Topical Bible: False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Jesus

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False accusations against Jesus Christ are a significant theme in the New Testament, illustrating the opposition He faced from religious leaders and others who misunderstood or rejected His mission. These incidents highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and underscore the innocence and righteousness of Jesus amidst persecution.

1. Accusation of Blasphemy: One of the most prominent false accusations against Jesus was the charge of blasphemy. In John 10:33, the Jews accused Him, saying, "We are not stoning You for any good work, but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God." This accusation arose from Jesus' declaration of His divine nature, which the religious leaders refused to accept, despite the evidence of His works and fulfillment of prophecy.

2. Accusation of Breaking the Sabbath: Jesus was also accused of violating the Sabbath laws. In Matthew 12:10-14, the Pharisees questioned Him about healing on the Sabbath, seeking a reason to accuse Him. Jesus responded by highlighting the true purpose of the Sabbath and demonstrating that acts of mercy align with God's will, thus exposing the Pharisees' legalism and misunderstanding of the law.

3. Accusation of Demonic Association: In Matthew 12:24, the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This accusation was a deliberate attempt to undermine His authority and divine mission. Jesus refuted this claim by explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, thereby revealing the illogical nature of their accusation.

4. Accusation of Threatening the Temple: During His trial, false witnesses came forward to accuse Jesus of threatening to destroy the temple. Mark 14:57-58 records, "Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against Him: 'We heard Him say, "I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands."'" This misrepresentation of Jesus' prophetic statement about His death and resurrection was used to incite fear and anger against Him.

5. Accusation Before Pilate: The religious leaders brought Jesus before Pontius Pilate, accusing Him of subverting the nation and claiming to be a king, thus challenging Roman authority. In Luke 23:2, they stated, "We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a king." Despite these charges, Pilate found no basis for a sentence of death, recognizing the innocence of Jesus.

6. Accusation of Being a Glutton and Drunkard: Jesus was also falsely accused of being a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. In Matthew 11:19, it is written, "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at Him, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is vindicated by her actions." This accusation was an attempt to discredit His ministry and association with those considered outcasts by society.

These incidents of false accusation against Jesus serve to highlight the spiritual blindness and hostility of those who opposed Him. They also fulfill the prophetic words of Isaiah 53:7, which describe the suffering servant who was "oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth." Through these trials, Jesus exemplified perfect obedience and submission to the Father's will, ultimately leading to His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.

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Matthew 9:34
But the Pharisees said, He casts out devils through the prince of the devils.
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Matthew 10:25
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
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Matthew 12:2-14
But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, your disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath day.
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Matthew 26:59-61
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
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Mark 3:22
And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casts he out devils.
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Mark 14:53-65
And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
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Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
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John 18:30
They answered and said to him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up to you.
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Library

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... they ought to be admitted to bring accusation by hired ... grace of God freed us from
this false doctrine, impiety ... To guard against the worship of a being created ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm