Jesus before the Sanhedrin

(Matthew 26:57–68, Luke 22:66–71, John 18:19–24)

53 They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled. 54 Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the officers and warmed himself by the fire.

55 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin [fn] were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. 56 For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent.

57 Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’ ” 59 But even their testimony was inconsistent.

60 So the high priest stood up before them and questioned Jesus, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”

61 But Jesus remained silent and made no reply.

Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”

62 “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power [fn] and coming with the clouds of heaven.”[fn]

63 At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

And they all condemned Him as deserving of death.

65 Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.