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Jesus Christ's Trial (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the account of Jesus Christ's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, His innocence is strikingly evident as He demonstrates complete control over the situation. He willingly delayed in the Garden as the arresting party approached, went forth to meet them, and surrendered Himself voluntarily. At the moment of arrest, His power was undeniable; the soldiers drew back and fell to the ground upon hearing Him declare, "I Am," a statement echoing the divine name of God, rendering them helpless before Him. This display of authority underscores that His submission to arrest was not due to weakness but a deliberate choice, affirming His innocence as One who could not be forced into captivity against His will. Throughout His trials, Jesus Christ's innocence is further highlighted by the failure of His accusers to produce valid testimony against Him. Despite the rigorous standards of Jewish law, which demanded complete and agreeing witness accounts for conviction, the Sanhedrin struggled to find credible evidence. Many false witnesses came forward, but their testimonies were vain and dismissed as they did not align. Even when two witnesses accused Him of claiming to destroy and rebuild the temple in three days, their evidence was legally overthrown, failing to meet the stringent requirements for conviction. Jesus Himself refused to testify against Himself during the preliminary hearing before Annas, asserting His right under Jewish law to a proper trial, and even after being unjustly struck, He calmly reiterated His demand for legal proceedings, showcasing His blamelessness in the face of corrupt opposition. The innocence of Jesus Christ is also evident in the context of the judicial system under which He was tried. He was condemned under the most merciful and careful legal framework known to man at the time, a system designed to protect the accused and seek acquittal at every turn. Yet, despite this, He was found guilty, not due to any fault of His own, but because of the deceitful hearts of those who manipulated the law to destroy the innocent. His innocence stands as a profound contrast to the corruption of His accusers, revealing that no legal or moral basis existed for His condemnation.
Herod Antipas: 'That Fox'
Article by StaffHerod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, played a significant role in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
Who Was Barabbas?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingBarabbas symbolizes all of us who have earned the death penalty unjustly placed on Jesus Christ, a sinless substitutionary sacrifice, saving our lives.
You Are My Witnesses That I Am God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist's trial and crucifixion were not historical accidents; rather, God prophesied both events in minute detail in Old Testament scriptures.
By This We Know Love!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs God's people keep God's law in its spiritual intent, they begin to think like the Father and His Son, both of whom habitually do good.