Trial Before the Ruling Council

July 2, 2025 | Read and Think About Matthew 26:57-68

In the passage, Matthew tells us who were the main actors, what their motivation was, and what they decided.

In verse 59, he tells us the actors were the chief priests and the whole council of the Jewish religious hierarchy.

The same verse tells us their goal was to put Jesus to death. They attempted to obtain false testimony through false witnesses. However, their testimony was not in agreement. The charges that might have resulted from the testimony of witnesses never stuck. No person or people could legitimately accuse Jesus of wrongdoing.

But now, however, we get to the decision by the council. Verses 63-65 show us how the charge of blasphemy was set up. The loaded question was put to Jesus - do you claim to be the Son of God. By His answer ("You say that I am"), He affirmed it.

The reaction of the high priest was dramatic and swift. He tore his own robe - an expression of strong emotion, like outrage. More importantly, the high priest and the council judged that these words were blasphemy (serious reproach to God's name and character). It was a capital offense - under Jewish law.

This is such an important point. The Romans generally did not allow the Jews to execute people; this power was largely reserved for the Roman authority. However, the Romans did not consider blasphemy a major offense.

At this point, the ruling council had determined that Jesus deserved death, but they had no lawful way to administer that punishment, and they were not inclined to take this matter into their own hands. In the next passage, we will see the way they dealt with this.