YOUTH STS LESSON 65

TRIAL AND CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST

Memory Verse: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of
the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had
bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor" (Matthew 27:1,2).

Texts: Matthew 27:1-66; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 23:1-56

The previous chapter gives us the account of Christ's betrayal by Judas Iscariot, which led to His arrest and
overnight trial. He was accused of saying He was able to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days and for
declaring Himself as the Son of God. This chapter focuses on Christ's trial before Herod and Pilate where He
affirmed Himself as the King of the Jews. "And Jesus stood before the governor and the governor asked him
saying, art thou the king of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him. Thou sayest" (Matthew 27:11). On this
ground, Christ was adjudged guilty of treason, ill-treated, and crucified on the cross at Golgotha.

Question 1: What is the importance of Christ's crucifixion to man's eternal destiny?

Christ suffered and died in order to redeem man from the chains of sin and Satan. His crucifixion removed the
wall of partition between man and God. Youths can now come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain
forgiveness and grace to help in time of need.

1. THE TRIAL OF CHRIST

(Matthew 27:1-30; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-26;John 18:12-14;1saiah 53:7,8)

"And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the
whole council, and bound Jesus and carried him away and delivered him to Pilate" (Mark 15:1). Pilate
received Christ early in the morning after standing trial before Caiaphas and the elders. The who le council
stood to witness what will happen between Pilate and Christ. "And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the
Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it" (Mark 15:2).

Question 2: What were the accusation s levelled against Christ by the Jews?

Christ was accused of many things He never did; yet He answered nothing, such that Pilate marveled. Some of
the accusations include forbidding them from paying tribute to Caesar (Luke 23:2) and destroying the temple
and rebuilding it in three days, etc. In spite of the false accusations, Christ maintained a humble comportment.
His mind was set on the mission He came to accomplish. Christian youths are expected to live a blameless life
even in times of trials.

Question 3: What are some notable events that happened during Christ's trial?

The trial of Christ brought up some events that should not be overlooked such as:
(1) The outright rejection of Christ and the release of Barabbas the thief (Matthew 27:15-17, 20,21; Mark 15:6-
11;Luke 23:16-25).
(2) Pilate's wife had a dream in the night and warmed her husband to hands-off Christ's trial(Matthew 27:19).
(3) Reconciliation of Herod the king and Pontius Pilate who had been enemies long before now (Luke 23:6-12).
(4) Pilate washed his hands with water before the multitude to claim innocence (Matthew 27:24).

After all these, Pilate handed him over to the soldiers to be crucified. Christian youths should be resolute not
to partake in other men's evil no matter the pressure. "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand
with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou
speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment"(Exodus 23:1,2)

2. THE SUFFERING,CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF CHRIST

(Matthew 27:27-49;Mark 15:16-37;Luke 23:26-46;1saiah 5:4-8:9,10;Genesis 3:15)

"Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band
of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe"(Matthew 27:27,28). This is the beginning
of the suffering of Christ as He begins His painful journey to Golgotha as the soldiers inflicted serious pains and
injuries on Him.

Question 4: Mention some things that Christ suffered before He was crucified at Golgotha.

Some of the sufferings of Jesus before crucifixion was:

(1) He was stripped of His robe (Matthew 27:28).
(2) The soldiers put a crown of thorns on His head and a reed in His right hand and they bowed their knees
before Him and mocked Him saying "Hail king of the Jews"(Matthew 27:29).
(3) They spat upon Him and took the reed and smote Him on the head (Matthew 27:30).
(4) They gave Him vinegar with a sponge when He was thirsty on the cross.

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with
glory and honour, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. whom are all things, in
bringing many, sons unto make glory, to make Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings”
(Hebrews 2:9,10). Sinning youths should understand that Christ endured all these sufferings in order to
perfect their salvation.

Question 5: What were the things that happened before Christ died on the cross?

These were the things that happened before Christ gave up the ghost on the cross:
(1) one of the two thieves that was crucified with Him got saved right there and was assured of a place in
paradise. "And he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said
unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42,43). This indicates that
when the vilest sinner comes to Christ in faith, he will be pardoned.
(2) Christ prayed for the forgiveness of those that crucified Him and Christian youths should do likewise.
(3) Even at the verge of death, Christ cared for His earthly mother. Christian youths should portray absolute
loyalty and submission to their parents at all times except their instructions contradict God's Word.

3. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS, CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH

(Hebrews 9:22; 10:10;John 1:29)
Christ's sufferings, crucifixion and death are of utmost significance for the Christian faith. It is the anchor on
which our Christian belief is based.It also makes the grace of God that brings salvation to appear unto all men.

Question 6: What is significance of Christ’s crucifixion and death?

"Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22).

This is an evidence that:
(1) Before we can be free from sin, blood must be shed and it must be a spotless one.
(2) It is the reality of the first animal sacrifice that was slain by God to 'cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve in
the Garden of Eden when they sinned (Genesis 3:21).
(3) It is the last offering of the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)
(4) His death did not just cover sin, it redeemed man. Those who trust in Him as their Saviour are redeemed
through His sacrificial death (John 3:16,18).
(5) His death was the complete and final sacrifice for the sin of the world "By the which will we are sanctified
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10).

Question 7: What are the benefits of Christ's crucifixion to humanity?

The entire human race including youths have a lot to benefit from the death of Christ on the cross at Calvary.
Among the benefits are:
(1) The blood of Jesus gives us salvation.
(2) Through the name and the blood of Jesus we have healing, deliverance, protection, preservation, academic
excellence, victory over sin, self and Satan, and all things that pertain unto life and godliness are given to
believers(1 Peter1:3; 2 Peter1:3).
(3) The blood of the Lamb grants us direct access to God, unlike the time of old. In conclusion, since Christ has
finished the work for the redemption of humanity on the cross at Calvary, it will be dangerous for a sinning
youth to continue in his sin knowing fully well that he has no power over his own soul. The Lord is calling,
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white
as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (isaiah 1:18). He also said, "Come unto me
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:29). The Spirit also is calling:
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst
come. And whosoever l will, let him take the water of life freely"(Revelation 22:17).