March 13, 2016

When Life's Unfair

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Characters of the Crucifixion Scripture: Matthew 26:57– 27:2

Characters of the Crucifixion
When Life’s Unfair
Matthew 26:57 - 27:2

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The Unjust Trial of Jesus

Scene 1: Jesus before Annas

“So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.” (John 18:12–14)

  • Annas was the high priest from AD 6-15
  • He was still the power behind the priestly position
  • They had already decided to kill Jesus before this
  • He was looking to prove that Jesus’ disciples and doctrine were anti-Rome
  • While Jesus was inside protecting Peter; Peter was outside denying his Lord
  • While it appeared to the Jewish leadership that Jesus was bound and they were in control, the fact of the matter was that Jesus was totally free and in complete control

Scene 2: Jesus before Caiaphas

According to later Jewish rabbinical writings and the OT scriptures:

  • Capital cases could not be tried at night or during festivals
  • Capital cases required 2 consecutive days before a verdict could be rendered
  • The accused should have been permitted counsel for his defense
  • 2 witnesses were required to confirm the offense and there were harsh penalties for false witnesses (Deuteronomy 19: 15-21)
  • Contrary to all Jewish and Roman law they took it upon themselves to begin to punish the accused

Scene 3: Jesus before the Sanhedrin

“When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said,” (Luke 22:66)

• This trial was to give the proceedings some “air of legality”
• The Jewish leaders did not have the power to impose the death penalty and would have to take Jesus to Pilate (John 18:31)

When Life Is Unfair

1. Recognize the reality of difficulties and injustices in a sin scarred world

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (2 Timothy 3:12)

2. Focus on your God-given purpose

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

“even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

3. Realize there is a time to remain silent

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”
(Isaiah 53:7)

4. Realize there is a time to speak truth

“a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” (Ecclesiastes 3:7b)

5. Rely on the fact that even the most tragic of circumstances can be used to accomplish God’s sovereign purposes

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

6. Trust in God’s wisdom, love and power

“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)

Making It Personal:

  • How do you typically respond when life seems unfair or unjust toward you?
  • How would God have you to grow in Christlikeness in your responses to the difficulties of life?
  • Where in your life do you need to trust in God’s wisdom, love and power right now?
  • Have you personally responded to God’s perfect provision of Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection through repentance and faith?

other sermons in this series

Mar 20

2016

The Crucifixion

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Matthew 27 Series: Characters of the Crucifixion

Mar 6

2016

The Slide Towards Compromise

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Matthew 27:1–2, Matthew 27:11–26 Series: Characters of the Crucifixion