Matthew 26:57-68

[TLFisher]

And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter followed him afar off, unto the court of the high priest, and entered in, and sat with the officers, to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; and they found it not, though many false witnesses came. But afterward came two, and said, This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest stood up, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God. esus said unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Henceforth ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? They answered and said, He is worthy of death. Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ: who is he that struck thee?

In verses 59 & 60 were failed attempts at conviction. According to Jewish law convicting a man on a capital case required several items.
1. Must have 2 witnesses who agree and are found credible (there were none)
2. Trial must take place during the day (thus trial occurred at night)
3. For death sentance, trial must occur over two days (here in one night).

Point here is evil is persistent. People who intened evil will not quit just because truth is not on their side. Sometimes our best defense is just to remain quiet which is what Jesus did.
The sanhedrin only needed a glimmer of truth to support their accusations. When Jesus did respond in verse 64, it was in reference to Daniel 7:13.

Just with the failed attempts of conviction is a picture where ordiances and practices are broken to serve a goal which was to the Pharisees and Sadducees to finally rid themselves of Jesus who was one that upset their status quo. A clear picture of Christ versus Religion.

Terry