Beginning in the darkness of night and continuing through the break of day and the morning, the Jewish religious leaders carried out a rush to judgment against Jesus with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought is the “premeditation” or “predetermination” of murder; it is the intention to kill or harm.

I find it fascinating that the trials of Jesus, held in various locations in Jerusalem, took place early in the morning before 9:00am. Understanding the timeline of the events and the people involved helps us realize that these meetings had been planned. We know the Sanhedrin had been plotting Jesus’ death for months, and even more importantly, God had predestined Jesus to die for our sins before the beginning of time.

I will review the timing and location of the six trials of Jesus and look at one of Isaiah’s prophecies regarding His trials.

Examining these things shows me that God was in control then, and that reminds me that He is in control now in every day of my life.