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Matthew 23:1-12
The Pharisaical Religion
Matthew 23:13-26
Blinded to God’s Truth
Matthew 23:27-39
White Washed Sepulchers
Matthew 24:1-14
The Olivet Discourse
Matthew 24:32-51
A Faithful Servant
Matthew 25:1-13
The Foolish Bridesmaids
Matthew 25:14-30
The Wise and Foolish Stewards
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and Goat Judgment
Matthew 26:1-5
Jesus Predicts His Death
Matthew 26:6-16
At Simon the Leper’s House
Matthew 26:17-30
The Lord’s Supper
Matthew 26:31-35
Three Characteristics of Jesus
Matthew 26:36-46
The Weekness of our Flesh
Matthew 26:47-56
Jesus Is Arrested
Matthew 26:57-68
Jesus on Trial
Matthew 27:1-10
Judas’ Sorrow and Suicide
Matthew 27:11-26
Trial Before Pilate
Matthew 27:27-44
The Mockery and Crucifixion
Matthew 27:57-66
Burial in Joseph’s Tomb
Matthew 28:1-10
Women Visit the Tomb
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Jesus on Trial
Matthew 26:57–68
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
It had been a rather stormy board meeting and some very harsh things had been said. One man-always highly respected and unusually wise in his judgments-had said nothing throughout the proceedings. Suddenly one of the leaders in the argument turned to him: “You have not said … More
Seeking a case against Jesus, the Sanhedrin had brought in many witnesses; but their testimony was false and inconsistent (Mark 14:56). Then two witnesses testified that Jesus had claimed He would destroy the temple and in three days build another. However these witnesses failed to provide substantial evidence either. Finally in frustration the high priest tried to get Jesus to respond to these witnesses, hoping to trap Him with His own statements. Jesus just remained silent which was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7.
When Caiphas saw that these false charges were not proving anything he took another approach. He put Jesus under oath. He knew that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God (John 10:30-33) so he asked him to affirm this. As soon as Jesus said yes, the high priest tore his clothes as a sign of righteous honor and outrage and declared this blasphemy. He put the question of Jesus’ guilt to the Sanhedrin and got a unanimous decision that He deserved to die.
Application
When, if ever, I have to defend myself it is so easy to want to tell people all that I know rather than not say anything and let my silence speak.
Matthew 26:57-68 (English Standard Version)
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 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. Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.'" And the high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" 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." 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." 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. What is your judgment?" They answered, "He deserves death." Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?"
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
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