Matthew 26:59–68

⁵⁹The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin^k were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰But they did not find any, though many false witnesses^l came forward.

Finally two^m came forward ⁶¹and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ”ⁿ

⁶²Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” ⁶³But Jesus remained silent.^o

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath^p by the living God:^q Tell us if you are the Messiah,^r the Son of God.”^s

⁶⁴“You have said so,”^t Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One^u and coming on the clouds of heaven.”^ev

⁶⁵Then the high priest tore his clothes^w and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. ⁶⁶What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,”^x they answered.

⁶⁷Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists.^y Others slapped him ⁶⁸and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”^z