False Witnesses

1 sermons

In the Bible, the term "false witness" refers to individuals who give false testimony, particularly in legal settings, and it is closely associated with the commandment against bearing false witness found in Exodus 20:16: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This prohibition highlights the importance of truthfulness and integrity within the community, underscoring the moral obligation to provide honest testimony that reflects reality. The consequences of false witnessing can be severe, as illustrated in Deuteronomy 19:16-21, where a false witness could face penalties intended to deter deceit and protect the innocent.The concept of false witnesses also appears prominently in the New Testament, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' trial. In Matthew 26:59-61, false witnesses were brought forward to testify against Jesus, attempting to distort his words and actions to secure a conviction. This reflects not only the legal implications of false testimony but also a broader moral and spiritual dimension, emphasizing the corruption and injustice that can arise in human systems. Thus, the biblical understanding of false witnesses serves as a caution against dishonesty and a reminder of the societal responsibility to uphold the truth, both for the sake of justice and for the integrity of one's character.

False Witnesses and the Death of Christ 1:25:56

Erlo Stegen

In this sermon, the speaker begins by confessing their past sins and their desire to not hide or allow sin to rise up again. They then share two personal stories as examples of witnessing theft and dishonesty. The first story involves a customer observing a person stealing cameras in a shop owned by

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Matthew 26:3

“At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,”

Mark 14:53

“They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled. Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the officers and warmed himself by the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. Then some men stood up and testified falsely 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.'" But even their testimony was inconsistent. So the high priest stood up before them and questioned Jesus, "Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?" But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," said Jesus, "and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven." At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, "Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?" And they all condemned Him as deserving of death. Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, "Prophesy!" And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.”

Psalms 56:5

“All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.”

John 11:49

“But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all!”

John 18:12

“Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him. They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.”