Read John 18:12; Romans 5:8

So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. (John 18:12)

Jesus’ first three trials were religious in nature. The accusation was blasphemy, which was an offense that was admissible only in a Jewish court of law. So when Jesus stood before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin (trials one, two, and three), He was accused of blasphemy. But the charge of blasphemy meant nothing in a Roman court of law.

When Jesus was brought before Pilate and Herod for the three civil trials, the charge had to be changed (an illegal act in itself) to treason and insurrection. If He was found guilty of trying to overthrow the government, then He would be put to death.

Three religious trials and three civil trials—and all six were illegal.

In the greatest travesty of justice, Jesus was declared guilty but never proven guilty. As you may recall, Pilate, the same man who finally said, “Take Him and do with Him as you wish,” had earlier said, “I find no fault in Him at all.”

It is safe to say that there has never been a more unfair, illegal, or shameful set of trials than the six trials that led to the crucifixion and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this, however, there is a paradox. From those acts of injustice, the justice of God was satisfied.

As men unjustly poured out their wrath upon Christ at His trials and His death, all God’s wrath against sin was completely released upon Christ at the cross when He bore our sins in His body. As a result, the only thing that separates lost humanity from God is rank unbelief.

He suffered willingly, never once fighting back, never once really defending Himself. Before mocking mobs and weak-willed leaders, He stood strong, and He died and rose from the grave...for you and for me. And now He lives for you and for me. What glorious news!

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NASB)

Adapted by Insight for Living staff from The Darkness and the Dawn by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2001 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com