Jesus Before the Council (MRK 14:53-65)

[14:53] And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together.

[14:54] And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire.

[14:55] Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none.

[14:56] For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree.

[14:57] And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying,

[14:58] “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’”

[14:59] Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.

[14:60] And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”

[14:61] But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

[14:62] And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

[14:63] And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need?

[14:64] You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.

[14:65] And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.