Knowing The Word in Matthew 26:57-68

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council

57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. [Formal sessions of the Sanhedrin were not held at the high priest’s house nor were trials to be conducted at night. This group was already gathered expecting Jesus.] 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. [How did Peter get into the courtyard? Remember he is a fisherman from Galilee. Did John help him in? The two main characters are now in place: Jesus and Peter. Now we will see how they fare.] 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two [two witnesses in agreement were required for the death penalty] came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” [This is a charge of sacrilege and treason.] 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. [Jesus’s silence fulfills Isaiah 53:7 and demonstrates Jesus’ refusal to stop the events that lead to his death.] And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” [This is most likely asked in a sarcastic tone.] 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. [Yes.] But I tell you [lifts the discussion out of earthly politics and into heavenly authority], from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand [Psalm 110:1] of Power [a reverential expression of God so as not to say his name] and coming on the clouds of heaven [references Daniel 7:13].” [Jesus’ answer gives the high priest more than he could ever have hoped for to use against Jesus.] 65 Then the high priest tore his robes [illustrating the seriousness of the crime because otherwise he was forbidden] and said, “He has uttered blasphemy [which carries the death penalty by stoning]. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us [the Messiah was expected to have this gift], you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”