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15. Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)
MATTHEW 26:57-63
57 Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter followed him from a distance, to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death; 60 and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward, 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’” 62 The high priest stood up, and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?” 63 But Jesus held his peace. (Matthew 27:10, John 2:19-21, Acts 6:14)
The witnesses who appeared before the Sanhedrin could not prove anything against Christ because their stories contradicted each other. The jurists, chiefs, and elders found no reason to condemn Christ, and He remained innocent before them.
They did not understand what Christ said about destroying the temple and building it again in three days. He did not say that He Himself would destroy the temple, but that they would destroy the temple of His body that was filled with Godhood and He would rebuild it in three days. This actually foretold His death and resurrection.
Jesus kept silent before the lies and false accusations. When the trial seemed to have failed, Caiaphas (the high priest that year) arose in fury and tried to trick Christ. Caiaphas wanted Him to say something that would condemn Him so that they could pass judgment against Him. Jesus did not answer, however, but simply glanced at him without saying a word.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are the truth in whom is no deceit. You did not answer the false accusations of Your enemies, but stood before them silently trusting Your heavenly Father to defend You. Help us to learn trust Your protection and presence with us before every court or evil questioner and not to defend or trust ourselves. We have Your promise that the Holy Spirit will be in us and enable us to speak as we should. Help every believer, when questioned, to trust You and to testify for You with prudence, humility and power.
QUESTION:
- Why did Jesus keep silent during His interrogation before the Sanhedrin?