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Day 11: With Jesus at the Trials by Religious Leaders

Creator: @SoulfullyAButterfly

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Take a moment to quiet yourself: close your eyes and take some deep breaths.

Pray this prayer or something similar in your own words: Jesus, help me draw close to you by seeing my suffering in yours and your suffering in mine.

After his arrest, Jesus is taken before the former high priest Annas, then to the current high priest Caiaphas, and finally before the full ruling council. These trials are unjust: they don't follow proper legal conventions, and false witnesses are brought forward. Jesus is innocent but condemned to death anyway. His own true testimony, that he is the Messiah and the Son of God, leads to his condemnation.

Read the passage slowly, using your imagination to place yourself in the scene. Consider what Jesus might have seen, heard, smelled, and felt.

Prayerfully read the passage a second time. What image or images does God press upon your heart?

Stay with Jesus a few moments longer in his suffering.

As you close this time of prayer, talk with Jesus about what this passage has brought up for you.

Today's scene includes difficult images of violence. If imagining it brings up painful memories, it's okay to pause, read more slowly, or simply sit with Jesus without picturing every detail. You can also reach out to a 7 Cups listener for support.

Reflection Questions

Personal reflection:

What might it have been like for Jesus to face false accusations before his spiritual and national leaders, and to be assaulted, humiliated, and mocked?

Community discussion:

Have you faced falsehoods, accusations, or misunderstandings in your difficulties, or been neglected or betrayed by people you thought you could trust? How might your experiences resonate with what Jesus endured?