Station 3: Day 1

Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”[1]

Luke 22:66-71

Meditation

            The third station of the cross occurs at daybreak on the Friday morning after the Last Supper. Jesus, having likely been awake all night, is taken to an assembly of the Sanhedrin, the group of religious leaders. This is the first formal trial of Jesus. The Temple authorities attempt to entice him to commit blasphemy, to admit being the Son of God. Unlike Judas, the Sanhedrin challenge Jesus directly. They immediately ask if he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God.

            Jesus had spent the previous several years preaching and performing miracles in public places for all to hear and see. There was no doubt he possessed uncanny insights and powers, the likes of which none in the Temple could match. Jesus was a threat to the Temple leaders and their way of life, and this council was determined to find him guilty of some offense that would give them reason to have him killed.

Spiritual Discipline

Fast for the next 4 days by staying awake 15 minutes longer than usual. Utilize the extra time for meditation, study, and journaling. As you struggle to stay awake, remember Jesus being demeaned before the religious court. As you feel more tired than usual the next day, remember Jesus on trial before those who understood God far less than he did.

Prayer

Patient Lord, you have been put on trial and found to be worthy of our praise and thanksgiving. Remind me not to put you on trial again. Give me the strength not to waiver in my belief in both your divine and human natures, as well as your constant presence with me. Amen.

This is the 11^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Luke 22:66-71