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. 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. 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 came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to 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?”63 But Jesus remained silent. 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.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. 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, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Comments

Formal sessions of the Sanhedrin were not held at the high priest’s house nor were trials to be conducted at night. Already gathered, this irregular and illegal group expected Jesus. Matthew recorded Peter’s presence in the courtyard. The two main characters were now in place: Jesus and Peter.

For the death penalty, two witnesses in agreement were required. Finally, two agreed on Jesus declaring the destruction of the temple—a charge of sacrilege and treason. Jesus’s silence fulfilled Isaiah 53:7: “He opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. It also demonstrated Jesus’ refusal to stop the events that led to his death.

Prayer

Gracious and eternal God, look with mercy on this your family for which our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed into the hands of his adversaries and to suffer death upon the cross; and grant us to rejoice in the benefits of is passion; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

(New Zealand Prayer Book)