05/29/2026
Sunday Sermon recap: "Jesus' Trial, Accusation, and Verdict"-John 18:19-19:15- Pastor Ben
Jesus had now been arrested and taken before Annas to be questioned. After this, He was brought before the high priest. Meanwhile, Peter waited outside, and when asked if he followed Jesus, Peter denied Him saying, "I am not."
This entire arrest and trial process was unlawful. The trial happened at night 🌙 lasted only a few short hours had no formal charges, no proper witnesses, and was filled with corruption. During the questioning Jesus asked, "Tell me what I've done wrong." Instead of answering, one of the officials slapped Jesus for simply speaking the truth.
Peter was questioned again and denied Jesus - the rooster crowed...just as Jesus had said it would.
By Friday morning Jesus was brought to Pilate. Pilate asked Him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered that His kingdom was not of this world- His kingdom is God's kingdom. Pilate questioned Him further, and Jesus declared that He came to testify to the truth. Jesus IS the truth- the only real truth.
Pilate repeatedly said he could find no basis to convict Jesus, and even offered to release Him. But the crowd demanded Barabbas instead. Jesus was whipped, mocked, dressed in a purple robe and given a crown of thorns. Still Pilate said, "I find no basis for a charge against Him." Yet the chief priests shouted, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
When Pilate asked Jesus why he would not answer him, Jesus reminded him: "You have no power over Me."
In the end, Jesus was handed over to be crucified-not because He was guilty, but because He willingly chose to take our place.
📣And as always...Big things are happening at Emmanuel church 📣 won't you join us. Worship begins at 10:30 AND...we're on the Grand Turn Rd in Marshall 😉
