The men who held Jesus mocked
him and beat him. Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and told
him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?” They spoke many other things
against him, insulting him.
As soon as it was day, the
assembly of the elders was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes,
and they led him away into their council. The chief priests and the whole
council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none. Many
gave false testimony against him, and their statements didn’t agree. Some stood
up, and said, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with
hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” Even so,
their testimony did not agree.
The high priest stood up in the
middle, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to what they say against you?” But
he stayed quiet, and answered nothing.
They said to him, “If you are
the Christ, tell us.”
He said to them, “If I tell you,
you won’t believe, and if I ask, you won’t answer me or let me go. Soon the Son
of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
They all said, “Are you then the
Son of God?”
He said to them, “You say it,
because I am.”
They said, “Why do we need any
more witnesses? We have heard this blasphemy from his own mouth!”
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the
Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
Jesus said, “I am. You will see
the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds
of the sky.”
The high priest tore his
clothes, and said, “What further need is there for witnesses? You’ve heard the
blasphemy! What do you think?” They all said he was worthy of death. Some began
to spit on him, and cover his face, and beat him with fists, and say,
“Prophesy!” The officers struck him with the palms of their hands.
Reflection
Perjured testimony is rarely
convincing because it is so often inconsistent and contradictory. Ultimately
Jesus was convicted by his own words. Claiming to be the Son of God demanded a
response: they could either bow down and acknowledge him as their true king or
condemn him for blasphemy. The religious leaders chose the latter. How do you
respond to Jesus? Do you acknowledge him as Lord and live accordingly?
Prayer: Help me see you as
you are, Lord, and respond to you with integrity.
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