Key Scripture Readings: Matt. 26:57-27:26; Mark 14:53-15:15; Luke 22:54-23:25; John 18:12- 19:16
Fast Facts
- After His arrest, the Lord was brought to Annas. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiphas (the high priest). The Lord was asked about His disciples and His teaching.
- Jesus was then brought to Caiaphas. The high priest was afraid that if he allowed Jesus to live, the people would believe His teaching, there would be an uprising, and the Jews would lose their power.
- Peter and John both followed Jesus this night. Peter followed from a distance, while John seems to have been close.
- The chief priests needed to obtain testimony against Jesus (Mark 14:55). This means they needed sufficient evidence to put Him to death.
- Many people kept giving false testimonies against Him, “but their testimonies were not consistent” (Mark 14:56). Some even said, “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’”
- None of the false witnesses (liars) could agree with each other!
- Jesus remained silent the whole time. Caiphas got frustrated with all the contradictory witnesses and decided to plainly ask Jesus, “Are you the Christ?” Jesus answers, “I am” (Mark 14:62). Caiphas tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?”
- The priests, elders, and scribes all agreed Jesus needed to be condemned to die. Some then began mocking Him, spitting on Him, slapping, and beating Him with their fists.
- At this point, Jesus had been convicted in two trials by the Jews (one before Annas and the other before Caiphas). However, both of these trials were illegal because they occurred at night, and neither gave Jesus sufficient time to prepare a defense. The chief priests needed to wait until the morning before they could officially try Jesus and have Him sentenced to death.
Study Questions
- After being arrested, who was Jesus brought to first for trial? Who was this man?
- Who was Jesus taken to next? Who was this man?
- Which disciples were following Jesus to see what would happen to Him?
- What did the chief priests need to obtain in order to put Jesus to death?
- Describe the witnesses that testified against Jesus. What can we learn from them?
- What was Jesus doing the entire time during the trial before Caiphas? Why do you think He did this?
- What did Caiphas plainly ask Jesus? How did he respond to the Lord’s answer?
- What did all the religious leaders there agree on (Mark 14:64)?
- List the things that Mark 14:65 says some in the crowd did to Jesus.
