We shift gears this week and begin a short series through a well-known portion of the Gospel of Matthew. As we anticipate Easter, we will consider the historical record of the highest imaginable offense: the trial and crucifixion of the Messiah.

At that time, the high council in Jerusalem, known as the Sanhedrin, had been seeking a way to put Jesus to death. On account of Roman occupation in Judaea, their plan had to involve two stages: condemn him on the Jewish stage and get the death sentence on the Roman stage. Judas’ betrayal presented the council with an unexpected opportunity to arrest Jesus, but their trial had to happen quickly since the Passover festival would begin at the end of the week (no Jewish trials could occur during any festival). What unfolds in our text this Sunday will be nothing short of the worst legal proceedings, the cruelest judgment rendered, and the highest public insult against the most innocent and most humble Son of God.