"When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons." (John 18:1-3)

           After Jesus concluded instructing His disciples and prayed, they traveled to the east out of Jerusalem crossing the brook in the Kidron (Cedron) Valley. The Kidron Valley also called the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" is a deep ravine that begins at Mt. Scopus, sloping downward to the east of Jerusalem, between eastern wall and the Mount of Olives, and empties in the Dead Sea. In the eastern wall of the temple mount is the sealed eastern gate that Ezekiel 44:1-3 prophecies that the Messiah, would enter through the gate into Jerusalem. Further Zechariah 14:4 states that the Messiah's feet will touch down on the Mt. of Olives at His Second Coming with is located on the eastern side of the valley. Knowing of the prophecy, the Muslims sealed the gate during the rule of Suleiman in 1517 thinking this would prevent Christ from entering. He further put a Muslim cemetery in front of the gate. The gate remains sealed until this day. The Jews buried their dead outside the walls to keep from defiling the city. Both sides of the Kidron Valley are covered with Jewish tombs of which many existed in Jesus' day. In Matthew 23:27 Jesus mentioned the tombs rebuking the Pharisees and religious leaders saying "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness." (Matthew 23:27)

           Matthew states that Jesus went to a garden located on the Mt. of Olives. The place was the Garden of Gethsemane located at the foot of the mountain. Jesus often visited the garden to rest and pray. That night Judas, knowing where Jesus would be, came to the garden with a band of men, made up of officers from the chief priests and Pharisees (temple police). They came with lanterns, torches to light their way and weapons to arrest the Lord.

           The Synoptic Gospels all record that on entering the Garden Jesus went aside to pray and was in great agony over what He was about to suffer. (Matt. 26:30, 36-46; Mark 14:26, 32-42; Luke 22:39-46) Mark records that Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to pray with Him, but they fell asleep. Clearly, they were not aware of what was about to happen. Jesus in His agony twice prayed ". . . O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:39) The Lord was in such agony that He perspired "as it were" great drops of blood. (Luke 22:44) The phrase "as it were" is the single Greek word "hosei" and means "like." A simple examination of the words explains that this does not mean Jesus sweated blood as most commentators state. Jesus so agonized over His coming suffering that His perspiration was heavy and thick "like" blood.

           "And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?" (John 18:2-4)

           Matthew 26:14-16 records that Satan possessed Judas at the Passover and he went to the chief priests and offered to betray the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. From that day forward Judas sought the opportunity to betray Him. (See Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6) Judas is an example of a person who is obsessed with material things and riches. Judas, was not born a thief, but during his life he ignored spiritual things and lived to satisfy his flesh. Therefore, over his life, his sin of greed gradually took charge of his life and hardened his conscience to the point that he allowed Satan to possess him in order to fulfill his hunger for riches.

           Matthew gives a fuller account of the events in the garden in Chapter 26:47-50 and states that Judas stepped forward and said "Hail, master" and then kissed the Lord. This was the prearranged sign that Judas had worked out with the Jewish rulers.

           Only Matthew records that Judas after seeing the Lord was condemned to crucifixion repented of his betrayal and went to the chief priests and elders to return his blood money. Judas clearly was terrified of his despicable deed and declared to them that Jesus was innocent trying to make amends. The Sanhedrin, true to their wicked hearts, dismissed Judas' confession in their normal cold, indifferent, and uncompassionate way. Their response was basically to say its your problem, Judas, go deal with it. Judas then threw the money they had given him on to the temple floor and went out and hung himself. Acts 1:16-18 states that a field was purchased by "this man" with the money. However, the actual purchase was made by the priests of the Sanhedrin. They would not accept the money back as it was "blood money" (Matt. 27:6) and it belonged to Judas. Thus the priests purchased the field in Judas' name. Matthew 27:7 says the field was a potter's field where pottery was made. The field was afterward called "Aceldama" meaning a field of blood.

