Matthew 26:57-68

Before the Sanhedrin

Jesus has been arrested and He was facing the teachers of the law and the chief priests.

Imagine a court case in which the jury has already decided that you will receive the death penalty.

-What would the trial look like?

-Would it become fairly obvious that the jury was against you from the beginning?

-When you did start to realize that the jury was not going to give you a fair chance, how would you respond?

1. Review vs 58

Peter apparently followed the crowd from a distance. The verse indicates that he did so to "see the outcome."

-Over the last few weeks of Jesus' life, he mentioned over and over again that He would soon lay down his life. Did Peter expect some other outcome?

2. Review vs 59 and 60

The chief priests began to search for false evidence so that Jesus could be put to death.

Discuss what this court scene would have looked like.

-Would the sentiment have been many voices against Jesus? A few?

-Would "the few" have spoken up against "the many?"

-What would compel "many" false witnesses to come forward against Christ? What did they stand to gain?

3. Review vs 61-63

-As further accusations were being made, Jesus remained silent. Why?

-If the roles were reversed and false accusations were being made against you, what would your reaction have been?

4. Review vs 64

Discuss the significance of this verse.

-Of all the things that Jesus could have said, why did He say this?

xref: Daniel 7:13

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 26: 57-68