Lesson 6. Denial and Judgment

• Religious education
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

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Denial and Judgment

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After his arrest, Jesus was brought to Caiaphas, the high priest of the Sanhedrin, for interrogation. Caiaphas was an influential figure within the Jewish religious leadership and played a key role in the trial against Jesus. The interrogation took place in Caiaphas' house, where Jesus was accused of blasphemy and other charges by the high priest and the elders of the people. This interrogation took place in the early morning hours after Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Learning Objectives

• You can explain the roles of Peter and Judas in the Easter story.
• You know the role of Caiaphas.
• You understand who Pilate was, what he did, and why he did it.

What is the week before Easter called?

1. Advent
2. Holy Week
3. Lent
4. The Pre -Easter Week

Easter always falls on a........?

1. Saturday
2. Sunday
3. Monday
4. Tuesday

The night before, during the meal, Jesus said to Peter: "You will deny me three times before the rooster crows." But Peter replied, "No, Lord, I will never do that!"

1

That same evening, Jesus was arrested by soldiers. He had to explain to the high priest Caiaphas what He had said.

2

Petrus wanted to know what was happening and followed them. But he was afraid that the people would recognize him as a friend of Jesus.

3

By a fire in the courtyard, Peter sat down to warm himself. People came up to him there.

4

First, a girl said, "Hey, you know Jesus, don't you?"

Peter was startled and quickly replied, "No, I don't know what you're talking about."

5

A little later, another man said, "You are also with Jesus!"

But Peter replied again, "No, that's not true!"

6

Then another person said, "You speak just like the people from Galilee. You are one of His friends!"

But Peter shook his head and said for the third time, "I don’t know Jesus at all!"

7

At that moment, Peter heard it: cock-a-doodle-doo! The rooster crowed. And then he remembered what Jesus had said. Peter looked at Jesus, and Jesus looked at him.

8

Peter felt suddenly very sad because he knew he had abandoned Jesus. He went outside and wept.

9

The story of Peter and the rooster is a well-known biblical account that took place during the trial of Jesus. It is especially known for Peter's denial of Jesus, as predicted by Jesus himself.

Prediction by Jesus:

Before Jesus was arrested, he predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed.

Denials:

After Jesus was arrested, Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace.

While there, Peter was recognized as one of Jesus' followers, but he denied it three times out of fear for his own safety.

At the moment of his third denial, the rooster crowed, just as Jesus had predicted.

Peter's Reaction:

After realizing what he had done, Peter remembered Jesus' words and was overwhelmed with sorrow and regret.

This story illustrates Peter's human weakness and the importance of loyalty and steadfastness, even in times of trial. It is often seen as a reminder of the need for vigilance and faith, even when it is difficult.

Why did Peter pretend that he did not know Jesus?

This story illustrates Peter's human weakness and the importance of loyalty and steadfastness, even in times of trial. It is often seen as a reminder of the need for vigilance and faith, even when it is difficult.

Peter was afraid that they would also arrest him and perhaps even kill him.

Just like Peter, Judas also made a wrong choice.

But the difference is that Judas did not ask for forgiveness or go back to Jesus.

He did feel very guilty, but instead of making things right, he ran away from God.

According to the biblical account, Judas returned the money he received as a reward for his betrayal to the high priests and elders of the Jewish people. After realizing that his betrayal had led to the arrest and condemnation of Jesus, he was overwhelmed with regret and remorse. He threw the thirty silver coins down in the temple, then went away and took his own life by hanging himself. 

This is described in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of Matthew, chapter 27, verses 3-5.

What do you think was the reason Judas betrayed Jesus?

The reasons for Judas' betrayal of Jesus have been the subject of much speculation and discussion among theologians and biblical scholars. 

Several theories attempt to explain his motives:

Greed: The most straightforward motive mentioned in the Bible is that Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty silver coins, a symbolic sum of money.

Disappointment or resentment: Some scholars suggest that Judas was disappointed or angry with the direction Jesus' mission was taking. He may have expected Jesus to be a political leader who would free Israel from Roman rule, but when Jesus didn't reveal himself in that way, Judas may have felt betrayed.

Manipulation or divine providence: According to some, Judas' betrayal was part of God's plan for the salvation of humanity. He may have been manipulated by dark forces to deliver Jesus, as Jesus himself suggested when he said that Judas' actions had to be fulfilled.