           "Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground." (John 18:4-6)

           Jesus knew that Judas was leading His captors to Him which was a part of God's plan and He went out to meet them asking whom they sought. The men answered that they sought Jesus of Nazareth and the Lord answered "I am." The word "he" is added in our English Bibles. The Lord actually said "I am" meaning He was Jehovah God. In replying "I AM" the Lord clearly identified Himself as God and the Messiah. They understood His statement and recoiled at the force of it falling backward onto the ground. Although John only records their reaction, it seems logical that Jesus caused them to fall backward demonstrating His power, showing that He was not being taken forcibly, but giving Himself up willingly. These evil men had no power to take the Lord and only did so because He allowed them to do so. They were probably recovering from falling to the ground and the Lord to made the point asking them again "Whom seek ye." And as before they replied, probably more cautiously, that the sought Jesus of Nazareth.

           "Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none." (John 18:8-9)

           Jesus said to them "I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way." Twice He identified Himself as Jehovah God and also asked that they not arrest His disciples. John states that this fulfilled the Lord's request in His prayer. He quoted Jesus' exact words saying in John 17:12 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." (John 17:12) What Jesus was to bear, He would bear alone. As they arrested the Lord all His disciples forsook Him and fled. (See Matt. 26:56, Mark 14:50)

           "Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:10-11)

           Luke 22:49 explains that disciples ask the Lord should they defend Him with their swords and John states that Peter, drew his sword and cut off Malchus' ear who was the high priest's servant. Jesus then told Peter to sheath his sword and He healed the man's ear. (See Luke 22:50) Matthew 26:53-54 records that Jesus rebuked Peter telling him that if He wanted to defend Himself He could ask the Father who would send twelve legions of angels. A Roman legion was six thousand men making the number 72,000 angels. Yet, again the Lord reminded Peter that what was happening was God's plan as the scriptures had prophesied. Isaiah 53 was being fulfilled that states in great detail of how the Lord would suffer and die for the sins of the world.

           In Matthew 16:21-23 the Lord had explained to His disciples that He was going to suffer persecution from the Jewish religious leaders and they He would be killed, but He would rise again on the third day. Peter had then scolded the Lord for saying that this should not happen to Him. Jesus then turned to Peter and sharply rebuked him saying ". . . Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." Peter should have realized what was happening, but it seems, that neither he nor the disciples understood yet what Jesus had come to earth to do.

           "Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people." (John 18:12-14)

           The band of men lead by "the captain" who was a Roman soldier, with the temple officers took Jesus and bound Him and led Him first to Annas, the father of Caiaphas who was the present high priest. Annas was appointed the high priest by Quirinius, the governor of Syria, 7 AD however in 15 AD he was deposed by Valerius Gratus the Roman procurator. However, Annas retained a great deal of influence in Israel and being virtually the head of Jewish political power. Although he was not officially the high priest, he still retained the title and ruled through five of his sons who held the office, including Caiaphas, his son-in-law, who was present high priest. Annas was a wealthy Sadducee who was an arrogant, prideful, and evil self-serving man. He gained great wealth through the businesses he directed in the temple. These were the same ones that Jesus denounced. (See John 2:15) He was not directed by morals or any principles except those that would be of benefit to him. He certainly had no religious convictions. It appears he was the main character in directing the subsequent trials of the Lord Jesus.

           None of the Gospels including John gives any details of what happened when Jesus was brought before Annas. Probably the temple officials first took Jesus to Annas knowing that he was the real power and authority in the Sanhedrin. Annas then sent Jesus to Caiaphas the official high priest. John's statement in verse 14, means that Caiaphas was the one who had earlier said it was expedient that one man should die for the people. This was not a prophetic statement inspired by God, but rather based on his understanding of the political situation in Israel. The Jewish rulers were afraid of the problem Jesus might cause them. These religious leaders held their positions at the discretion of their Roman conquerors. The Romans were well aware that Israel was looking for a civil or political Messiah which was of interest to them. John 6:15 states this saying "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone." (John 6:15) The Jews and even His disciples saw Him as a potential national hero with great power and many hoped He would be their liberator and free Israel from its enemies. (Read John 7:1-5) The Jewish rulers concluded Jesus had to be destroyed before He could bring down the wrath of Rome on them. Caiaphas, the high priest and the rulers had a very profitable situation making great sums of money from the temple. Because of the fear of losing their lucrative positions they plotted how they would offer up Jesus, and appease the Romans.

