Matthew 26:57–68 depicts the trial of Jesus before Caiaphas.
Even when falsely accused, Jesus stood firm in His identity and purpose.
Matthew 26:57–68 (NASB 2020)
57 Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and he came inside and sat down with the officers to see the outcome. 59 Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death.60 And they did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.'” 62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You offer no answer for what these men are testifying against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I place You under oath by the living God, to tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” 67 Then they spit in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”
Who Was Involved?
- Jesus, falsely accused yet unwavering in truth
- Caiaphas, the high priest and instigator of the false trial
- Scribes and elders, religious authorities, seeking to condemn
- False witnesses, unable to agree on any true accusation
- Peter, following from a distance in fear
- Us today, often called to stand firm in hostile environments
What Happened?
- Jesus was brought before Caiaphas and the Council (Sanhedrin)
- They sought false testimony to justify a death sentence
- Jesus remained silent until directly challenged under oath
- He affirmed His identity as the Christ and declared His divine authority
- The high priest declared this blasphemy, and the Council condemned Him
- Jesus was mocked, struck, and insulted
The Mood: Hostile, Accusatory, Yet Unshaken
- A court built on lies
- An environment filled with hostility
- Jesus, calm and resolute, even as He is falsely accused
The Principle: Truth Needs No Defense When God Has Spoken
- Jesus’ silence was not weakness; it was wisdom
- His one answer, full of divine authority, sealed His fate but fulfilled Scripture.
- We must learn to speak only what God gives, not what the world demands
Audience Response (Then)
- The Council saw His declaration as blasphemy
- They rejected the truth, even though it was plainly spoken
- They mocked and assaulted Jesus instead of believing Him
What This Means for Us in 2025
- Standing for truth may cost us comfort, popularity, or position
- Silence can be holy when accusations are designed to manipulate
- We must have the courage to declare Christ, even when the world calls it blasphemy
Action Steps for Today
- Practice holy restraint. Don’t feel the need to defend yourself when the truth is enough.
- Avow Jesus. Acknowledge Him as Lord, no matter the cost
- Expect rejection. If Christ was misunderstood, we will be too
- Stand on Scripture. Jesus fulfilled prophecy by simply being faithful
- Walk with courage. Let the Spirit guide your response, not fear
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, You stood in silence when falsely accused, and You spoke truth even when it cost You everything. Help me to stand in courage like You. Give me boldness to declare Your name And wisdom to know when to speak and when to be still. Let my life echo Your faithfulness. Amen.
Even in false trials, Jesus proved that truth never bows to pressure.
