On-line children's bible class
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this Bible class, Teacher Lori Sutton walked students through the trials of Jesus immediately following his arrest in the garden. She set the context by reminding the class that Jesus had spent the night in prayer, that his disciples had abandoned him in fear, and that he faced these trials as a completely innocent man—the only person ever to live without sin. The teacher then guided students through Jesus' appearance before four powerful leaders: the Jewish high priests Annas and Caiaphas, and the Roman governors Pilate and Herod. Throughout each trial, Jesus was falsely accused by lying witnesses whose testimonies contradicted each other. Sutton used this as a teaching opportunity to explain how lies are inherently unstable—they grow larger, change shape, and eventually fall apart when retold. In contrast, Jesus spoke truth boldly, declaring his identity as the Son of God and the King of the Jews. Despite his innocence, Jesus was mocked, beaten, flogged, crowned with thorns, and spat upon. The teacher showed how fear and political pressure led each authority figure to abandon justice: Caiaphas wanted Jesus dead for claiming to be God's Son; Pilate, recognizing Jesus' innocence, nevertheless allowed his flogging and sent him to Herod to avoid angering the crowds; and Herod, disappointed that Jesus wouldn't perform miracles for his entertainment, sent him back to Pilate. The climax came when Pilate offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a known murderer and criminal. The crowd, manipulated by religious leaders, demanded Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion.
Key Scriptures
I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews gather. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.
Jesus said, 'You say that I am a king. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' Pilate said to him, 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.'
But their testimony did not agree. Some said, 'I saw him casting out demons,' others said, 'I saw him doing no sign at all.' And they kept on contradicting one another. And the high priest stood up and said, 'Have you no answer to make? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?' But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, 'I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.' Jesus said to him, 'You have said so. But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, coming on the clouds of heaven.' Then the high priest tore his robes and said, 'He has uttered blasphemy. What further need do we have for witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy.'