Matthew 26:59–68

⁵⁹The chief priests and the whole council were searching for false testimony to use against Jesus in order to execute him. ⁶⁰But they did not find any, although many came forward with false testimony. At last two men came forward. ⁶¹They stated, “This man said, ‘I can tear down God’s temple and rebuild it in three days.’ ” 

⁶²The chief priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Don’t you have any answer to what these men testify against you?” 

⁶³But Jesus was silent. 

Then the chief priest said to him, “Swear an oath in front of the living God and tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of God?” 

⁶⁴Jesus answered him, “Yes, I am. But I alone can guarantee that from now on you will see the Son of Man in the the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne^b. He will be coming on the clouds of heaven.” 

⁶⁵Then the chief priest tore his robes in horror and said, “He has dishonored God! Why do we need any more witnesses? You’ve just heard him dishonor God! ⁶⁶What’s your verdict?” 

They answered, “He deserves the death penalty!” 

⁶⁷Then they spit in his face, hit him with their fists, and some of them slapped him. ⁶⁸They said, “You Christ, if you’re a prophet, tell us who hit you.”