The Trial of Jesus and Peter’s Denial (Matt. 26: 47 – 68, 69 – 75)

The Trial of Jesus and Peter’s Denial (Matt. 26: 47-68, 69 – 75)

Jesus faced a fixed trial because the religious leaders had already decided to kill him by crucifixion.

Two groups tried Jesus, a small group that met at night, and the full group of Sanhedrin who met at daybreak.

The trial of Jesus began at the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, to Pilate, the Roman Governor, and to Herod who was in Jerusalem.

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

While Jesus was tried, finally he was accused of;

(i)  Blasphemous boast to destroy and rebuild the temple of Jerusalem in three days.

(ii) calling himself the son of God, a blasphemous statement with the penalty of death by crucifixion. 

Moreover, while the trial was going on, Peter in the courtyard watching the sequence, denied knowing Jesus three times, when he was accused twice by one of the Maids of the high priest and bystanders. He recalled Jesus saying, Peter before the cock (rooster) crows twice, you will deny me three times. He then wept bitterly and went away.