           "And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself." (John 18:15-18)

           They then took the Lord to the palace of Caiaphas the high priest. Peter and John put aside some of their fear and followed the Lord into the palace of Caiaphas. Caiaphas knew John which may mean this is why he was given entrance. Peter followed standing just outside the door with John. Edersheim gives the following account of what happened when Peter and John followed the Lord into the palace.

           "Remembering that the High-Priest's Palace was built on the slope of the hill, and that there was an outer court, from which a door led into the inner court, we can, in some measure, realize the scene. As previously stated, Peter had followed as far as that inner door, while John had entered with the guard. When he missed his fellow-disciple, who was left outside this inner door, John ‘went out,' and, having probably told the waiting-maid that this was a friend of his, procured his admission. While John now hurried up to be in the Palace, and as near Christ as he might, Peter advanced into the middle of the court, where, in the chill spring night, a coal fire had been lighted."

           As Peter stood outside warning himself by the fire and those there asked Peter if he was one of Jesus' disciples and Peter replied for the second time that he was not. Mark 14:68 says that the cock crowed for the first time at this denial of the Lord. One would think that on hearing the cock crow and remembering Jesus telling him he would deny Him Peter would have repented and not denied Him the third time.

           The woman who kept the door to the palace seeing Peter standing outside the door in the outer court asked Peter if he was one of Jesus' disciples. Peter replied that he was not. Luke 22:31-34 records that Jesus had earlier told Peter that the devil desired to "sift him as wheat" and that he would deny Him before the cock crowed twice in the coming morning. (See Mark 14:30) The morning was cold and the servants and officers made a fire of coals and they all stood around the fire and Peter stood with them.

           "The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?" (John 18:19-23)

           Caiaphas then began to question Jesus asking Him about His disciples and His teachings. He was clearly looking for something with which to charge the Lord. Jesus replied that He has openly taught in synagogue and temple where the Jews were and had done nothing in secret. The Lord then challenged Caiaphas to ask the Jews who heard Him what He had preached as they knew what He had said.

           Immediately one of the officers, which were the temple police, struck the Lord with the palm of His hand rebuking the Lord for speaking to the high priest that way. Jesus then rebuked the officer asking him why he struck Him. If He said anything wrong (evil) they could accuse Him of that, but if He had spoken the truth why had the officer struck Him? The law allowed a defendant or one accused to defend themselves and that is what Jesus was doing. Clearly, Jesus had spoken the truth and those in the court knew it so they resorted to accusing Him of not showing respect for the high priest. Can you imagine what the officer who struck Him is thinking and experiencing in the fire of Hades? Annas, not being able to find anything to charge Jesus with, sent Him then to Caiaphas the official high priest.

           "Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest." (John 18:24)

           John does not record many details of Jesus' trial before Caiaphas, but Mark does in Mark 14:53-65. Mark states it was still night and Jesus now stood in the hall of the Sanhedrin before Caiaphas and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes. By Jewish law the trial was illegal and confirms the illegality of a capital trial at night.

           "In non capital cases they hold trial during the daytime and the verdict may be reached during the night; in capital cases they hold the trial during the daytime and the verdict must also be reached during the daytime. In non capital cases the verdict, whether of acquittal or of conviction, may be reached the same day; in capital cases a verdict of acquittal may be reached on the same day, but a verdict of conviction not until the following day."

           As the trial proceeded, the Sanhedrin sought witnesses against Christ in order to put Him to death, but could find none. There were many who bare false witness against the Lord, but it was clear their testimony was tainted and false because they could not agree and thus it was not allowed. The Mishnah Sanhedrin 5:1-4 that deals with acceptable testimony of witnesses, it is very specific about the quality of the witnesses' testimony. If their testimony was contradictory then the testimony was invalid.

           Mark records that certain witnesses said they heard the Lord says that He would destroy the temple and raise it again in three days, but they could not agree among themselves about what He said so the testimony was not acceptable. Matthew records that one witness said the Lord said He was "able" to destroy the temple in three days and rebuild it in three days. (Matt. 26:61) The other said "I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." (Mark 14:58) Because of the differences in the account, the testimony was not accepted. Thus there was no witness who offered any valid accusation against Christ.

           Caiaphas then ask Jesus did He have something to say concerning the testimony of the witnesses? This was clearly an attempt by the high priest to get the Lord to intimidate Himself. Jesus remained silent and said nothing. Caiaphas then asked Jesus "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"

           Jesus then responded "I AM." Plainly He declared His deity and that He was the Messiah. He then added ". . . and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." Jesus' statement referred to Daniel 7:13-14 "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14)

           They then blindfolded the Lord and some of the pious self-righteous and wicked Jews began to spit on the Lord, strike Him with the palm of their hands, and mock Him. (Mark 14:65) The officers who held the Lord after blindfolding Him began to hit Him and mocking His deity asked Him to tell them who had struck Him. Clearly, everyone there knew that Jesus emphatically stated He was the Messiah and the Son of God. Some were so bold as to speak blasphemies against Him. They asked Him to tell them if He were the Christ and He replied ". . . If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." (Luke 22:67-69) Caiaphas upon renting his clothes said there was no further need of witnesses and ask the Sanhedrin to vote and they all condemned the Lord to be guilty and sentenced to death.

           Jesus therefore was both declaring plainly who stood before them and warning them of the consequences of them condemning them which He knew they were going to do. Caiaphas then rent his tunic in a show off violent rage and grabbing it as the neck and tearing it down the center. His was traditionally done by Jews to show adverse grief or strong indignation. This action was not allowed by God for the high priests as Leviticus 10:6 states. "And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled." (Leviticus 10:6) The capitol offense committed at the trial was done by the high priest, not by Jesus. Some believe this action typified the renting of the priesthood and Caiaphas and the nation of Israel. (See Mark 14:60-64)

           "And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew." (John 18:25-27)

           One of the men by the fire was a relative of Malchus, the man whose ear Peter had cut off. He asked Peter also had he not seen him in the garden? Once again Peter denied he was the Lord's disciple and the cock crowed. Matthew 26:74 records that Peter did not just deny the Lord, but did so vehemently swearing he was not one of the disciples. Mark records that the cock crowed twice at Peter's last denial as the Lord had predicted. (Mark 14:20, 72) Luke tells us that as Peter made this final vehement denial, the Lord turned and looked at Peter. (Luke 22:61) What anguish must have rushed over Peter as looked into the eyes of the Lord. Peter did love the Lord, but his human frailty had allowed fear to overcome him. The reality of what he had done struck Peter as he remembered the Lord words and he wept. The word used for "wept" refers to one who bewails or wails aloud.

           "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover." (John 18:28)

           They then took Jesus from Sanhedrin and took Him to Pilate the Roman governor or procurator into the Praetorium which was the Roman headquarters. The Roman guards took Jesus into the Praetorium, but the Jews waited outside in the court not wanting to defile themselves before the Passover by entering a Gentile building. They had just condemned their Messiah to death, yet these religious zealots were careful not to defile themselves with contact with a Gentile.

