HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
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?”
It would be difficult to overstate the level of hatred and disdain the Jewish leaders felt toward Jesus. He had questioned their authority, condemned their hypocrisy, and threatened their power. Despite His wisdom, power, and claims to the Son of God, they had made a firm decision that Jesus must be done away with. Their purpose and goal was clear—to see that Jesus was put to death. As they bring Him to the home of Caiaphas in the middle of the night, they search for false witnesses to testify against Jesus. Driven by hatred and treachery, it was not the truth that they were interested in, but only incriminating testimony. However, the flawless character of Jesus’ life is seen in the fact that they could not find even false witnesses who were agreed in their lies concerning Jesus. Finally, when two witnesses recount Jesus’ statement concerning the tearing down and rebuilding of the temple (a prophetic statement about His death and resurrection), the Jewish leaders had their evidence—a statement that they considered to be blasphemous. They were ready to deliver Him to death.
How do you think the Jews were able to justify their actions?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!