Christ’s illegal trial and condemnation
Outline of a sermon on Luke 23:23f by John Flavel (1628-1691).
I. The trial of Christ was conducted most maliciously and illegally by his unrighteous judges. The righteous Judge of all the world is judged most unrighteously.
1. He was inhumanly abused, both in word and action.
2. He was falsely examined by a court (the Sanhedrin) that had no authority to try him.
3. He was absurdly accused of perverting the nation, and of denying tribute to Caesar.
4. He was maliciously attacked by false witnesses, Mt 26:59.
5. He was shamefully treated, while still uncondemned, by the court.
6. He was condemned to die by one who had repeatedly found no fault in him.
Inferences
1. Although we are not required to reply to every false accusation against us, we are called upon to confess the truth, as Christ did, Mk 14:61f.
2. It is an excellent thing to bear persecution with meekness, as Christ did.
II. He was condemned to death, though an innocent man.
1. It was Pilate who gave the sentence. And he showed in the end that he feared Caesar more than he feared the Son of God. Self-interest prevailed over justice.
2. It was Christ whom Pilate sentenced. Not a criminal, but an innocent man; a wonderfully good man.
3. It was a sentence of death by crucifixion: (a) a most unjust and unrighteous sentence; (b) a cruel sentence; (c) a rash and hasty sentence; (d) an extorted sentence; (e) a hypocritical sentence.
4. It was a sentence received by Christ with patience and meekness.
Inferences
1. See what cause we have to pray for good laws and righteous rulers.
2. How evident it must be that there is a righteous judgment to come?
3. Conscience may be overborne by a fleshly interest. Consider (a) how dear those profits or pleasures cost, which are purchased with the loss of a good conscience; (b) that your present actions are seed sown for eternity; (c) how by these things men prepare for their own torment in their dying hour.
4. The believer will never be condemned at God’s bar, as Christ was falsely condemned at Pilate’s bar.
The Fountain of Life (Baker Books, 1977 edition), 287-300