Matthew 26:57-68 Jesus before Caiaphas

Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome. Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

In the Scriptures, the Ten Commandments condemn false witnesses. Furthermore in addition to the Ten Commandments, in the New Testament it reads where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of you. The point was that it took greater than one witness to condemn a man. Yet because of the betrayal of Jesus by His own people, people were willing to break the Law of God by making false testimony to bring judgment against him. Because they did not know him as the Son of God, whenever he declared who he is, they called it blasphemy. Those who were not of the Temple had an easier time believing in him than the rulers in his day who feared losing their position in the Temple and it is those who are held most responsible for not shepherding the people.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know it was necessary for you to go to the cross for me. Without your death and resurrection, I would be eternally judged. Because of you, I have been lifted to sonship with the Father and joint hears in the Kingdom of Heaven with you. For whoever does not believe, make straight their path to understanding in Your Name Amen.