Regret and remorse: Other interpretations suggest that Judas betrayed Jesus to initiate the confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities, hoping it would lead to the anticipated uprising. When this didn't happen and he saw the tragic consequences of his actions, he felt regret and remorse.

Why would Judas have thrown the money in the temple?

This story is a powerful reminder of the weight of guilt and the importance of seeking forgiveness. Judas' action of throwing the money in the temple showed the overwhelming remorse he felt, but also highlighted his choice to not seek God's forgiveness. Instead of turning to God, he remained trapped in despair, leading him to take his own life.

It teaches us that no matter how great our mistakes may seem, we are always welcome to turn to God for forgiveness and hope. Jesus' death was for all of humanity's sins, including Judas', and through Him, we can find redemption.

Why would Judas have hung himself?

Judas likely hung himself because he was overwhelmed with guilt and despair after betraying Jesus. When he realized the consequences of his actions—leading to Jesus' arrest and eventual crucifixion—he felt intense remorse. Instead of seeking forgiveness or turning to God, he chose to end his life in his sorrow and hopelessness. His tragic end highlights the destructive nature of guilt when one does not seek redemption or grace.

What does "blood money" mean?

"Blood money" refers to money obtained through betrayal, murder, or other immoral and unlawful actions. It is a term often used to describe money earned by causing harm or wrongdoing, such as in the case of Judas, who received thirty silver coins for betraying Jesus. The word "blood" in the expression suggests that the money is earned at the cost of someone's life or honor.

What was done with that money?

According to the Biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 27, verses 6-7), the chief priests took the thirty silver coins that Judas had thrown into the temple and used them to purchase a piece of land known as "the Potter's Field" or "the Field of Blood." This field was used as a burial place for foreigners. This act was seen as a fulfillment of a prophecy from the book of Zechariah (chapter 11, verses 12-13), where thirty silver coins are mentioned in relation to the rejection of the shepherd.

After the money was used to purchase the field, it became a permanent monument connected to Judas' betrayal and the tragic events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.

The Jewish leaders could not execute anyone themselves, so they brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.

1

Pilate had to decide what would happen to Jesus.

2

Pilate asked Jesus if He was really the King of the Jews. Jesus calmly replied, "You say so."

3

Pilate understood that Jesus had done nothing wrong and wanted to release Him. But the people shouted, "Crucify Him!"

4

Pilate did not want to be responsible for Jesus' death.

5

Therefore, he washed his hands with water and said, "I am innocent of this man's blood."

6

Pilate then asked, "What shall I do then with Jesus?" The crowd shouted, "Crucify Him!"

10

It was a custom during the Jewish Passover that the governor would release one prisoner, someone the people could choose.

7

Pilate set two people before them: Jesus, who was innocent, and Barabbas, a dangerous criminal.

8

Pilate asked the crowd, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus or Barabbas?" The leaders had incited the crowd, and the people shouted, "Barabbas!"

9

Although Pilate knew that Jesus had done nothing wrong, he yielded to the crowd. He freed Barabbas and sent Jesus to be crucified.

11

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea from around 26 to 36 AD. He was responsible for enforcing Roman laws and maintaining order in the province, including overseeing trials and imposing punishments. Pilate is most famous for his role in the trial of Jesus of Nazareth and his eventual condemnation to crucifixion.

The act of washing his hands in innocence is a symbolic gesture attributed to Pontius Pilate in the story of Jesus' trial. According to the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 27, verses 24-25), Pilate washed his hands in innocence after declaring that he found no fault in Jesus. This gesture symbolized his declaration that he was not responsible for the condemnation of Jesus and that the responsibility lay with the Jewish people. He said, "I am innocent of this man's blood; it is your responsibility."

This gesture is often interpreted as an attempt by Pilate to absolve himself of the moral guilt of condemning Jesus while still allowing the sentence to be carried out. It is seen as an example of political opportunism and evading responsibility.

Het paard in het schaakspel beweegt 2 velden horizontaal met 1 veld verticaal of een beweging van 2 velden verticaal met 1 veld horizontaal. 

Er ontstaat bij een paardensprong altijd een L-vorm.

The name of the person who was released.

Knight's move puzzle

S

R

B

A

A

A

B

B

Answer:  Barabbas

Why did Pilate not want to condemn Jesus?

1. He was against the death penalty
2. He did not want to handle legal matters for the Jews
3. He believed that Jesus was the Christ
4. He believed in the innocence of Jesus

Write 3 things you have learned.

Write 1 thing you found strange or interesting.