Humble Hero

Determined Efforts to Condemn Jesus

As soon as it was day, the Sanhedrin assembled again, and once more Jesus was brought into the council room. He had declared Himself to be the Son of God, but they could not condemn Him on this, for many had not been there at the night session and had not heard His words. And they knew that the Roman official would find nothing worthy of death in those words. But if they could all hear from His own lips His claim to be the Messiah, they might twist this into a treasonous political claim. HH 328.1

“If You are the Christ,” they said, “tell us.” But Christ remained silent. They continued to press Him with questions. At last He answered, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go.” But He added the solemn warning, “Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.” HH 328.2

“Are You then the Son of God?” they asked. He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.” They cried out, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.” HH 328.3

And Jesus was to die. All that was necessary now was for the Romans to ratify this condemnation. HH 328.4

Then came the third scene of abuse, worse even than what the ignorant rabble had done. It took place in the very presence of the priests and rulers, with their approval. When the judges pronounced Jesus’ condemnation, a satanic fury took possession of the people. The crowd made a rush toward Jesus. If it had not been for the Roman soldiers, He would not have lived to be nailed to the cross of Calvary. He would have been torn in pieces. Roman authority intervened and restrained the violence of the mob by force of arms. HH 328.5

Heathen men were angry at the brutal treatment of One against whom nothing had been proved. The Roman officers declared that it was against Jewish law to condemn a man to death on his own testimony. This brought a momentary lull in the proceedings; but the Jewish leaders were dead both to pity and to shame. HH 328.6

Priests and rulers forgot the dignity of their office and abused the Son of God with foul names. They taunted Him about His parentage. They declared that His proclaiming Himself the Messiah made Him deserving of the most shameful death. Someone threw an old garment over His head, and His persecutors struck Him in the face, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” One poor wretch spat in His face. HH 328.7

Angels faithfully recorded every insulting look, word, and act against their beloved Commander. One day the evil men who scorned the calm, pale face of Christ will look upon it in its glory, shining brighter than the sun. HH 328.8