When Jesus Faces The Council
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | October 1, 2023
Turn to Luke 22:63-71. Today’s message, “What Do We Learn When Jesus Faces The Council,” examines a dark moment. The text reads: “And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him… Art thou the Christ? tell us… Ye say that I am.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this church family and guests. Help us grasp Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Save the lost, help me preach, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
After His arrest, Jesus’ disciples fled. Peter denied Him thrice, weeping bitterly at the rooster’s crow. Then, captors abused Jesus, leading to His trial before the council. We learn three things.
The Cruelty of Men Toward Christ
The text says: “The men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him… blasphemously spake they against him.” After decades with Jesus, I still weep at this cruelty. They blindfolded Him, struck His face, and mocked, “Prophesy, who hit you?” Judas betrayed Him with a kiss (Psalm 41:9), disciples fled (Luke 22:53), and these men—likely soldiers—chose to abuse Him. Not ordered, but of their own wicked volition, they derided His preaching and plain appearance (Isaiah 53:2). This is man’s rebellion against God’s goodness, a hellish commentary on humanity. Teach your kids kindness—never this cruelty.
The Council’s Interrogation of Christ
At daybreak, “the elders… chief priests and scribes… led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ?” This council—elders, priests, scribes—wielded influence. Influence is powerful, like a breeze wavering a plant (Job 38:31). They lied, sought false witnesses (Matthew 26:59-63), and twisted Jesus’ words—claiming He’d rebuild the temple in three days, not His body (John 2:18-22). They demanded He admit lies He never spoke, standard for wicked men. We mustn’t be like them—use influence for good, seek truth, not lies.
Christ’s Reply to the Council
Jesus replied: “If I tell you, ye will not believe… Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.” They wouldn’t believe or reason, ignoring Him until He said, “Ye say that I am,” twisting it against Him. He spoke of His return in glory (Matthew 26:64), now at God’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3). Today, the rapture nears—UFO talks and cashless tech (like my wife’s sandwich ordeal) signal it. Jesus won’t be crucified next time—He’ll reign, judging the wicked.
