Trials, Legal

<<public examination, test>>

The official trial of Jesus was rigged because when He had exposed the religious leaders’ double standards and lack of Godly authority they became jealous. They had Him arrested and, wanting a guilty verdict, broke their own laws by using knowingly false evidence to ensure these demands were met (Mk 14:55-59). The two Roman appointed authorities who had the authorization to allow execution examined the evidence and declared Jesus “not guilty”, but under pressure from the religious leaders (who incited the crowd) they reluctantly granted permission (Lk 23:14,15,22).

Jesus went through an unfair trial and unfair sentence on our behalf so we wouldn’t have to face a fair trial and receive the just punishment for our sin, for ‘the soul that sins will die’ (Ezek 18:4,20; Rom 6:23).

In any court of law, as in general life, principles of justice and fairness should upheld, mindful that each person has rights.  Manipulation, pressure, the opinion and fear of others can cause a compromise on truth. The Bible counsels, as one opinion seems right till you hear the other side, don’t prejudge before you know both sides of the story (Prov 18:13,17).

Jesus promised that when we are summonsed to appear before the judge of a legal court because of our faith and consistent Christian lifestyle (not because of our wrong actions) we will be given the words to say in our defence (Mk 13:11; Lk 21:12-19; 1 Pet 4:15). Believers should not take a case against a fellow believer to the secular courts.  Rather disputes and differences should be settled inside the church structure where the Holy Spirit and the ‘mind of Christ’ can provide wisdom (1 Cor 6:1-8). Sometimes our greatest opponents are surprisingly from those who should be on the same team and in agreement – be it religion, family or nationality, confirming the saying “A man’s foes are those of his own household” (Mt 10:36). 

If you have been treated unfairly even by the supposedly impartial authorities in this life, God the ultimate judge before whom we all must appear and give account will accurately judge (Jn 8:16; Rev 16:7, 19:2).

See also: divine judgement, fairness, impartial.