SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 26:57-68
Jesus was taken to Caiahpas, the high priest. The elders and the teachers of the law where there. Peter followed Jesus. They were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could kill him. Despite the many false witnesses that came forward, they could not find any. Finally, someone claimed Jesus said he would destroy the high temple and rebuild it in three days. Jesus did not answer this charge.
They ask Jesus if he is the Son of God. He answers yes and that they will see him in the future sitting on the right hand of God and coming on the clouds of heaven. The high priest tore his clothes and said Jesus had spoken blasphemy. They finally agreed to kill Jesus. They spit on him, struck him, and taunted him.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 3: Matthew 26:57-68
6) Jesus was taken to Caiahpas, the high priest. The elders and the teachers of the law where there. Peter was present, too, having followed Jesus.
7a) The witnesses came forward.
b) Jesus was silent. Sometimes it’s better not to say anything at all and just remain silent.
8a) “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Because it is exactly who Jesus is. But if he claims to be the Son of God and is not believed to be so, the priests can call it blasphemy and have him put to death as they did.
b) His reply is that they will see him in the future sitting on the right hand of God and coming on the clouds of heaven. He is speaking of his Second Coming. Psalm 110:1 says that Jesus will sit at God’s right hand until his enemies are a footstool under his feet. Daniel 7:13-14 describes his vision of the son of man coming on the clouds of heaven. Everyone will worship him and he will establish an everlasting dominion that can never be destroyed. Revelation 1:7 says that Jesus will come again with the clouds and everyone will see him.
c) The high priest tore his clothes and said Jesus had spoken blasphemy. They finally agreed to kill Jesus. They spit on him, struck him, and taunted him.
9) It means everything for a lack of better words. But it gives me hope that in a world that does not make sense that one day, it will all make perfect sense.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 3: Matthew 26:57-68
It is always shocking to read how horrible Jesus was treated and taunted by those who were supposedly Godly.
Great read!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 3: Matthew 26:57-68
Matthew only tells us of this one incident this night. Actually, Jesus has several different trials that night. Before Caiaphas, he was taken to the home of Annas, an ex-high priest John 18:12-14 and John 18:19-23).
The final trial was after this one in Matthew before the entire Sanhedrin. Luke 22:66-71.
It’s interesting that only Peter followed. Was he determined to prove Jesus wrong that he would not forsake him?
The reason there was a second trial of the Sanhedrin after daybreak was because this one was illegal. According to Jewish law, trials had to be in the daylight.
The Sanhedrin broke many Jewish laws in order to condemn and kill Jesus as soon as possible:
- No criminal cases could be tried during Passover
- Guilty verdicts had to wait overnight in case mercy arose
- Two witnesses had to confirm evidence, and they had to be separated
- False witnesses would be put to death
Jesus was speaking of his body as a temple. (John 2:19 John 2:21. The Sanhedrin twisted his words out of desperation.
Jesus did not defend himself although he could have. He accepted his fate.
The high priest was frustrated by Jesus’s silence and the fact he had nothing on Jesus, so he asked him if he was the Son of God.
Jesus answered truthfully, and said one day, he would judge them.
Jesus spoke no blasphemy since he was the Son of God.
Did they believe Jesus to be the Son of God? No one knows, and since everyone is an enemy of God (Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:21), they may have delighted in slapping God in the face.
It’s amazing that God watched sinful man do this to Jesus. This speaks volumes of God’s mercy on mankind. Jesus was patience defined.
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