Mark 14:53-65
Jesus before His Accusers
53 They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) gathered together.(A)
Jesus before His Accusers
54 Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers [guards and servants] and warming himself at the fire.
Jesus before His Accusers
55 Now the chief priests and the entire Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) were trying to obtain testimony against Jesus [which they could use] to have Him [condemned and] executed, but they were not finding any.
Jesus before His Accusers
56 For many [people] were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimonies were not consistent.
Jesus before His Accusers
Jesus before His Accusers
58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple (sanctuary) that was made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’”(B)
59 Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent.
Jesus before His Accusers
60 The high priest stood up and came forward and asked Jesus, “Have You no answer to give [in response] to what these men are testifying against You?”
Jesus before His Accusers
61 But Jesus kept silent and gave no answer at all. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the (a)Blessed One?”
Jesus before His Accusers
62 Jesus said, “I am; and you will [all] see the Son of Man seated [with authority] at the right hand of Power (the Father), and coming with the clouds of heaven.”(C)
Jesus before His Accusers
63 Then (b)tearing his robe [to express his indignation], the high priest said, “What further need do we have of witnesses?(D)
Jesus before His Accusers
64 You have heard the blasphemy [that is, His claim to be the Son of God]. What is your decision?” And they all condemned Him to be [guilty and] deserving of death.(E)
Jesus before His Accusers
Footnotes:
a.
Mark 14:61: In the Talmud, God is frequently referred to as “the Holy One, Blessed be He.”
b.
Mark 14:63: This was a response required by Jewish law for judges who had heard blasphemy. However, OT law forbade the high priest to tear his clothing (Lev 10:6; 21:10).