           "Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die." (John 18:29-32)

           Pilate went out to the Jews in the outer court and asked what was the charge against Jesus. These prideful leaders showed their arrogance by replying that if He were not a criminal they would not have brought Him to Pilate. Jesus was brought before Pilate as a rebel against Rome. Roman law demanded that anyone placed on trial must be properly charged before a trial or sentence would be executed. Pilate responded with indignation probably realizing the Jews had not valid charge against Jesus and that this was religious matter and not something that dealt with Roman law. He told them to take Jesus and judge Him by their laws. They replied that according to Roman law the Jews could not condemn a man to death.

           John adds this was done to fulfill the death that Jesus would die. (John 18:32) According to Jewish law Jesus condemned for blasphemy was to be stoned. However, the Jews were not allowed to stone anyone to death, so the method of execution would be Roman which meant being crucified.

           "Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." (John 18:33-37)

           Pilate then went inside the judgment hall were they were holding Jesus and asked Him was He the King of the Jews? Jesus' reply was to ask Pilate if he was asking for himself, or was being put up to the question by the Lord's accusers. If Jesus was representing Himself as a political king then Pilate, as the political governor, was within his jurisdiction to try the Lord.

           Herod was the only recognized king of Israel by the Romans and there was great animosity against him among the Jews. Herod, was an Idumean and not a Jew and was a tyrant, who murdered many of his own family. Morally he was a despot controlled by his lust. Therefore, Pilate was well aware of how the Jews hated Herod, but Herod had the approval of Rome, thus the Romans would tolerant no one rising to depose him. If Jesus was presenting Himself as the king of Israel then that was a serious charge of which Pilate must deal. However, if it was a Jewish religious matter then this was not within Pilate's jurisdiction.

           Pilate answered by saying "Am I a Jew?" Pilate made the point clear. He was not administrator of Jewish law, but was a Roman. Jewish law did not dictate to the Romans what was legal or not. He continued stating Jesus' own nation and chief priests had delivered Him for execution, and he asks the Lord "So what have you done?" Jesus' answer was clear that He was not a political prisoner. He said His kingdom was not of this world and if it were, His servants would have fought that He not be delivered to the Jews. Jesus concluded that His kingdom was not "hence" meaning that it was not of this world or at this time. Jesus was asserting His kingdom was spiritual.

           Pilate asked Him further saying "Are you a king then?" The Lord replied "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." (John 18:37)

           "Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber." (John 18:38-40)

           The governor then made the typical worldly response about truth saying "What is truth?" His response appears to be of frustration at having Jesus before him without a clear indication of His guilt or innocence. There was not even a charge against the Lord, so what could he do? He again goes out into the street to where the Jews were and declared he found the Lord innocent and no fault in Him.

           Pilate seems to have desperately sought some way to avoid passing sentence on a man he knew was innocent breaking any Roman law. He reminded the Jewish leaders that they had a custom in which the Romans would release one prisoner at the Passover and asked if they wanted him to release Jesus. In most cases the person that was released was a political poisoner, not a criminal and certainly not a robber.

           However, the Jews then loudly and vehemently shouted for him to release Barabbas who was a convicted thief and murderer. Matthew 27:16 refers to Barabbas as a notable prisoner meaning he was well known in the country. Mark states "And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection." (Mark 15:7) (See also Acts 3:14) Barabbas was a political prisoner who had lead an insurrection or riot against the Romans. As a Jewish rebel, Barabbas was under the sentence of death by crucifixion. In his rebellion he had robbed and murdered and committed crimes against the Romans. It is assumed that Barabbas was a Jewish zealot, a revolutionary, and a patriot and must have had others who followed him in his failed insurrection. In a true sense Barabbas was a false messiah or savior of Israel. What is worth noting is that the Jews screamed vehemently for Pilate to release this failed rebel who was a robber and murderer, rather than Jesus, the true Messiah who had never done anything but heal their diseases, offer Israel their promised kingdom, and never harmed a soul. Why did the Jews choose Barabbas rather than Jesus; the answer is clear. As Jesus stated of them "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." (John 8:44)

           The reason was that Jesus preached godly righteousness and holiness before God and this was an offense against the sinful Jews. "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:19-20)

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