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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “show trial”. A show trial is a public trial in which the judicial authorities have already determined the guilt or innocence of the defendant. A show trial can also be defined as a trial in which the verdict is rigged and a public confession is often extracted. A Show trial is usually employed by a dictator or a political regime that seeks to protect its interest and to send a strong warning to opponents through an unjust trial and harsh verdicts as a form of deterrent. Jesus was a victim of a show trial. Jesus was tried by His enemies who are members of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was made up of the Pharisees, teachers of the law and Jewish elders. They were mostly a representation of the Pharisees and Seducees, all of which were Jesus’ avowed enemies. The Sanhedrin was chaired or led by the Chief Priest. The Sanhedrin played judicial, religious and administrative functions, for this reason, we are told that “Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled.” (Matthew 26:57)

It is interesting to note that, when Jesus was arrested there was no person or group of persons who identified themselves as the complainant. For a person to be arrested, He must have offended a complainant. The complainant may be an individual, a group of people or the state. The complainant must have reported the accused alleging a particular crime he or she has committed to warrant his or her arrest. Jesus experience a show trial because there was no identifiable complainant who launched a complaint alleging a crime or offence before Jesus’ arrest. He was arrested before a case was made against Him! This is clearly an unjust or show trial. “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” (Matthew 26:59-61) Which crime was reported for which the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence to prove? If No one reported nor caused Jesus’ arrest then who were the two witnesses? How does Jesus’ statement of destroying the temple and rebuilding in three days affect or harm anyone personally to constitute a crime?

Again we shall observe that Jesus’ conviction was not based on the statement made by the two witnesses but entirely on a different and unrelated confession made by Jesus when said that “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses?Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. (Matthew 26:64-66) A closer look at Jesus’ trial points to the fact that the Sanhedrin caused the arrest of Jesus because they considered Him to be their religious and political enemy, they conspired and unjustly tried Him as a deterrent to anyone who will rise against their regime. Jesus was tried without any identifiable complainant although they managed to find two witnesses whose statements were immaterial to His arrest and trial. The testimonies given or the statements made by two witnesses did not constitute any substantial evidence to warrant a justifiable verdict or conviction. Again, no law on blasphemy was quoted or referenced by the Chief Priest to prove Jesus’ confession as blasphemy, thereby, constituting a crime which was punishable by a death sentence. In conclusion, Jesus was unjustly arrested and accused wrongly and therefore became a victim of a show trial which was meant to please the Jewish authority and their cohorts and to serve as a deterrent to anyone who is associated with Jesus or plans to follow the example of Jesus. No wonder Pontious Pilate after He had taken Jesus through a proper Roman trial procedure said “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.” (Luke 23:14-15) He “took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” (Matthew 27:24)

The show trial of Jesus gives us a better understanding of Peter’s denial. Peter denied Jesus on three occasions for the fear of also becoming a victim of a show trial and thereby suffering the same fate as Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). It was an unjust, painful and dehumanizing trial system given to enemies of the state. Jesus’ unjust show trial led to a mob attack on Him by the followers of the members of the Sanhedrin. Jesus was physically and verbally abused under the watch of the Sanhedrin who were the main architects or conspirators behind the show trial. ” Then they spit in (Jesus’)his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” (Matthew 26:67-68).

Beloved in the Lord, have you been treated unjustly on account of your faith in Jesus? Although it is a painful experience to be targeted and treated unfairly by your enemies for living a life of integrity as a true disciple of Jesus, we are assured by Jesus that “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12). Let us trust the Lord and endure the show trial we may encounter in our lives for His glory. Paul encourages that “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:17-19). Regardless of the unbearable situation or suffering we may endure or go through on account of our faith Job assure us that “after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes —I, and not another…” (Job 19:26-27) May Jesus’ show trial and suffering grant us encouragement and strengthen our faith to fully cast our burdens on Him when the journey of faith becomes challenging. Shalom.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, be with us when we go through show trials. May the Holy Spirit grant us the resilience to endure persecution and injustice on account of our faith so that we shall be ready and at Jesus’ second coming. Amen