Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council (MAT 26:57-68)

[26:57] Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.

[26:58] 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.

[26:59] Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,

[26:60] but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward

[26:61] and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’”

[26:62] And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”

[26:63] 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.”

[26:64] 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.”

[26:65] 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.

[26:66] What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.”

[26:67] Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him,

[26:68] saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”