects:
The trial of Jesus raises questions about the legality and fairness of the proceedings. According to Jewish law, trials were not to be held at night, and capital cases required a thorough examination of evidence and witnesses. The Gospel accounts suggest that these procedures were not followed, indicating a miscarriage of justice driven by the leaders' desire to eliminate Jesus.

Conclusion:
The trial before the Sanhedrin is a critical moment in the Passion narrative, setting the stage for Jesus' crucifixion. It underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, the affirmation of Jesus' divine identity, and the rejection by the religious authorities. This event is a profound demonstration of the tension between divine purpose and human opposition, central to the Christian understanding of redemption through Christ's sacrifice.