Throughout most of his public ministry, Jesus’ enemies had dogged his footsteps, claiming that he was a false teacher, perhaps even demonic (cf. Luke 11:14-16). But when they had him in their power, the contrast was striking. Jesus remained calm and in control of himself. The leaders, who claimed great “righteousness,” were frenzied, unfair and cruel, showing a spirit tragically filled with hatred and evil.

• In verse 63, Luke said Jesus’ guards taunted and beat him BEFORE the council met for the trial (Luke 22:66). This was a classic Alice in Wonderland “trial”—“verdict first, evidence later.” Pontius Pilate, a tough Roman career politician, saw through their charges, saying, “I find no legal basis for action against this man.” Have anyone ever treated you unfairly? In what ways can you grow toward having the spirit with which Jesus endured this mockery of a trial?
• The religious leaders loathed tax collectors for working with Rome. Now they readily set aside that “principle” to demand that the Roman procurator help them kill Jesus. Have you ever seen (or been) a person who was willing to use bad means to achieve a desired purpose? From God’s perspective, who was really on trial—Jesus, or Pilate and the religious leaders, who refused to acknowledge Jesus as their king?