JESUS BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

Passage: Matthew 26:57-68

Key verse: 64

NIV

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin(A)

57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas(B) the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest.(C) He entered and sat down with the guards(D) to see the outcome.

59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin(E) were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses(F) came forward.

Finally two(G) came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”(H)

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.(I)

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath(J) by the living God:(K) Tell us if you are the Messiah,(L) the Son of God.”(M)

64 “You have said so,”(N) Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One(O) and coming on the clouds of heaven.”[a](P)

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes(Q) and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,”(R) they answered.

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists.(S) Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”(T)

Read full chapter
Footnotes
  1. Matthew 26:64 See Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council

57 (A)Then (B)those who had seized Jesus led him to (C)Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And (D)Peter was following him at a distance, as far as (E)the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with (F)the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council[a] (G)were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, (H)though many false witnesses came forward. At last (I)two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, (J)‘I am able to (K)destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”[b] 63 (L)But Jesus remained silent. (M)And the high priest said to him, (N)“I adjure you by (O)the living God, (P)tell us if you are (Q)the Christ, (R)the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, (S)“You have said so. But I tell you, from now on (T)you will see the Son of Man (U)seated at the right hand of Power and (V)coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest (W)tore his robes and said, (X)“He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, (Y)“He deserves death.” 67 Then (Z)they spit in his face (AA)and (AB)struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you (AC)Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Read full chapter
Footnotes
  1. Matthew 26:59 Greek Sanhedrin
  2. Matthew 26:62 Or Have you no answer to what these men testify against you?
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Jesus remained silent (57-63)

The religious leaders assembled in the middle of the night to try Jesus. They had already decided the verdict and the sentence. They were just looking for a charge to bring against him, and some witnesses to prove it. False witnesses accused him of threatening to destroy the temple. They twisted his words (Jn 2:19-22). Jesus remained silent (Isa 53:7).

2. The Son of Man at the right hand of God (64-68)

The high priest asked Jesus to say under oath if he were the Christ, the Son of God. He said, 'Yes.' Then he testified to the glorious hope that was in his heart. Although now he stood condemned by evil men, one day they would stand before him, for he would soon sit at God's right hand; he would come again in glory to reign. Jesus was who he claimed to be, the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to hold on to your promise and to your glorious hope, so that fear and doubt may be driven from my heart, and I may boldly testify to Jesus.

One Word: Jesus reigns; he will come again