The Jewish Trial (Part 1)

We’re always looking for ideas to get the most out of Dr. Jeannie’s lessons. With this in mind, the following discussion questions were provided by the Bible study group at St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Geneva, NY.

1. How did Judas make it easier for the Jewish leaders to arrest Christ?

2. What’s the difference between foreknowledge and predestination? Why is the doctrine of predestination so incompatible with what we (Orthodox) know about God?

3. Is there anything that God cannot do? What are your thoughts on our Church’s understanding of the answer to this question?

4. After the Jewish authorities arrested Christ, why was it so urgent to put Him to death before the feast of Passover? In other words, why didn’t they wait until AFTER the Passover had been concluded and the crowds have left Jerusalem so they could do away with Him rather quietly?

5. What does the Passover commemorate for the Jews? What does it commemorate for Christians? What is typology, and what are some examples of how the early Christians used typology to interpret the Scriptures?

6. Why is it that Jesus institutes the Eucharist at the Passover meal and then says “Do this in remembrance of Me”?

7. What are some examples of how the Jewish trial and condemnation of Christ violated basic Jewish law?

8. Even if what the false witnesses said was correct (that Jesus said he would destroy the Temple), why would that be such a serious charge?

Bible reading: Matthew 24: 1-2 and Matthew chapter 26

In addition to the questions above, the following questions were provided by the Bible study group at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Cambridge, MA. These questions are related to both The Jewish Trial (Part 1) and The Jewish Trial (Part 2).
  1. What events contributed to the Jewish leaders deciding to “deal” with Jesus when they did?
  2. Why was Judas necessary in the plot of the Jewish leaders to arrest Christ?
  3. How did the Jewish trial against Christ violate the Jewish legal practices of the time?
  4. How was a “credible” accusation brought against Jesus in the Jewish trial? What truth underlies this false accusation?
  5. What rhetoric did the High Priest use to force a “blasphemous” response from Christ? What is the significance of the language Christ uses in His response, and why is He ultimately found guilty?
  6. What do we know about the Jewish High Priest Caiaphus who presided over Christ’s trial? What was so significant about him “renting” his garment upon hearing Christ’s response?
  7. What do you think about Dr. Jeannie’s explanation of how free will is not violated by omnipotence/prophesy? Do you think our decisions are altered when others predict them?

Listen to this lesson below: