Matthew 26:59–68

⁵⁹The chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some false evidence against Jesus to put him to death; ⁶⁰but they could not find any, even though many people came forward and told lies about him. Finally two men stepped up ^61*and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to tear down God’s Temple and three days later build it up again.’ ”

⁶²The High Priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Have you no answer to give to this accusation against you?” ⁶³But Jesus kept quiet. Again the High Priest spoke to him, “In the name of the living God I now put you on oath: tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

^64*Jesus answered him, “So you say. But I tell all of you: from this time on you will see the Son of Man sitting on the right of the Almighty and coming on the clouds of heaven!”

^65*At this the High Priest tore his clothes and said, “Blasphemy! We don’t need any more witnesses! You have just heard his blasphemy! ^66*What do you think?”

They answered, “He is guilty and must die.”

^67*Then they spat in his face and beat him; and those who slapped him ⁶⁸said, “Prophesy for us, Messiah! Guess who hit you!”