Scripture:
Matthew 26:57-68 (New International Version)
Before the Sanhedrin
57Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward 61and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "
62Then 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?" 63But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ,[a] the Son of God."
64"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.
67Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"
Footnotes:
Matthew 26:63 Or Messiah; also in verse 68
Reflection:
Jesus was cross-examined by the high priest and the Sanhedrin,the supreme court of the Jews. The high priest by law was required to wait until morning before he could call the Sanhedrin to try Jesus. In their eagerness to eliminate Jesus they did not hesitate to break their own rules for a fair trial and they used false witnesses. Jesus' captors also used mockery and physical intimidation to trip up his testimony. They hoped he would say something they could use as evidence of criminal action. When they pressed Jesus for his claim to be the Christ (or Messiah in Hebrew) and the Son of God, he did not deny it but stated simply, "I am". They understood the claim to be the Son of God an insult to God's majesty and therefore blasphemy, which was punishable by death. Jesus bore ill-treatment, mockery, and the charge of blasphemy with peace and confidence. In faith he knew beyond a doubt that what men would try to do to him could not thwart the purposes of God. The cross would lead to ultimate triumph over sin and death and God's kingdom would prevail over the forces of evil and Satan. Is your faith and hope securely anchored in Christ's victory on the cross?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you willingly suffered and died for our sake and for our salvation. You took upon yourself the burden of our guilt and the punishment due to our sins. Strengthen my faith and help me in my trials that I may never deny you or forsake your ways.
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