Have you heard that term before?  The definition from Mr Webster, "...its justice progresses by leaps and bounds, an unauthorized, irregular court, usually disregarding normal legal procedure..."  I'm not sure when that term was first used but it sure describes the trial of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I've been studying the first century Jewish law system this week in preparation for Sunday's message and so many of their own laws were violated it is sickening.  I am not going to go into all the details because that is not John's main emphasis.  The readers of John's account would have been familiar with these violations so he didn't need to list them but the main idea was not how bad the courts were but how amazing Jesus really is!  John's purpose was that we might see Jesus for who He really is--the Son of God-- and believe.  The details of Jesus trials can become common place for those of us who have grown up hearing this narrative at Good Friday and Easter services.  We know the outcome and we know Jesus rose from the dead and we know that our sins are forgiven.  It bothers me that this awesome reality can ever become common place to me.  How could it be that such an awesome, eternal, powerful and life-giving truth could ever be taken for granted?  Oh Father, help us this Sunday and every day to see Your grace and mercy, Lord Jesus may we see You for who You are and Spirit, please open the eyes of our hearts fill us with unbridled gratitude for all you have done.  Amen.