Matthew 26:57-68
New Catholic Bible
57 Jesus Is Condemned by the Sanhedrin.[a] Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance up to the courtyard of the high priest. Then, going inside, he sat down with the attendants to see what the outcome would be.
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin tried to elicit some false testimony against Jesus so they could put him to death, 60 but they failed in their efforts, even though many witnesses came forward with perjured testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61 who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and rebuild it within three days.’ ”
62 The high priest then rose and said to him, “Have you no reply to counter the testimony that these witnesses have given?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I command you to tell us before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. But I tell you:
From now on you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power
and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his robes and exclaimed, “He has blasphemed! What need do we have for any further witnesses? Behold, you have just heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?” They shouted in reply, “He deserves to die.” 67 Then they spat in his face and struck him with their fists. Some taunted him as they beat him, 68 “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit you?”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 26:57 According to Matthew and Mark, immediately after his arrest Jesus was led before the Sanhedrin for a session that very night. Another session was held in the morning; then Jesus was consigned to Pilate. The religious trial has two phases: the first centers upon the false testimony of the witnesses, the second upon the question put to Jesus by the high priest. The Law (Deut 17:6) required that two witnesses agree in their testimony against an accused person. Jesus supposedly had said that he had power over the temple, which was the house of God. But had he not said that his body was the true dwelling of the Father (Jn 2:21)? Now that every political and nationalist interpretation of his words seems excluded, since he is alone, rejected, helpless, he dares to say that he is the Messiah and not only the son but the lord of David (Ps 110:1; Dan 7:13).
