Matthew 26:57–68: The Trial of Jesus
Introduction
Having submitted to his Father’s will in Gethsemane, the actions of those surrounding Jesus proceed exactly as he has foretold. Jesus does not in the least resist as false witnesses are summoned, his testimony is twisted into the worst possible light, and he is ultimately condemned and abused. As Jesus patiently endures everything that happens, his glory shines all the more brightly. It would be one thing if Jesus were condemned for a real crime that he did not commit. In this passage, however, Jesus is condemned based on the truth of his testimony that he is the Christ, the Son of God. In this trial, Jesus suffered for righteousness’ sake.
Discussion Questions
1. Who are the “scribes and elders” who had gathered to judge Jesus (v. 57)? What kind of rules governed the trials that they conducted for accused persons? How well do their procedures follow those rules, or even the general principles of justice? Why, then, did they make a show of a trial at all? What kind of testimony do the two witnesses offer (v. 61)? Is this accurate to what Jesus said (John 2:19)? Does this testimony suggest any crime worthy of death?
2. Why do you think that Jesus is silent in the face of his accusers (v. 62)? Why does Jesus’ silence bother the high priest? What does it mean for the high priest to “adjure” Jesus “by the living God” (v. 63)? What does Jesus say in response (v. 64)? How does Jesus’ response echo the language of Daniel 7:13–14? What significance does that prophecy have? Is Jesus’ testimony true? What, then, about this testimony got him into so much trouble?
3. Why does the high priest consider Jesus’ testimony “blasphemy” (v. 65)? Why does the Sanhedrin condemn Jesus to death for this “blasphemy” (v. 66)? Were the Jews permitted to execute criminals on their own? How will this trial connect with the negotiations with Pilate in the next chapter? What does the abuse that Jesus suffers tell us about our Savior’s faithfulness? How does the physical pain connect with his emotional and spiritual anguish that he suffered in the garden?
4. Read 1 Peter 2:18–25, remembering that Peter was an eyewitness to this trial (v. 58). What does Peter say is “gracious” and “good” about “suffering unjustly” (1 Pet. 2:19–20)? How does our suffering relate to Jesus’ suffering? How does Jesus’ suffering heal and restore us (1 Pet. 2:24–25)? How does Jesus’ suffering provide an example after which we should pattern our suffering? How are you responding to the unjust suffering in your life today?
