JESUS HANDED OVER
The narrative of Jesus being handed over from one authority to another before His crucifixion serves as both a historical retelling and a profound lesson in spirituality. The act of being handed over symbolizes the trials, injustices, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, carrying an important message for Christians today.
THE CHAIN OF HANDOVERS
1. Judas to the Temple Guards
The sequence of handovers commenced with Judas Iscariot, who was among Jesus’ disciples. Judas betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane by giving Him a kiss, which resulted in His arrest by the Jewish soldiers (Mt 26:49). This was the onset of a night filled with challenges and struggles.
2. The High Priest and the Sanhedrin
The soldiers led Jesus to Caiaphas, the High Priest, where Annas, the scribes and elders were gathered (Mt 26:57). The Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, tried to find false testimony against Jesus in order to have Him killed, but they couldn’t find any until two false witnesses finally came forward (Mt 26:59-60).
3. Pilate, the Roman Governor
In the early morning, the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. They restrained Him, escorted Him, and gave Him to Pilate, the governor of Rome (Mt 27:1-2).
4. Herod Antipas
Pilate, upon acknowledging Jesus’ innocence and finding out He was from Galilee, decided to send Him to Herod, who was conveniently in Jerusalem at the time (Lk 23:7). Herod mocked Jesus, dressed Him in a splendid robe, and sent Him back to Pilate (Lk 23:11).
5. The Public
Pilate, unable to find any wrongdoing in Jesus, gave the crowd the option to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a well-known criminal (Mt 27:17). The crowd opted for Barabbas and demanded Jesus’ crucifixion.
6. The Soldiers
At last, Pilate released Barabbas to the crowd and gave Jesus to the Roman soldiers to be scourged and crucified (Mt 27:26).
REFLECTION
In His teachings, Jesus had warned His disciples about the persecutions they would encounter. He said, “They will hand you over to local councils and flog you in their synagogues” (Mt 10:17). This prophecy indicates that those who follow Christ will go through hardships resembling His own.
Christians are reminded to have faith and endure their trials, just as Jesus did when he was unjustly handed over from one authority to another. Knowing that Jesus faced similar trials, believers can find solace during moments of injustice and suffering.
Jesus’ prediction about His disciples facing persecution is a call to steadfast faith. The early Christians were subjected to severe persecution, a reality that persists for many people worldwide even today. The narrative motivates Christians to hold onto their faith, even in difficult times.
The essence of Christian faith is rooted in Jesus’ willingness to be handed over and ultimately sacrificed. This serves as a reminder of the immense love of God and the value of sacrificing for others.
Even though Jesus endured human injustice, His resurrection signifies divine justice and conquering death. Christians are encouraged to have faith in God’s ultimate justice and sovereignty, even in the face of worldly injustices.
Despite being betrayed and handed over, Jesus showed the ultimate act of forgiveness by praying for those who crucified Him (Lk 23:34). Christians are taught to embrace forgiveness, even when faced with betrayal and suffering.
The story of Jesus being betrayed is not just a series of events. It serves as a strong reminder for Christians to endure trials, keep faith in the face of persecution, practice self-sacrifice, trust in divine justice, and embrace forgiveness. By following these principles, believers show respect for the significant legacy of Jesus Christ and His path to the cross.