One innocent man.

Six trials.

Jesus was tried three times before Jewish authorities and three times before Roman authorities.

Notice the two separate chairs. One chair represents the judgment seat of the religious authorities and the other represents the judgment seat of the secular authorities. The religious leaders essentially said, “We will lie so this man won’t threaten our beliefs and power.” The Roman authorities responded, “We’ll play along with your lies and let this man die to keep the peace.”

The six trials showcase the fact that Jesus was utterly, perfectly, and completely innocent. This was essential to emphasize (six times!) that Jesus died not for His own sins—there were none—but for ours. Jesus endured the shame of a false sentence to win us back to our Heavenly Father.

Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do? Is anything more painful than that? You can’t wait to state your case and clear your name, and if others still don’t believe you, it’s excruciating. Now, imagine you had never sinned, that it wasn’t even in your nature to sin, yet you are not only accused of but condemned for an act so heinous the sentence is death.

Jesus accepted this shame because He was more concerned about completing His Father’s will and winning our salvation than He was about His own comfort or reputation.

As we thank our Lord for this noble sacrifice, let us also remember that as our Lord was treated, so we will be as well. Jesus told His disciples: “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22

You will speak the truth in love and some will perceive it as hatred or intolerance. You will refuse to go along with the crowd and some will respond by accusing you of being full of yourself. You will do what you know to be best, and some will receive it as an act of betrayal, indifference, or insensitivity. In all circumstances, we are called to do what we know to be right even if others don’t see it that way. As our Lord died, so we must live.

Jesus warns in Mark 4:17 that persecution will turn many followers away. Those believers who aren’t prepared and who are caught by surprise when people lie about them or attack them because of their faith may become resentful and fearful instead of determined and courageous.

Pray that your response to the mock trials in life will mirror your Lord’s: “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow…When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:21-23