Matthew 26:57-68

Let’s all be very clear on one point: This trial was a joke. If you miss this point, then you miss the entire scene.

There really isn’t much left to be said. Notice that they were looking to convict Him of something, anything, based upon false evidence and false witnesses (26:60) and even by cheating, they couldn’t manage the job. Then, they catch a break when two men came forward to say: “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” And the chief priest jumps for his chance: “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” (26:62), Jesus remains silent.

In verse 63, he asks Jesus if He is the Son of God. Jesus, the Suffering Servant breaks His silence and actually helped them out:

You have said so,” 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 and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (26:64)

That did the trick; the trial was over.

It seems that our old friend Peter was lurking in the background; I wonder what he was thinking at that moment as Jesus was found “worthy of death” for telling the truth to the Jewish leadership. We will get some insight into his thinking in the next scene, next time.