Jesus before the Sanhedrin

Jesus stands before the high priest and the assembled council, while Peter follows at a distance. False testimony collapses, Jesus stays silent until he speaks of the Son of Man at God’s right hand, and the council answers with a verdict of blasphemy and physical abuse.

T⁵³hey led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled. ⁵⁴Peter 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. ⁵⁵Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. ⁵⁶For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. ⁵⁷Then 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.’” ⁵⁹But even their testimony was inconsistent. ⁶⁰So the high priest stood up before them and questioned Jesus, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?” ⁶¹But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. ⁶²“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” ⁶³At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses? ⁶⁴You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?” ⁶⁵Then 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.