"Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. . .The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could put him to death" (v. 57, 59).
During the time of Christ, the Jewish court, the Sanhedrin could pass a death sentence, but not carry it out without Roman approval. The goal of this hearing before the Sanhedrin was to find a charge worthy of death, but "they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward" (v. 60).
Throughout the judiciary process before Jews and Romans, Jesus conducted Himself with great dignity and wisdom. He never cringed to speak the truth, and He never passed up an opportunity to witness. However, as false testimony was being given, He did not try to defend Himself. There was no need; His life and character were His defense.
The only testimony that seemed to carry any weight was, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days'" (v. 61). As John reports (Jn. 2:18-22), when Jesus had originally said this, He was speaking about his death and resurrection. The temple He was referring to was His body, and the three days were His time in the grave. When Jesus rose from the dead His disciples remembered His words, another confirmation He was the Messiah.
Finally, in exasperation, the high priest demanded Jesus answer a question that would result in His condemnation (which was illegal to do): "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God" (v. 63).
How could Jesus' stay silent now? Caiaphas has commanded Jesus to confess His identity and mission in the name of His Father. Though He knows it will bring about His death, Jesus' witness is powerful and convicting. Although many would reject Him, there were some, no doubt who heard His words and later surrendered to His Lordship.
Picture the scene in that august courtroom as Jesus speaks. Everyone is holding their breath as He says: "Yes, it is as you say, 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" (v. 64).
We've seen it in countless pictures--Jesus coming in glory surrounded by all the angels. We welcome the scene. We know it is our hope and the hope of the world.
But it was not welcome that day. Jesus' holy life rebuked hypocrisy and sin, and the crowds who eagerly followed Him to receive His healing touch and soul stirring teaching, inflamed their leaders' jealousy.
Immediately, they condemned Him to death and forgetting their dignity and their holy office, rushed at Him. "Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, 'Prophecy to us, Christ. Who hit you?" (v. 67)
Jesus' physical suffering now begins. Increasingly, it will worsen as each new chapter opens, leading to the crucifixion. Satan will do everything he can to shake Jesus' trust in His Father, to cause Him to sin even once.
What makes this hour's torment so hard is to see men who have been called to represent God's character, degrade themselves into the likeness of Satan. For three years He has poured Himself out to redeem and restore people, but His efforts had been rejected by these.
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