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.
Questions for Matthew 26:57-68
6) The chief priests and leaders are looking for lies against Jesus. The two witnesses are corrupt when they offer false testimony (they were probably paid to give it). The leaders twist Jesus’ words to show corruption. The chief priests are the ultimate hypocrites, acting as if they are in the right and Jesus is not.
7) Everyone must answer this question for themselves: do they believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus answers yes. Your everlasting life and your life here on this earth hinges on this response.
8 ) Every action of the religious leaders is fraught with sin. They accuse Jesus of blasphemy. They declare him guilty when he is not. They hit him. They break many of God’s laws. In sum, the sinful hearts are exposed for all to see.
Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:57-68
Note the franticness of the religious leaders compared to the calmness of Jesus. These are men who are desperate to hold onto power and are willing to kill an innocent man to do so. They succeed only because it was God’s plan for them to succeed. How many of us lead frantic, desperate lives?
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Perhaps the leaders were skeptics justafiably. They were fearful they would be punished by God if they accepted new ideas which contradicted several thousand years of practice in God’s demands for obediance and submission to His soveriegnty. Paul’s teachings that they no longer need follow the Law. No longer needed circumcision. That the Messiah was not the sole property of the Jews. That Gentiles were equal with Jews and also children of Abraham but followed a New Covenant would all seem blasphemous and dangerous.