This meeting of the Jewish leaders had been hastily summoned; but their difficulty was to substantiate a charge that would warrant the death sentence. They had to go back to the beginning of Christ’s ministry for the one charge that seemed sufficient for their purpose. But see John 2:19; Mark 14:58. In the meanwhile our Lord opened not his mouth. He left his reputation in the care of the Father, to whom he also committed his soul. It is a good example to follow. Do what is right and let God vindicate you!

It was only when Jesus was directly challenged as to his unique relationship to God, that he opened his lips. There is an evident reference in his words to Dan. 7:13, 14. The court instantly recognized that in his reply he claimed to be equal with God. To be the Son of God was to be God. See also John 5:18. Note that word henceforth, which suggests that though it is hidden from us, the Kingdom is already set up, as was David’s even when Saul was still on the throne.

Matthew 26:67-75. What a shameful travesty of justice! When men yield themselves to violence like this, their passion condemns them as perpetrating the devil’s work. But in the whirlwind of abuse and horror, the one thing that hurt our Lord was the defection of Peter, Luke 22: 61.

It was love that led him to dare to follow to the court. John contrived to get him in, John 18:16. But he stood too near the fire amid that motley group, who were discussing their night adventure. He had been too self-confident, John 13:36; he had not watched unto prayer, Matt. 26:40. The more he cursed and swore, the more he betrayed his Galilean brogue. Ah, the agony that ensued! Did he rush off to Gethsemane, and throw himself on the bent grass, where the form of the Master had so recently lain prostrate? Did his tears mingle with the sweat of blood? But Jesus loved him still, and was preparing a propitiation that would cleanse his sin, as he had already secured that his faith should not fail, Luke 22: 32.