58
Peter followed at a distance until he came to the chief priest's courtyard. He went inside and sat with the guards to see how this would turn out.
59
The chief priests and the whole council were searching for false testimony to use against Jesus in order to execute him.
60
But they did not find any, although many came forward with false testimony. At last two men came forward.
61
They stated, "This man said, 'I can tear down God's temple and rebuild it in three days.'"
62
The chief priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Don't you have any answer to what these men testify against you?"
63
But 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?"
64
Jesus answered him, "Yes, I am. But I can guarantee that from now on you will see the Son of Man in the highest position in heaven. He will be coming on the clouds of heaven."
65
Then 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!
66
What's your verdict?" They answered, "He deserves the death penalty!"
67
Then they spit in his face, hit him with their fists, and some of them slapped him.
68
They said, "You Christ, if you're a prophet, tell us who hit you."